Abstract: A return bent clip of substantially rigid but resilient material has a flat back with apertures and a projecting tongue for adjustably securing the suspension cord of a boat fender. The front and back portions of the clip define a first recess sized and shaped to grip rigid tubular railings of a wide range of diameters. The return bent portion of the clip joining the front and back portions forms a separate smaller recess flared in width toward the first recess. The smaller recess is sized to receive smaller diameter lifelines of the type commonly used on sailboats. The clip can be selectively fitted over a large diameter railing or a small diameter lifeline. The snug friction fit of the clip on the railing or lifeline deters longitudinal sliding movement of the clip along the railing or lifeline so that the fender suspended from the clip is reliably positioned.

Abstract: A collapsible privacy chamber preferably for use aboard a boat or other watercraft is provided. The privacy chamber includes an openable enclosure having an openable top, a sectional support member, mechanism for anchoring the sectional support member inside of the openable enclosure, an upper suppport frame, a flexible sheet attachable to the upper support frame such that the flexible sheet can hang from the upper support frame thereby providing a partial enclosure such that one can obtain a measure of privacy inside of the partial enclosure, an upper mechanism for supporting the upper support frame such that the upper support frame can support the flexible sheet. The sectional support member preferably includes a plurality of elongated cooperating segments. The sectional support member cooperates with the anchoring mechanism to anchor the support member in the openable enclosure such that the assembled support member can extend vertically from the enclosure.

Abstract: A generally Z-shaped tubular member is provided including a pair of laterally and longitudinally offset parallel legs interconnected by an angulated arm extending between and interconnecting adjacent ends of the legs. One of the legs is downwardly telescopically receivable in an upwardly opening and rearwardly and outwardly inclined fishing rod holder on a boat gunnel and the handle end of a fishing rod is removably and downwardly telescopically receivable in the other leg, the arm of the tubular member projecting outwardly of the associated boat gunnel and the tubular member functioning to laterally outwardly offset the mounting location of the associated fishing rod relative to the boat gunnel.

Abstract: A pair of aligned elongate members for extension transversely across and mounting on a boat, a connection between the inner ends of the elongate members, locating pins on the elongate members for engagement in the rod holders of a boat, and fishing pole receivers on the elongate members and connector, for trolling bait and lures behind a boat.

Abstract: A canoe stabilizing and guiding mechanism which includes a bracket to which is mounted a vertically depending canoe paddle, the bracket being mounted on a tube for pivoting therewith, the tube extending transversely of a canoe and dimensioned to place the bracket and canoe paddle outboard of the canoe, the tube being provided with quick disconnect attaching plates for releasably engaging the gunwales of a canoe.

Abstract: A water drip guard installed on the outer side area of a boat hull to intercept water that would otherwise drain onto the hull side surface so as to form unsightly stains. A molding strip extending along the hull clamps the water drip guard to the hull surface.

Abstract: A lightweight plastic or metal lockable water ski rack is provided for use in pairs designed to be either removably or permanently attached to a boat. The water ski rack is a two-piece flattened substantially rectangular structure with slots for two water skis and a tow rope. A lower framed panel as a supporting base of each rack is bracketed to the ski boat and a hinged upper framed panel locks down and retains the skis. Ski slots in the lower framed panel are lined with a protective material and slots in the upper panel are fronted with an elastic retainer band. When the upper framed panel is closed down on the lower framed panel with skis in the slots, the elastic retainer band expands into the upper slots and retains the skis in a manner to prevent rattling. Provisions are included for the two closed panels to be locked together by a padlock.

Abstract: A guardrail system for providing safety to passengers and objects aboard a sailing vessel is constructed to be flexible. A flexible guardrail is provided to prevent passengers, crew, and objects from falling overboard by allowing the guardrail to bend. The flexibility also aids in preventing damage to the ship's surface or deck. The flexible guardrail bends and distribute externally applied forces evenly along the system.

Abstract: A rack for storing water skis and the like on a boat outside of the cockpit, the rack comprising at least two laterally spaced generally parallel rack members, each rack member comprising two generally perpendicular arms forming a generally upwardly facing V-shaped support, and a base adapted to mount the V-shaped support on the boat outside of the cockpit. The base and the V-shaped support can be made separate and resiliently connected to allow the support to resiliently deflect relative to the base in response to applied pressure.

Abstract: A method for insuring safe anchorage comprising anchoring or mooring a boat, determining the anchor rode for the anchored or moored boat, and displaying, for the anchored or moored boat, in a location visible to incoming vessels, an indicia indicative of the scope ratio for the boat.

Abstract: A knockdown fishing and/or leisure boat comprises two identical floats on which rests a deck. Each of the floats is provided, in its superior median axis, with a plurality of threaded bolts evenly spaced to assure dismountable attachment of a same quantity of identical deck planks connecting the two floats parallel to each other. This is accomplished by means of an opening provided at each extremity of the planks to allow the threaded bolts of the float to pass through. A manually turnable nut is threaded on each bolt to tighten each plank to the floats.

Abstract: A stern light assembly adapted for mounting on boats and the like including an extendible support structure, the support structure including a plurality of tubular members telescopically positioned one within another, each of the tubular members being telescopically slidably engaged with at least one other member whereby the members can be moved between a first condition wherein the support structure is in an elongated extended condition and a second collapsed condition thereof, a lamp unit having electrical connections associated therewith mounted at one end of one of the tubular members, a power fitting having electrical connections associated therewith mounted adjacent to the opposite end of another of the tubular members, and a resilient normally contracted coiled electrical cord contained within the tubular members, the coiled cord having connections at one end thereof for connecting to the electrical connections of the lamp unit and at the opposite end thereof for connecting to the electrical connection

Abstract: A removable, combination casting deck and storage locker unit is provided which may be dropped into the walk-through area extending between the control console and elevated front fishing deck portions of a bass boat to provide additional enclosed storage space on the boat and to form a rearward extension of the front elevated deck portion. In this manner, more than one angler can fish from an elevated casting area at the more desirable bow end of the boat. The unit may be easily and quickly removed from the walk-through area, and stored in a suitable location, to return the bass boat to its conventional fishing configuration.

Abstract: A rig for removably mounting a plurality of fishing rods on the deck of a fishing boat centrally of the aft end thereof, such rig comprising a plurality of rod holders mounted on the outboard end of an upright shaft that is received in a mounting bracket on the deck, each rod holder receiving the butt end of a rod such that the rod extends upwardly and outwardly with respect to the upright shaft, at least one rod being disposed on the starboard side of the boat and one rod being disposed on the port side of the boat. Optionally a third rod holder is provided for positioning a rod above and in alignment with the centerline of the boat and extending upwardly and outwardly above the boat motor.

Abstract: A bumper storage system is useful for selectively stowing the bumpers that are commonly used to protect boats against damage from a dock or the like and for automatically setting the bumpers in their operative protective positions. The bumper storage system comprises a receptacle on the boat that loosely receives a bumper, with one bumper end being readily accessible to a person on board. The second bumper end is tied by a tether to a fitting within the receptacle. The tether is exactly the right length for suspending the bumper in the proper operative position when the bumper is removed from the receptacle and tossed over the deck and alongside the hull. The receptacle may be of different types, including being formed as a cavity molded into the boat hull or deck. Other types of receptacles can be inserted into a boat hull or attached to a cockpit wall.

Abstract: An adjustable bracket mounting support for mounting an electric trolling motor on the forward end of a pleasure boat which includes a base member supported by two adjustable length arms which are attached to slidable clamps mounted on the bow rails of the boat and a downwardly extending support leg which attaches to the bow eye of the boat. A motor mount plate is rotatably mounted on the base plate and is adapted for receiving the mounting bracket assembly of a remotely controlled electric trolling motor. The supporting arm and legs of the mount are of the telescoping type which allows an infinite amount of length adjustment to properly position the motor mount as desired either over or beyond the front edge of the boat. Slidably adjustable clamps are provided for attachment of the arms to the bow rails of the boat so that alignment and adjustment of the supporting arms can be provided.

Abstract: To prevent crossflow of wind and increase aerodynamic efficiency of boom-footed sail, a stationary sealing vertical baffle structure is mounted along the centerline of a sailboat under the boom. The top portion of the baffle is made of a compliant sealing material, e.g., closed cell polyurethane foam, which forms a tight seal with the boom when the boom is positioned substantially along the centerline, as is common when sailing to weather. The boom and baffle can have curved side surfaces which form with the sail a substantially continuous surface which extends the effective sail area down to the deck.

Abstract: A plate structure and keeper define open areas for the reception of boat oars. The keeper is hingedly mounted to the plate structure as well as lockable thereto to prevent oar theft. At one end of the plate structure are appendages which protrude outwardly through brackets mounted on the boat. The brackets define slot-like openings to receive the appendages for holding the plate structure in an elevated operative position. The plate structure is downwardly stowable in a lowered position and confined against fore-and-aft movement upon the appendages being reorientated in the slot-like openings accomplished by lifting and downward rotation of the plate structure.

Abstract: Apparatus removably mountable between the gunwales of a canoe and supporting a pad containing frame assembly therebetween. The frame assembly serving as an extra seat in a first position and as a carrying yoke in a second inverted position. In its various embodiments, the frame assembly mounts to the canoe gunwales in removable locking relation to permit reversal of the frame assembly between its seat and carrying positions. In the various embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises: spring loaded, notched, tubular clamps; channeled nylon blocks; pivoting cantilevered arms; and mating keyways, lockbolts and lockpins.

Abstract: An auxiliary seat for small fishing boats which includes a frame that is extendable so as to be adjustable engageable with the gunnels of the boat and from which a seat assembly is supported so as to be selectively horizontally and vertically adjustable relative to the hull of the boat.

Abstract: An improved platform bracket utilizes a two-piece construction that provides secure attachment of a swim board to a boat transom, while permitting quick and easy removal of the swim board from the boat when desired. One piece of the platform bracket is a wall portion that bolts directly to the boat transom with through-bolts. This wall portion includes a transom plate for attachment to the transom, and a hollow jacket or receiver member secured to the plate with the longitudinal axis of the receiver parallel to the plane of the transom plate, so that the receiver is oriented generally vertically when the transom plate is bolted to the transom. The other piece of the platform bracket is a separate shelf portion, which screws directly to the swim board itself.

Abstract: A solar water heater comprises a tank formed from dark colored, heat absorbent material, with an adapter fitting depending from the bottom of the tank for demountably mounting the heater in the deck ring of a boat. An upstanding neck is formed at the top of the neck, defining a fill port for filling the tank. A vented closure member is demountably carried in the neck of the tank and a removable transparent cover member is provided for fitting over the neck and enclosing the tank so as to retard the escape of solar energy. An outlet passage is formed in the adapter fitting, and coupling means are provided for coupling a water distribution element to the tank in order to deliver heated water below the deck of the boat.

Abstract: A utility saddlebag which has a top (20), sides (26), and ends (30) and (32), of woven fabric attached together by seams of thread configured to cover the engine compartment enclosure of a jet-propelled watercraft. The saddlebag is held in place by the use of an elastic member (36) sewn into a bead on the skirt or periphery of the device allowing it to be stretched over and held in place by tucking the ends under the edges of the housing. A number of pockets (28) on the sides and on the rear (34) provide storage compartments, and a strap (40) assures closure on the sides. The invention provides storage for a watercraft, without any modification or alteration heretofore unavailable.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder cup insert member is provided that can hold drinks without spilling or falling over. The cup can be removed therefrom and used by itself as a regular drinking cup if so desired.

Abstract: A boat stabilizing system for use with a boat having vertically-oriented tubular sockets adjacent the gunwales thereof. Vertically-oriented upright members in contact with the bottom extend upwardly through the water adjacent the tubular sockets. A clamping member is associated with each upright member and includes a tubular sleeve that slidingly overfits the upright member. Each tubular sleeve includes a screw clamp for securing the tubular sleeve to the upright. An arm secured to the tubular sleeve is sized to overlie the gunwale of the boat and includes a downwardly-extending pin member that is sized to be receivable in the tubular socket.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marine power cord stowage device and more particularly to a device 10 comprising a flexible front panel 12 and a flexible back panel 14 which are joined at all but one substantilly straight edge to form opening 18, a cover 32 which is engagable to close opening 18 so that passages remain in opening 18, and a mounting structure 42 operable to removably mount device 10 on a suitable boat structure. The device of this invention allows a boat user to safely stow surplus lengths of marine power cord when in use at dock, yet does not require permanent mounting on a boat.

Abstract: A resilient support is provided for maintaining a pivotally mounted yacht fitting in an upright position. The support is in the form of a conical section made from a resilient polymeric material.

Abstract: A kayak 10 having at least one hull section 16, 18 whose volume may be adjusted to enable said hull section to be submerged by a boater for water acrobatics comprises spaced longitudinal frames 22, 24 connected to the hull section. The spacing between the frames may be varied to proscribe the configuration of the hull section over a substantial part or short segment of its length. The frames 22, 24 may be interconnected by flexible cabling 30, 32 or by a mechanical scissor linkage 48 to change this spacing and adjust the volume. Supportive framework (70, 72) is provided to prevent total collapse of said hull sections.

Abstract: A deck structure adapted for a watercraft in which the rider rides on the rear deck to steer gripping the handles. Side fences with a riding floor formed between them are disposed so as to be adjustable in the transverse directional position of the hull. Further, with another arrangement, the side fences and a saddle-type seat placed on the center line of the hull are removable, and either or both of them can be fixed on the deck for steering in a desirable posture.

Abstract: An adapter alarm for boats for theft prevention. A multiple number of spaced brackets attached to the gunnels of the boat, and an automotive alarm plunger switch actuator is secured in each bracket and wired to a key operated alarm unit that is battery operated. Engaged with each plunger switch actuator is a split-edged clamp that is force-fitted to the shaft of the plunger and which is secured by a cord to a hook attached to the boat covering canvas. The circuit is wired to the plungers in the brackets and when the canvas is disturbed the clamps release the plungers which close the circuit to the alarm unit aboard the boat.

Abstract: A flexible protective device is formed with a base member of bendable material having a resilient pad on one surface, a thin plastic coating on the opposite surface, and a plurality of bendable arms extending from the base member. The base member of one embodiment is provided with a pivot hinge to allow adaptability to any angular configuration. Another embodiment uses a bendable spine with extensions therefrom.The methods of making and using this protective device are also part of the invention.

Abstract: An improved trolling motor mount is the subject of this invention. The motor mount comprises a slotted plate (4), threaded cylinders (13) and shafts (9). The trolling motor (3) is mounted on the slotted plate (4), which is fastened by shafts (9) to the threaded cylinders (13). Threaded cylinders (13) are mounted within the hull material of the boat (1). In preferred form, the shaft (9) is biased by a spring (14) within the threaded cylinder (13) such that the heads (10) of the shafts (9) hold the plate (4) against the side of the boat (1). In another embodiment, the shaft (9) is threaded and is held within the threaded cylinder (13) by a nut (21).

Abstract: A device for clamping a boat to a post or tree in the water to stabilize the boat against tipping. A clamp which is secured to the boat mounts a hinged shoe which can be brought to bear against the side of the tree. A chain or strap is passed from the shoe around the tree and is tightened down with an toggle lever, thereby rigidly holding the shoe, and hence the boat, to the tree.

Abstract: To prevent crossflow of wind and increase aerodynamic efficiency of a boom-footed sail, a stationary structure which forms a compliant sliding seal with the boom, in particular a vertical baffle structure, is mounted along the centerline of a sailboat under the boom. The top portion of the baffle is made of a compliant sealing material, e.g., closed cell polyurethane foam, which forms a tight seal with the boom when the boom is positioned substantially along the centerline, as is common when sailing to weather, and over a range of vertical and horizontal motion of the boom. The boom and baffle can have curved side surfaces which form with the sail a substantially continuous surface which extends the effective sail area down to the deck.

Abstract: A maritime structure such as a ship, and in particular a warship, has a plurality of vertically spaced decks which bear foundation seatings, hatches and/or assembly openings; in the plane of each deck, longitudinal parallel support elements, and lateral support elements are arranged in the form of a unit grid, which has longitudinal and transverse grid lines forming a matrix of grid units. The longitudinal grid lines, as well as the transverse grid lines are located at predetermined uniform spacing, the spacing of the lateral grid lines being perferably twice the spacing of longitudinal grid lines. The load bearing longitudinal and transverse beams and girders of base support units and the functional units, pallets, support frames, modules, deck houses, etc., as well as the hatches, assembly openings and access openings are incorporated into the unit grid; in other words, said girders and beams are disposed to coincide with said longitudinal and transverse grid lines.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus and method for placing an identifying marking on a hull of a small boat. The boat includes a first part of the hull, and an opening is formed in the first part. A marking plate having a face side and a back side is made of a material which may be imprinted by deformation such as punching and hot stamping, and the plate is located closely adjacent the first part with at least a portion of the face side visible through said opening. The margin of the opening overlies the edge portion of the plate at least partially around the periphery of said plate, and a second part of said hull overlies at least a portion of the back side of the plate and is secured to the first part, thereby holding the plate in place.

Abstract: Detachable single and multiple keels for small boats are taught which are held in place by brackets and straps, the straps being secured to the boat above the waterline.

Abstract: The present system discloses an improved self-aligning quick release coupling system capable of releasably joining any two or more of a great variety of male/female mating items to be joined at the option of the user. This improved system includes a lock and key system that provides capability for the coupling system to be safely locked into the coupling mode or released from the coupling mode. The system includes a male connecting member having a securing end. The supporting structure, or housing, can be positioned in the side walls of a small boat and the securing end of the male connecting member connected to an oar on a securing rope. A ball member of the male connecting member is freely rotatable between the female mating members positioned in the housing so as to provide rowing and free riding, tying and lifting capabilities.

Abstract: A device to hold a canoe paddle in vertical position at either end of a canoe and having its blade submerged to serve as a keel to stabilize the otherwise tipsy craft and to greatly facilitate maneuverability by maintaining direction specially under windy conditions. The holder includes a bridge-like support bracket supporting an axially-rotatable transverse shaft extending outwardly over one side of the canoe. The outer end of the shaft carries a clamp to hold the upper shaft portion of the paddle. A resilient rotation stop is provided with the support bracket, so that the paddle blade rotatably yields when it strikes an under-water obstacle. Also, the paddle may be releasably locked in a non-use position parallel to the canoe gunwale.

Abstract: A carrying case for canoe that will hold supplies under watertight conditions, will not be dislodged from the canoe should it be overturned or subject to other violent exterior conditions, and will aid in flotation in subsequent righting, should the canoe be overturned. The case is configured to straddle the center thwart. It is waterproof and airtight. It has a plurality of securing latches which detachably grip the gunnels of the canoe. The cover extends four to five inches above the canoe lip to significantly increase the water displacement should the canoe be overturned, thus improving the flotation characteristics of the canoe and improving the user's ability to right the canoe with a small volume of water remaining within the hull.

Abstract: A water ski tow assembly comprising a capped pylon and a mounting base plate wherein the base plate is mounted to the inside of the boat floor. Additionally, the pylon can be of a two-piece construction wherein a fishing seat can be attached to the base of the two-piece pylon.

Abstract: A ski rack for supporting water skis in a position outboard one side of a water ski tow boat. A pair of support members are held in sockets which can be clamped to portions of the hull of the boat on the inboard side of the gunwale. Arms which are part of the support members extend at a downward slope outside the hull of the boat, and pairs of fingers which are coated with a protective plastic layer extend upwardly generally vertically from the arms, to hold water skis securely between the fingers, out of the way of passengers in the boat and out of the line of sight between the operator of the boat and a water skier being towed.

Abstract: An improved trampoline and a utility container for holding personal articles aboard a small catamaran sailboat, with separate internal compartments including an insulated icebox compartment. The container is shaped to fit in a location near the front of the passenger-carrying area of the catamaran, occupying space ahead of the trampoline. A display area for instruments is included in an upper section of the container. A flexible lower portion of the container is held rearward and upward, out of the way of waves. The trampoline is attached to the catamaran's frame and to the utility container so as to provide an uninterrupted upper surface.

Abstract: A pleasure boat has a conventional open cockpit with seats along its opposite sides. The floor of the cockpit has a socket therein for supporting an elevated pedestal seat. The seats are swingable upwardly toward each other to form an elevated platform for the pedestal seat.

Abstract: An anchor handling boom assembly having an elongated boom and a shank guide member. The shank guide member can be channel-locked along the boom or it can be released to rotate to such a position as to enable the shank of the anchor to easily pass over in retrieval or release. Release of the shank guide member can be made to cause a free fall of the anchor.

Abstract: A utility container for holding personal articles aboard a small catamaran sailboat, with separate internal compartments including an icebox compartment containing an icebox liner. The container is shaped to fit in a location near the front of the passenger-carrying area of the catamaran, occupying space otherwise including a front part of the trampoline. A transverse support member is located behind the container to support the front edge of the trampoline of the catamaran. A display area for instruments is included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fender holder, which in order to reduce manufacturing costs and necessary space for storage and transportation, is possible to produce in one or some few standard types. This is possible thereby that the present fender holder is made adjustable into different angle positions and has one or several fender baskets (3) adapted for fenders (2) of a reasonable variation of sizes. Earlier known fender holders could not be adjusted into different angle positions, whereas special fender holders were required for each wanted angle or for example for the cockpit and the pushpit of a boat. The arrangement for adjusting the holder (1) in different angular positions comprises a fastening device (4) with elements (5a,5b,5c) for fixing the device onto a carrying point in the boat and any other element (5d) which is turnable within said fixing elements (5b,5c) and can be locked in wanted positions by a screw or the like.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight outrigger for canoes and the like includes adjustable clamps for varying the disposition or reach of oarlock pivots with respect to the centerline of the canoe, self energizing clamps for resisting rowing torque and stabilizing the outrigger under operating conditions and reversible oar lock sockets to compensate for wear.

Abstract: A holder for mounting gasoline or kerosene lanterns on canoes which comprises a trapezoid-shaped retentive base designed to slip over and be retained in a horizontal plane in the tapered end of the canoe and having a compressible cylindrical receptacle sized to fit said lantern base and attached fixedly to said retentive base and means for securing said lantern therewithin. The holder is readily adjustable to fit canoes having different bow or stern configurations.

Abstract: Adjustable clamp-on canoe pontoon with outrigger arms, adjustable in height for various depth canoes, having a two-piece clamping device for mounting to the top surface of the "T"-shaped gunwales of various canoes.