Abstract: Flood Hinge is a novel system that allows an object to remain on its foundation in its normal resting position, to vertically and asymmetrically separate from this foundation upon application of an external force, while remaining securely tethered to the foundation, only to be guided to return to its original resting position as the external force subsides or is removed. This is accomplished by use of multiple parallel strut systems, each arranged in opposing positions.

Abstract: A loading ramp includes a contoured component with upwardly sloping surfaces and an opening for receiving the hull of a watercraft. The contoured component has a centrally located lower surface relative to the sides and front of the contoured unit. The loading ramp incorporates a way for the loading ramp to attach to a modular floating vessel platform.

Abstract: A system for providing raw water for cooling Auxiliary Systems of a Luxury Boat in Temporary Dry Storage involves a pump coupled to a Dry Storage Lift capable of moving the Luxury Boat between an in-water position and a dry storage position, a raw water inlet of the pump is movable between a first position out of a source of the raw water and a second position in the raw water source, and wherein, when the Dry Storage Lift has the Luxury Boat in the in-water position, the raw water inlet will be in the first position and when the Dry Storage Lift has the Luxury Boat in the dry storage position, the raw water inlet will be in the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable watercraft barrier in one example having an inflatable perimeter tube. Also disclosed is a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and the water in which the watercraft barrier and watercraft float. In one example, a portion of the perimeter tube forms a gate portion which is at least partially selectively deflated so as to be denser than water, and therefore rotates about a gate pivot such that the watercraft may enter the watercraft barrier through the gate portion. Also disclosed is a water pump in fluid communication with the watercraft barrier so as to evacuate water from between the watercraft barrier and the watercraft.

Abstract: A buoyancy tank for a portable floatation apparatus which allows for the elevation of a watercraft above a water-line and which allows for the removal of the watercraft from a body of water. The buoyancy tank has at least one and/or a plurality of integrated cylindrical structures which supports the floatation apparatus in transport and storage. The integrated cylindrical structures provide sufficient support to allow the removal of the floatation apparatus by use of a boat lift and further provide sufficient support to allow a watercraft to be stacked on top of the floating apparatus while the floating apparatus is stacked on top of the floating apparatus for the purposes of storage. A plurality of said buoyancy tanks may be connected to the portable floatation apparatus by use of connecting means.

Abstract: An offshore floating island includes a supporting structure and an island main body. The bottom of the supporting structure is fixed at the seabed, and the island main body includes one or two or more compartment bodies; the upper part of the supporting structure is provided with a carrying part; the bottom of each compartment body is provided with a mounting part; the compartment body is of a cavity structure, and a filler is injected to the compartment body till the compartment body sinks to cause the mounting part to be in lock type clamping with the carrying part. The island main body is of a compartment-sinking type structure; the filler is poured into the compartment bodies to cause the compartment bodies to sink; the mounting parts and the carrying part cooperate to realize detachable connection between the supporting structure and the compartment bodies.

Abstract: A floating dock system can include a base portion, a cradle, at least one guide assembly, and a lift assembly. The base portion can include a lateral deck portion extending along a first plane and defining a boat slip, and at least one float element configured to provide a float element buoyancy force sufficient to maintain at least part of the deck portion above the water surface. The can include a lateral upper portion extending along a second plane, and a support structure configured to support the nautical vessel. A guide can include male and female guide portions. A lift assembly can include a motor configured to move the cradle between upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A watercraft lift system including one or more laterally-adjustable components and related methods are disclosed. The watercraft lift system can include a cradle assembly and optionally at least one side guide, which can be connected to the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can include substantially parallel first and second cradle rails. One or both of the first cradle rail and the at least one side guide can be movable in a lateral direction between a wider watercraft-receiving position and a narrower watercraft-received position. In an example, lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide from the watercraft-receiving position to the watercraft-received position occurs automatically upon entry of a watercraft into the confines of the watercraft lift system. The watercraft lift system can further comprise an actuator to cause lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide.

Abstract: A robotic shuttle system includes a rack system and one or more shuttles. The rack system includes a rack and a shuttle frame. The rack has storage locations for containers containing items. The shuttle frame has rails disposed along the rack. The shuttle includes a powertrain, container transfer mechanism, and a robot arm. The power train is configured to move the shuttle along the rails of the rack and on a surface outside of the rack system. The container transfer mechanism is configured to transfer the containers between the rack and the shuttle. The robot arm extends from the shuttle to transfer the items between one of the containers on the shuttle and a container in a container holder of the shuttle.

Abstract: A boat lift has one or more pumps that evacuate water from a first flotation tank construct and a second flotation tank construct to create flotation of the boat lift. Modular boat lifts may be constructed according to the invention that have substantial size but are transportable by truck for construction on site.

Abstract: Embodiments of a floating bunk system of this disclosure include a hull pad assembly extending in a longitudinal direction and including two hull pads spaced apart from one another and, at each end of the hull pad assembly, a sliding guide assembly including a pair of guide poles, each guide pole of the pair extending in a vertical direction; an upper end channel extending in a lateral direction and connected to the hull pad assembly and to the pair of guide poles; a lower end channel extending in the lateral direction and including a pair of lower bushings; each lower bushing receiving a respective guide pole; the upper end channel being in a fixed position relative to the pair of guide poles; the lower end channel being slidably vertically displaceable along the guide poles toward and away from the upper end channel.

Abstract: A small watercraft launch comprises a watercraft receiving area defined by a bottom member and side walls. At least one of the side walls defines a port to enable access to the watercraft receiving area (and to a watercraft positioned in the therein). A plurality of aligned notches extending downwardly from the top surface of the side walls on opposite sides of the port which are sized to receive an oar/paddle shaft to allow a boater to pull the small watercraft forward along the small watercraft launch. Lastly, the small watercraft launch has a connecting portion at a bottom of the outer surface of at least one of the launch side walls configured to connect the small watercraft launch to a dock member.

Abstract: A boat lift includes four posts and four linear actuators, each attached to one of the posts. Each linear actuator includes an extendable and retractable member oriented for extension and retraction substantially parallel to the post. Ends of a first pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a first carrier and ends of a second pair of the extendable and retractable members are connected to a second carrier. A cradle or platform is supported by the first and second carriers. The boat lift may be supported by the ground, by a structure, for example, a dock, a sea wall or a wall of a boat house, or by pontoons.

Abstract: A boat lift has a transverse flotation tank that joins a first flotation tank construct and a second flotation tank construct. The transverse flotation tank has one or more pumps that evacuate water from the first flotation tank construct, the second flotation tank construct and the transverse flotation tank and create flotation of the boat lift. Modular boat lifts may be constructed according to the invention that have substantial size but are transportable by truck for construction on site.

Abstract: A floating offshore structure includes a buoyant hull including a first column, a second column, and a pontoon coupled to the first column and the second column. Each column is vertically oriented and the pontoon extends horizontally from the first column to the second column. Each column has a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end. The pontoon includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member positioned laterally adjacent to the first tubular member. Each tubular member has a central axis, a first end coupled to the lower end of the first column, and a second end coupled to the lower end of the second column. The longitudinal axis of the first tubular member and the longitudinal axis of the second tubular member are disposed in a common horizontal plane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a submersible vessel for dry docking a vessel. The submersible vessel comprises a floating unit, a deck above the floating unit and a number of stabilizing towers arranged on the deck. The deck has a base, a sidewall along a perimeter of the base and a block provided within the sidewall and resting on the base, defining a cavity such that when the vessel is being docked onto the deck, a thruster of the vessel is above the cavity.

Abstract: A method for conversion of a Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC) to an FLNG vessel for offshore stranded gas reservoirs and at-shore or near-shore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export terminals.

Abstract: Embodiments include a retrofit pontoon system including a pontoon, the pontoon having a pontoon body defining a first cavity, a retrofit assembly, the retrofit assembly including a first lateral tube, wherein the first lateral tube is sized to pass through a first aperture formed in the pontoon body and a selectively fillable container, where the first lateral tube is operably coupled with the selectively fillable container, a main tube, where the main tube is fluidly coupled with the first lateral tube, and a pump, the pump being coupled with the main tube such that operation of the pump selectively fills and drains water from the selectively fillable container, where filling the selectively fillable container lowers the profile of the pontoon in the water and emptying the selectively fillable container raises the profile of the pontoon in the water.

Abstract: A floating boat lift having flotation tanks positioned under sides of a frame of the boat lift. Water flow is regulated so that tanks fill from near the center of the boat lift. A preferred hingeable connection of the boat lift to a bulkhead, along with lateral stabilization, participates in maintaining a generally horizontal attitude for the boat lift. Water is accepted into or pumped from the flotation tanks, allowing the frame of the boat lift to fall or rise relative to the surface of the water. One or more catwalks along the sides of the boat lift and connected to the bulkhead may float, but at a level that is independent of the boat lift frame.

Abstract: A boat lift transport device is disclosed for moving a boat lift in and out of the water. The transport device includes a floating platform depending from which are a plurality of booms, beams, or crane arms that extend outboard of the platform. Cables extending along and from the ends of the crane arms are attachable to the boat lift and can be reeled in or paid out by way of winch to move the boat lift between a suspended position and a lowered and resting position.

Abstract: A system of floating canal sections that connect end-to-end along a route to form a shipping canal and contain brine to prevent freezing. The canal sections of the present invention resemble floating dry-docks that are filled with the brine solution rather than with normal sea water. Sections can be floated into place and connected. Sections can be anchored to the sea floor. A typical section can be around 1000 feet long, 150 feet wide and about 50 feet deep. The sections can be manufactured anywhere and towed to the Arctic and connected. The use of brine prevents pollution if there should be a leak.

Abstract: A connector for a assembling members of a floating dock system comprises at least one post and a brace extending from the post. The post is shaped generally complimentarily to the shape of the socket, and comprises a generally convex midsection connected between a pair of generally falcate end portions. The post and brace define a flat, generally horizontal top surface to the connector. The dock system also includes a supplemental floatation system having a hollow floatation member body defining a chamber. The body includes a water port positioned to place the body interior in communication with water. An air port positioned vertically above the water port is placed in communication with a pump. A valve can be positioned between the chamber and the pump to selectively place the chamber in communication with the pump or to place the chamber in communication with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a dry-dock operation on a floating vessel, while the floating vessel may maintain operations. The dry-docking may be performed by another vessel, such as a semi-submersible transport vessel. The method may include: submerging the semi-submersible transport vessel, adjusting the positions of the vessels until the vessel is over the deck of the semi-submersible transport vessel, securing the vessel on the deck of the semi-submersible transport vessel, raising both vessels, performing the dry-dock operation, lowering the vessel back into the water, and unsecuring vessel from the semi-submersible transport vessel. The system may include suitable elements to perform the method.

Abstract: An air direction device is submerged under a dry dock. The device imitates the orientation of the dry dock and is in communication with an air source, which pipes air under the device. The air travels to the most elevated portion of the device, which in turn directs the air into a depressed tank to correct dry dock imbalance.

Abstract: A free-floating, compact, self-stabilizing, self-monitoring, remote-controlled, shallow-water, solar, high-speed, air displacement watercraft lift constructed of polyethylene tanks, and non-metallic structure. This device provides vertical lifting by inflating 4 or more air tanks at once using a blower for each tank, pushing water out an exit hole on the bottom of each tank. Each tank has an electric valve for filling and another for exhausting air. Pairs of tanks are pivotally connected along the centerline, and pairs of tanks are connected with a union tube inside the axles. A monitoring system fills the air tanks if air leaks. The width of the lift is adjusted by adjusting the center bunk height, or by adding a spacer.

Abstract: A method for constructing an FPSO comprises (a) assembling and integrating a plurality of modules to form a module assembly for installation on the FPSO. In addition, the method comprises (b) supporting the module assembly with one or more ballast adjustable pontoons. Further, the method comprises (c) positioning the module assembly over a deck of a vessel after (a) and (b). Still further the method comprises (d) de-ballasting the vessel and/or ballasting the one or more pontoons to load the module assembly onto the deck of the vessel after (c).

Abstract: A system and method of performing a dry-dock operation on a floating vessel, while the floating vessel may maintain operations. The dry-docking may be performed by another vessel, such as a semi-submersible transport vessel. The method may include: submerging the semi-submersible transport vessel, adjusting the positions of the vessels until the vessel is over the deck of the semi-submersible transport vessel, securing the vessel on the deck of the semi-submersible transport vessel, raising both vessels, performing the dry-dock operation, lowering the vessel back into the water, and unsecuring vessel from the semi-submersible transport vessel. The system may include suitable elements to perform the method.

Abstract: A dock-side cradle for providing a safe point of entry into and out of a personal watercraft such as a canoe or kayak launching and landing same. The cradle is trough-shaped and is open at each end, with a slight slope from one end to the other. Preferably the trough is defined by a plurality of support arms in spaced separation from one another which are connected to a pair of guiding elements. The cradle is adapted to be hingedly connected to a dock so that it can be positioned in the water for use, or rotated up onto the dock when not in use. The cradle is equipped with handrails connecting to the support arms and the support arms themselves may be extendable in order to accommodate varying water levels in relation to the dock. The cradle may be sold as a kit.

Abstract: An elevated dock designed to lift boats out of the water when not in use is provided because storing a boat in the water exposes the boat to contaminants in both fresh and salt water. These contaminants attach to the bottom of the boat severely impeding the performance of the boat. Cleaning these contaminants off of the boat is time consuming and costly. Repeated cleaning of the boat will eventually result in damage to the hull. The elevated dock uses polymer to form adjustable pontoons that can easily be fitted to a variety of sizes and styles of boats. An embodiment of the elevated dock uses an articulated set of pontoons for lifting sailboats. The elevated dock can be deployed completely independent of the dock, eliminating unwanted stress to the dock. The unique gusset design, free-floating feature, articulated pontoon option coupled with the unique manner in which the pontoon length, width and volume can be adjusted for various boat types and sizes.

Abstract: A method for constructing an FPSO comprises (a) assembling and integrating a plurality of modules to form a module assembly for installation on the FPSO. In addition, the method comprises (b) supporting the module assembly with one or more ballast adjustable pontoons. Further, the method comprises (c) positioning the module assembly over a deck of a vessel after (a) and (b). Still further the method comprises (d) de-ballasting the vessel and/or ballasting the one or more pontoons to load the module assembly onto the deck of the vessel after (c).

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: A boatlift for use with small, manual or paddle or oar powered watercraft (such as canoes and kayaks) is provided with a guide rails on either side of the boat lift, which can be utilized by a boater to propel or urge his/her watercraft onto the boatlift. In addition, that boatlift is provided with an entrance/exit assist member which can be used by boaters with impaired leg function to enter and exit from the watercraft.

Abstract: A boat lift includes a lift frame rotatably mounted to a boat dock. A lower trolley with a buoyant body slides on the frame. An upper trolley slides on the frame and is engaged by the boat as it propels itself forward onto the frame when the latter is in a boat receiving position. A linkage connected between the trolleys causes the lower trolley and the buoyant body to slide rearwardly underneath the boat to rotate the lift frame into a final docking position in which the boat is out of the water. The upper trolley is locked into position, thus holding the lower trolley in position through the linkage. The boat is launched by releasing the upper trolley lock, which permits the upper trolley to slide rearwardly, with concomitant forward sliding movement of the lower trolley that permits the frame to rotate and launch the boat from the frame.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems increasing operations efficiency and providing accurate, safe control to eliminate man-made accidents. This invention also relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems providing information to safely operate at least one dry dock without over-stressing the metallurgy of the dry dock.

Abstract: A floating dock including a submersible platform including at least one buoyancy tank wherein the buoyancy tank has a plurality of compartments each of which has a permanently open vent through which water is freely flowable into and out of the compartment and an inlet which enables air to be expelled from the compartment into the atmosphere or enables compressed air to be supplied to the compartment via a non return valve which causes water within the tank to be forced out via the vent, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the tank. The vent does not have any valves associated with it and is permanently open to the sea. As a result the floating dry dock of the present invention may be lowered and raised faster than conventional dry docks which rely on valved vents to control entry and exit of water into and out of their buoyancy tanks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pontoon lift mechanism includes: a plurality of PVC tubing aligned in parallel; a portion of the plurality of PVC tubing including air filled PVC tubes; a portion of the plurality of PVC tubing including water filled PVC tubes; and an inlet valve and outlet valve provided for each PVC tube. The air filled PVC tubes and water filled PVC tubes abut each other and alternate in the parallel alignment of the tubes. The pontoon lift mechanism also includes a means to fill the air filled PVC tubes and the water filled PVC tubes, where said means to fill includes an air hose extending from an air supply valve and a water hose extending from a water supply valve.

Abstract: An elevated dock designed to lift boats out of the water when not in use is provided because storing a boat in the water exposes the boat to contaminants in both fresh and salt water. These contaminants attach to the bottom of the boat severely impeding the performance of the boat. Cleaning these contaminants off of the boat is time consuming and costly. Repeated cleaning of the boat will eventually result in damage to the hull. The elevated dock uses polymer to form adjustable pontoons that can easily be fitted to a variety of sizes and styles of boats. An embodiment of the elevated dock uses an articulated set of pontoons for lifting sailboats. The elevated dock can be deployed completely independent of the dock, eliminating unwanted stress to the dock. The unique gusset design, free-floating feature, articulated pontoon option coupled with the unique manner in which the pontoon length, width and volume can be adjusted for various boat types and sizes.

Abstract: A system and method in which a buoyant central docking station captures, lifts and couples one or more other sea vessels is disclosed, wherein a flexible, modularized production system is quickly realized on a cost effective basis. The capabilities of a number of older, less expensive, readily available vessels are combined to achieve an effective FPSO substitute that allows lower producing fields to be explored and produced in a profitable manner. The time horizon between initiation and consummation of field operations is reduced, and older vessels that might otherwise be scrapped or retired are again made useful and seaworthy in a safe and profitable exploration and production environment.

Abstract: An aluminum-foam structural housing unit that is storm-proof, self-contained, and built to withstand natural disaster conditions resulting from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fire, and then assist its inhabitants immediately thereafter when interruptions in public utility system service can be experienced. The combined use of aluminum alloy and foam as its building materials gives the unit its great strength, as well as the versatility needed to face natural disaster conditions while providing absolute resistance to heavy winds, flooding, earthquake and fire. Since the unit is buoyant, during flooding conditions it lifts from the ground and is guided by vertical poles to maintain a horizontal orientation. The unit also automatically disconnects from public utility systems as lifting occurs, and it then provides its inhabitants with self-contained sources of water, electrical energy, and sewage management. Thus, the unit is designed to adjust to the flow of nature, instead of working against it.

Abstract: A Portable Dry Dock (PDD) system designed for commercial servicing of recreational vessels (RVs) in inland waterways (IW). This PDD is disassembled and transported from one IW to another. This PDD was designed specifically to improve the efficiency in the most typical maintenance jobs in RVs. The convenient layout of the equipment and the closed environment of the PDD reduce the execution time and improve the working conditions. The isolated environment created by the superstructure, deck and roof of the PDD significantly reduces the environmental impact. The isolated environment inside the PDD is controlled in temperature and humidity. The air filtering and waste water collection systems remove dust and other substances coming from the operation, stopping pollutants from getting into the IW.

Abstract: A self-adjusting watercraft canopy/cover assembly having a protective cover and a floating watercraft lift. The lift includes a watercraft lifting support and a float attached to the watercraft lifting support for supporting the watercraft lifting support on a body of water. The float is movable to selectively lift and lower the watercraft lifting support relative to the body of water along a first path of movement. The lift further includes an assembly which causes the protective cover to move along a second path of movement different from the first path in response to movement of the float.

Abstract: A Portable Dry Dock (PDD) system designed for commercial servicing of recreational vessels (RVs) in inland waterways (IW). This PDD is disassembled and transported from one IW to another. This PDD was designed specifically to improve the efficiency in the most typical maintenance jobs in RVs. The convenient layout of the equipment and the closed environment of the PDD reduce the execution time and improve the working conditions. The isolated environment created by the superstructure, deck and roof of the PDD significantly reduces the environmental impact. The isolated environment inside the PDD is controlled in temperature and humidity. The air filtering and waste water collection systems remove dust and other substances coming from the operation, stopping pollutants from getting into the IW.

Abstract: A marine dock and integrated boat lift include a dock portion having a framework that carries a plurality of float elements. A lift is mounted within the framework between an upper walking surface of the dock and the underlying body of water.

Abstract: The mobile floating lift is disclosed and may include a cradle dimensioned and adjustable to conform to, engage, lift and store a watercraft, wherein the cradle has at least a first end and a second end opposite the first end, at least two floatation assemblies, each spaced along separate axes, each of the at least two floatation assemblies having at least one floatation device, wherein the cradle is spaced between the at least two floatation assemblies pivotally attached near the first end of the cradle at least one pivot point, and at least one drive mechanism operatively connected to at least one of the at least two floatation assemblies and to the cradle for moving the cradle in an arcing vertical direction toward the at least two floatation assemblies, wherein the at least one drive mechanism operates to raise the second end of the cradle in an arc relative to the pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a buoyant fluid comprising a liquid and a plurality of rigid containers, the rigid containers each having a sealed void containing a gas. A particular use is to transport heavy objects subsea. The gas in the rigid containers provides buoyancy but does not compress at different subsea pressures. Therefore effective buoyancy control subsea is much easier compared to known methods. For certain embodiments, a secured supply container may be provided subsea to supply the liquid and rigid containers to a lifting device having a container therefor and an attachment mechanism secured to the object being transported. The liquid is preferably a biodegradable substance such as vegetable oil.

Abstract: The present invention disclosure relates to boat lifts and in particular a boat lift preferably employing to a remote controlled, position sensing and auto-leveling boat lift controller. The controller is capable of monitoring the height of the lift relative to the surface of the water and the angle of the lift relative to horizontal level. The controller filters out the effects of wave action or other interfering conditions, obtaining precise measurements of the height and angle. The controller continuously maintains both height and angle at the position set by the operator.

Abstract: The watercraft dry storage assembly includes two generally cylindrical bladders that are inflated to lift a boat from the water and hold the hull in a raised position. Each bladder is made from a scrim encased in a flexible plastic. The scrim is substantially non-stretchable. Air fills the bladders until each inch of bladder material is tensioned in a direction parallel to a long axis of the bladder by a force of at least 5 pounds and in a transverse direction by a force of at least 10 pounds. A plurality of straps encircle each bladder. Rings on the ends of each strap are connected by coupler assemblies to secure both bladders together. The straps are attached to the bladders in selected positions along the length of the bladders.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the hull of a watercraft includes a support. A submersible barrier assembly is connected to the support and is displaceable with respect to the support between an inoperative, submerged position and an operative surface position. The barrier assembly is configured to cover at least a submerged portion of the hull in the operative position. A displacement mechanism is operable on the barrier assembly to displace the barrier assembly between the inoperative and operative positions.

Abstract: A lift for a watercraft has plastic reinforcing brackets which engage in pockets in the thin-walled plastic floatation tanks of the lift and which provide mounting flanges at the top surfaces of the floatation tanks for abutment with mounting pads which connect to the watercraft support frame. The brackets are engaged on the floatation tanks and the pads overlap and are bolted to the plastic brackets, so that the pads are locked against but not bolted to the floatation tanks. Thus, the integrity of the tanks is not compromised by assembly-associated openings through the tank walls. Furthermore, the bolts are above the tank waterlines so that no corrosive material is disposed below the waterlines.

Abstract: An underdeck pontoon lift system for supporting pontoons of various sizes in a stable manner. The underdeck pontoon lift system includes a base structure, a plurality of front lifting jacks and a rear lifting jack pivotally attached to the base structure, a support bed pivotally attached to the lifting jacks, a front structure extending from the base structure, and an elevating unit for manipulating the lifting jacks. The lifting jacks preferably have an inverted U-shaped base member with a pair of support members extending upwardly, where the width of the support members is less than the width of the base member. The lifting jacks are preferably attached to cross members that extend between side members of the base structure. The support bed preferably has a rear tapered portion for assisting in the loading of a pontoon.