Abstract: A personal watercraft with cargo-carrying surface and an anchor rail mounted on a surface of the personal watercraft. The anchor rail being adjacent to the cargo-carrying surface and exposed to an environment. The anchor rail can include an outwardly facing surface exposed to the environment, and the anchor rail is secured to the personal watercraft in such a manner that the outwardly facing surface is recessed relative to the cargo-carrying surface to form a recess or that the outwardly facing surface is flush with the cargo-carrying surface.

Abstract: A straddle seat assembly having a backrest and a straddle seat is disclosed. The straddle seat has a base structure that has an upper surface to which a resiliently deformable top portion is connected. The resiliently deformable top portion covers at least partially the upper surface. The backrest is selectively connected to the resiliently deformable top portion at either one of at least two positions along a length of the straddle seat such that deformation of the top portions permits movement of the backrest. A personal watercraft having the straddle seat assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A jet propelled boat includes a boat body including a hull and a deck located above the hull, and a pair of frames, one frame provided on each of a right side and a left side of the deck so as to sandwich the deck in a right-left direction of the jet propelled boat. The deck includes an upper deck and a lower deck, and each of the pair of frames includes a connector that spans the upper deck and the lower deck so as to connect the upper deck to the lower deck.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes: a watercraft body including a cargo-carrying surface; and at least one anchor rail mounted on the watercraft body, the anchor rail being adjacent to the cargo-carrying surface and exposed to an environment outside the watercraft body.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises a body including a deck; and a seat disposed on the deck at a location that is forward of a rear end of the deck, wherein the deck includes a deck floor extending in a forward and rearward direction and in a rightward and leftward direction, at a location that is lateral of the seat, and wherein when viewed from a side, inclined parts which are inclined in an upward direction from a front to a rear, are provided in regions of the deck floor, the regions vertically overlapping with a portion of the seat, the portion being rearward of a center of the seat in the forward and rearward direction.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a jet pump that jets water rearward from a jet port, a reverse gate, a reverse gate moving mechanism, and a withdrawal controller. The reverse gate is movable in an up/down direction between a reverse drive position at which an entirety of the jet port is covered and a forward drive position at which the entirety of the jet port is open. In a state of being positioned at the reverse drive position, the reverse gate guides forward the water that has been guided to the jet port. The reverse gate moving mechanism includes an electric motor that generates power to move the reverse gate between the reverse drive position and the forward drive position, and a transmitting mechanism that connects the electric motor and the reverse gate. The withdrawal controller monitors malfunctions of the reverse gate moving mechanism.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a saddle with a seating surface, first and second opposite sides, and front and back ends. A pair of footing surfaces proceed from proximate lower edges of first and second opposite sides. A front recess is defined in the front end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. A back recess is defined in the back end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. The front and back recesses are configured to secure an inflatable body that substantially surrounds the saddle with the footing surfaces at least partially exposed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a saddle with a seating surface, first and second opposite sides, and front and back ends. A pair of footing surfaces proceed from proximate lower edges of first and second opposite sides. A front recess is defined in the front end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. A back recess is defined in the back end and has upper and lower portions that extend further away from the saddle than a medial portion. The front and back recesses are configured to secure an inflatable body that substantially surrounds the saddle with the footing surfaces at least partially exposed.

Abstract: A sectional shape of a seat provided on a personal watercraft includes first to third seat portions, first to third hip support portions, and first and second rearward inclined portions. The first hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second seat portion from the first seat portion. The second hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the third seat portion and higher than the first hip support portion from the second seat portion. The third hip support portion extends rearward to a height higher than the second hip support portion from the third seat portion. The second rearward inclined portion is inclined at an inclination angle larger than an inclination angle of the first rearward inclined portion with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A water motorcycle includes a motorized surfboard unit having a deck portion and driven by a drive motor, and a motorbike frame unit detachably mounted on the deck portion by means of retaining hook units. The motorbike frame unit includes a seat module provided with a rider's seat, and a handle module provided with an upright handlebar frame. The surfboard unit can be used independently for surfing or combined with the motorbike frame unit to function as a water motorcycle.

Abstract: A straddle seat has a top portion having a rear portion and a front portion. Two side portions extend downwardly from the top portion. The front portion extends upwardly and forwardly from the rear portion. The front portion is hourglass shaped and has a narrowing. The front portion has a pair of lateral wings extending laterally outwardly above at least part of the two side portions for covering at least in part knees and thighs of a driver. A personal watercraft having such a straddle seat is also described. The personal watercraft has a helm assembly and footrests having middle sections disposed rearwardly of the helm assembly. Front sections extend upwardly and forwardly from the middle sections forming a first angle. Rear sections extend upwardly and rearwardly from the middle sections forming a second angle. The first angle is greater than the second angle.

Abstract: A tool storage structure of a saddle-ride type small boat capable of reducing the number of parts while suppressing noise generation. In a saddle-ride type small boat driven by an occupant who straddles the seat formed of a front seat and a rear seat on the boat body, a frame of the rear seat includes an insertion portion to be inserted into the rear lower portion of the front seat. The insertion portion is integrally provided with the tool storage portion for storing tools. The number of parts needed to form the tool storage portion is reduced and noise generation is suppressed.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull, a cockpit arranged at a hull center and including a periphery that is surrounded by a wall surface, a rear deck arranged at a hull rear portion at a rear of the cockpit and including a rear water-access area that is open to the rear, a saddle type watercraft operator seat arranged in the cockpit, a jet propulsion device attached to the hull and arranged to apply a propulsive force to the hull by sucking in water from surroundings and jetting the water, and an engine attached to the hull and arranged to apply a driving force to the jet propulsion device. The saddle type watercraft operator seat may extend in a front/rear direction of the hull and be arranged to divide an interior of the cockpit into two regions at the right and left.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly, a deck above the sub-deck, and a suspension member pivotally connected therebetween. A suspension element, including a spring assembly, is connected between any two of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. The spring assembly has first and second portions having first and second spring rates respectively. The second spring rate is greater than the first. A controller controls a lifting device to set an initial distance between the deck and the sub-deck to one of a first distance and a second distance greater than the first. The suspension element moves through a majority of a full stroke with the first portion of the spring assembly at least partially expanded when the initial distance is the first distance, and with the first portion of the spring assembly fully compressed when the initial distance is the second distance.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A first suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. A second suspension member, disposed rearwardly of the first suspension member, has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The first and second suspension members each have a fixed length. A suspension element is connected between any two of: the deck, the HSD assembly, and one of the suspension members. The HSD assembly is moveable relative to the deck between a first position and a second position that is upward and rearward of the first position. A watercraft suspension geometry is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear platform is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in the raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in the lowered position. The rear platform is lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position. A personal watercraft having left and right storage compartments and a rear channel defined therebetween, in which the rear platform extends laterally above the rear channel when in the lowered position is also disclosed. A personal watercraft with a rear platform having heel rests with angled portions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. The sub-deck defines at least one first opening therein. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A suspension member passes through the at least one first opening and is disposed at least in part inside the HSD assembly. The suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck. The suspension member has a second end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The suspension member has a fixed length. A suspension element has a first end connected to one of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. The suspension element has a second end connected to another one of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck disposed on the hull. The hull and sub-deck together form a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. An engine is disposed in the HSD assembly. A propulsion system is connected to the hull and operatively connected to the engine. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The deck has a pedestal. A straddle-type seat is disposed on the pedestal. A helm assembly is operatively connected to the propulsion system and disposed at least in part forwardly of the straddle-type seat. A deflector is disposed on the HSD assembly and extends outwardly therefrom. The deflector is disposed at least in part forwardly of a forward-most portion of the deck. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck together forming a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. Left and right gunnels have generally vertical inner walls. The HSD assembly has a pedestal disposed on a longitudinal centerline of the watercraft generally between the forward portion of the left inner wall and the forward portion of the right inner wall. The pedestal has generally vertical left and right lateral walls. Left and right side channels are defined between the lateral walls of the pedestal and the forward portions of the inner walls. A rear channel is defined between the rearward portions of the left and right inner walls, and is disposed rearwardly of the pedestal on the longitudinal centerline of the watercraft. The width of the rear channel is narrower than the width of the pedestal. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided for a personal watercraft. The seat assembly includes a forward seat portion and a rearward seat portion. The forward seat portion is configured for fixed attachment to a deck of a personal watercraft. The forward seat portion is configured to contact and at least partially support an operator during driving of the personal watercraft. The rearward seat portion is selectively movable by an operator between a driving position and a fishing position. In the driving position, the rearward seat portion is adjacent to the forward seat portion. In the fishing position, the rearward seat portion is spaced from the forward seat portion. A personal watercraft including such a seat assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck disposed on the hull. The hull and sub-deck together form a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. An engine is disposed in the HSD assembly. A propulsion system is connected to the hull and operatively connected to the engine. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The deck has a pedestal. A straddle-type seat is disposed on the pedestal. A helm assembly is operatively connected to the propulsion system and disposed at least in part forwardly of the straddle-type seat. A deflector is disposed on the HSD assembly and extends outwardly therefrom. The deflector is disposed at least in part forwardly of a forward-most portion of the deck. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a straddle-type seat disposed on a deck. The seat has a seat profile. A storage compartment is disposed rearwardly of the seat. A rear platform is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the watercraft. The rear platform is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. The rear platform permits access to the storage compartment when in the raised position, and sealingly closes the storage compartment when in the lowered position. The rear platform is lower than the seat profile when the rear platform is in the lowered position. A personal watercraft having left and right storage compartments and a rear channel defined therebetween, in which the rear platform extends laterally above the rear channel when in the lowered position is also disclosed. A personal watercraft with a rear platform having heel rests with angled portions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed having a hull and a sub-deck together forming a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. Left and right gunnels have generally vertical inner walls. The HSD assembly has a pedestal disposed on a longitudinal centerline of the watercraft generally between the forward portion of the left inner wall and the forward portion of the right inner wall. The pedestal has generally vertical left and right lateral walls. Left and right side channels are defined between the lateral walls of the pedestal and the forward portions of the inner walls. A rear channel is defined between the rearward portions of the left and right inner walls, and is disposed rearwardly of the pedestal on the longitudinal centerline of the watercraft. The width of the rear channel is narrower than the width of the pedestal. A personal watercraft having only a hull and a deck is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft (PWC) is disclosed that is convertible between a stand-up type watercraft, and at least one of a straddle-type watercraft, a sit-down type watercraft or a kart-type position watercraft. The PWC includes a hull supporting a power source, and a deck, the deck supporting a steering handle support assembly. A kart-type seat assembly is removably supported by the deck, such that the seat assembly can be selectively removed by the user so that the personal watercraft can be operated with and without the kart-type seat assembly.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. The sub-deck defines at least one first opening therein. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A suspension member passes through the at least one first opening and is disposed at least in part inside the HSD assembly. The suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck. The suspension member has a second end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The suspension member has a fixed length. A suspension element has a first end connected to one of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. The suspension element has a second end connected to another one of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A first suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. A second suspension member, disposed rearwardly of the first suspension member, has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The first and second suspension members each have a fixed length. A suspension element is connected between any two of: the deck, the HSD assembly, and one of the suspension members. The HSD assembly is movable relative to the deck between a first position and a second position that is upward and rearward of the first position. A watercraft suspension geometry is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed, having a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly with left and right gunnels. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. The left and right lateral edges of the deck are disposed vertically at least as low as the upper end of the left and right gunnels. The left lateral edge and the left gunnel define a left gap therebetween. The right lateral edge and the right gunnel define a right gap therebetween. A left seal member extends laterally outwardly from the left lateral edge. The left seal member extends into the left gap generally toward the left gunnel. A right seal member extends laterally outwardly from the right lateral edge. The right seal member extends into the right gap generally toward the right gunnel.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly, a deck above the sub-deck, and a suspension member pivotally connected therebetween. A suspension element, including a spring assembly, is connected between any two of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. The spring assembly has first and second portions having first and second spring rates respectively. The second spring rate is greater than the first. A controller controls a lifting device to set an initial distance between the deck and the sub-deck to one of a first distance and a second distance greater than the first. The suspension element moves through a majority of a full stroke with the first portion of the spring assembly at least partially expanded when the initial distance is the first distance, and with the first portion of the spring assembly fully compressed when the initial distance is the second distance.

Abstract: In a personal watercraft with a watercraft body including a hull forming a bottom portion and a deck covering the hull from above, a magnet box is integrally combined with a battery storage tray. The watercraft also includes an engine disposed within the watercraft body, and a saddle-type seat disposed above the engine. A magnet box, including a main box body and a lid member, sealingly stores an electromagnetic starter switch therein, and is disposed in front of a battery storage tray, in order to reduce the distance between the magnetic starter switch and a starter motor. The main box body is formed integrally with a battery storage tray which is disposed in back of the engine and fixedly disposed on a floor portion of the watercraft body. The lid member is adapted to sealingly close the main box body of the magnet box in a fluid-tight manner.

Abstract: A top side of a deck can have a generally flat shape. A pedestal-like operator's seat base can be disposed slightly rearwardly from a central part of the deck. On an upper part of the operator's seat base, an operator's seat, a passenger's seat and a handlebar can be provided. A cowl can form a front face of the operator's seat base and can have an air inlet for introducing ambient air therethrough into an engine room. The air inlet can be provided with a water separating structure for separating ambient water from the ambient air to prevent any entry of the water into the engine room. A handrail can be provided on an upper part of the operator's seat base. Rails can be provided in a front part of a peripheral edge of the deck. A container including a containing recess and a lid can be provided in a front part of the top side of the deck.

Abstract: A storage space can be defined above an engine hatch of a hull. A rear end portion of the hatch cover can have an opening into which a seat can be retracted into the storage space. A rear end portion of the seat can define part of the hatch cover when the seat is retracted within the storage space. A rail section can be disposed within the storage space. The seat can be movable between the inside and outside of the storage space by moving along the rail section in a fore to aft direction. Also, a support unit can engage with a bottom end of a guide groove to support the seat when the seat extends from the hatch cover.

Abstract: A personal watercraft equipped with an engine cooling system and a cleaning system therefore, including a body 1 including a deck 3 and a hull 2, an engine E accommodated in the interior of the body 1, a cooling system configured to cool the engine E using water taken in from outside the body 1, and a flush pipe 39, one end of which is coupled to the cooling system to guide cleaning water to the cooling system, and an opposite end of the cleaning water supply line has an opening that is formed on the deck 3 of the body 1 and is configured to open outward; and a coupling member 40 is attached to the opening to couple the cleaning water supply line to a cleaning water supply source located outside the body.

Abstract: A personal watercraft including a body including a hull and a deck covering the hull from above; a water jet pump configured to pressurize and accelerate water sucked from a water intake provided on a bottom surface of the hull and eject the water rearward; an engine room that is formed at a front portion of the body and is configured to accommodate an engine; a seat that is mounted over the deck and is located behind the engine room; a steering handle mounted forward of the seat; and a battery accommodating portion that is provided in an interior of the body and is located below the seat and above the water jet pump.

Abstract: A personal watercraft can be rotated in a correct direction of rotation when the personal watercraft has been overturned, and can thereby be restored to a normal, upright position. The personal watercraft includes a vessel body, an engine, and an exhaust system. The exhaust system includes a muffler, disposed on a first side of the vessel body, and an exhaust pipe connected to the muffler and formed in an inverted U-shape. During operation of the engine, exhaust gas passes through the inverted-U-shaped exhaust pipe and is subsequently discharged to the outside environment via an exhaust port. The exhaust port is disposed on a second side of the vessel body opposite the first side. The vessel body has a hollow water-receiving portion formed therein, on the second side thereof. The water-receiving portion is adapted to be submerged under water when the personal watercraft is overturned in a body of water.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a saddle ride type seat provided at a roughly central portion of a watercraft body, an engine mounted on the lower side of the seat and directed in a front-rear direction of the watercraft body, and cylinders provided in the engine are arranged in the front-rear direction of the watercraft body. First to fourth intake pipes communicated with the cylinders are extended from a side surface of the engine, and an air box containing the intake pipes is provided in a space between the engine and a left side wall. The air box includes a box main body and a cover body, and the cover body is disposed facing toward the left side wall. The left side wall facing toward the cover body is provided with an opening, and a side cover is provided to be capable of being fitted to and detached from the opening. Maintenance or inspection of intake system equipment can be easily carried out with the aforementioned personal watercraft.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft can be provided with: a supporting member that supports a straddle-type seat on a deck thereof. Steering handlebars can be disposed in front of the seat. A space can be formed between the seat and the deck directly underneath the seat, extending approximately over the entire length of the seat in a fore-and-aft direction of the watercraft. The supporting member can have an upper portion secured to the seat, a lower portion secured to the deck, and an intermediate portion connecting the upper portion and the lower portion. The intermediate portion can be provided at either the front end or the rear end of the seat.

Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a jet propulsion pump in a body of a personal watercraft includes, a front mounting portion of the pump being mounted to a rear portion, in a planing direction of the watercraft body, and a ride plate mounted to the watercraft body, so as to be located beneath the pump, wherein the ride plate is mounted to watercraft body in at least two positions in the planing direction of the watercraft body. Further, an elastic member is disposed between the ride plate and the pump, such that a rear portion of the pump is supported by the ride plate through the elastic member.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a personal watercraft, comprises a seat portion. A support portion is connected to the seat portion, and is adapted to connect the seat portion to the personal watercraft in a seating position of the seat assembly, in which a rider of the personal watercraft is in a seated position on the personal watercraft. A storable configuration is provided between the seat portion and the support portion, for the seat assembly to be displaceable while being connected to the personal watercraft between the seating position and a collapsed position in which the seat assembly is adapted to be stored in the personal watercraft, such that the rider of the personal watercraft can be in a standing or kneeling position on the personal watercraft.

Abstract: A ride plate positioning mechanism for a personal watercraft can reduce the burden on an operator during assembly, and can also raise manufacturing productivity. In a ride plate positioning mechanism 30 of a personal watercraft 10, a portion of a bottom wall 15a of a stern 15, that is located below a water jet propeller 17, is formed from a ride plate 31 removable from a craft body 11. Further, a pair of left and right positioning projections 32, 32 are formed integrally on the ride plate 31, while a pair of left and right tab stops 33, 33 corresponding to the positioning projections 32 are provided on the craft body 11 side.

Abstract: A personal watercraft (PWC) is disclosed that is convertible between a stand-up type watercraft, and at least one of a straddle-type watercraft and a sit-down type watercraft. The PWC includes a hull supporting a power source, and a deck, the deck supporting a steering handle support assembly. A seat assembly is removably supported by the deck, such that the seat assembly can be selectively removed by the user so that the personal watercraft can be operated with and without the seat assembly.

Abstract: A steering device for a personal watercraft includes a handle holder fitted to a watercraft body. A steering shaft passes through the handle holder, and a handle is fitted to the upper end of the steering shaft. The steering shaft is provided with a groove, and a holding member is provided in the handle holder and is fitted into the groove. Accordingly, movement of the steering shaft in the axial direction is restricted. A flange or the groove has a shape such that its width can be reduced. When the holding member is fitted by setting the width to a small size, and taking dimensional variations into account, the chattering between the flange or the groove and the holding member can be reduced. In view of this, the steering shaft is provided with the flange or the groove, and the holding member provided in the handle holder is fitted to the flange or the groove, so that movement of the steering shaft in the axial direction can be restrained.

Abstract: A two-piece rear grip apparatus 22 for a personal watercraft includes a body member 23 having either a U-shaped or an H-shaped cross-sectional shape. The body member includes a recessed portion 28, which opens upwardly. The apparatus also includes a grip face member 24 for placement covering the sculpted recess. The two component parts of the apparatus may be formed from a plastic resin. The grip face member 24 may be injection molded, and has slip-resistant textured irregularities 36 formed thereon to provide purchase for the palm of a user's hand. The two component parts of the apparatus may be formed by compression molding or injection molding. Even if the surface of the grip face member includes fine detail work, injection molding can effectively transfer such detail from a metal mold into the finished part. Accordingly, the grip face member can be made to include fine detail work.

Abstract: Disclosed is a watercraft comprising a body; a hull constituting a lower portion of the body; a deck having deck floors formed on both sides of the body in a width direction and a raised portion at least extending from a center portion of the body to a rear end portion of the body in a longitudinal direction and being raised from center-side end portions of the deck floors on both sides in the width direction so as to form an engine room that contains the engine, the deck covering the hull from above and constituting an upper portion of the body; a straddle-type seat mounted over an upper end of the raised portion of the deck for a rider to straddle with feet put on the deck floors on both sides; and a rear cowling mounted behind the seat and extending rearwardly from a rear end of the seat.

Abstract: A watercraft has a pivoting, shock absorbing component that absorbs forces applied to its hull. The watercraft includes a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, an engine, and a jet propulsion system movably coupled to the engine. In one embodiment, a forward hull portion couples to the deck and a rearward hull portion movably couples to the deck and/or the forward hull portion. The jet propulsion system mounts to the rearward hull portion, while the engine mounts to the deck. A suspension element is disposed between the hull rear portion and either the deck or the hull forward portion. In another embodiment, the hull and deck are movably coupled to each other.

Abstract: A jet-propulsion personal watercraft having improved features over conventional personal watercraft. The personal watercraft includes a hull including primarily an upper hull releasably secured to a lower hull. A gasket is disposed between the upper and lower hulls to seal the interior of the hull. A DC motor is powered by at least one battery and turns a water pump. The batteries are connected in series with a power controller. A gearing mechanism is provided for adjusting the rotational velocity of the motor to achieve the required rotational velocity of the pump. A forced air system is provided to force heat and battery acid fumes from within the hull when the motor is operating. A light circuit includes a switch, a front light and a rear light.

Abstract: A watercraft seat suspension includes a damper mounted between a watercraft seat and the watercraft hull. The damper includes an electrically actuated mechanism controlling fluid flow from a first chamber to a second chamber within the damper. A sensor senses motion of the seat relative to the hull. A control unit interpolates the sensor signal and develops an actuating signal controlling the electrically actuated mechanism. In one arrangement, the electrically actuated mechanism is a solenoid actuated by the actuating signal to effect one of two different damping modes. In another arrangement, the electrically actuated mechanism includes a conductor coil and flux ring generating a magnetic field proportional to the actuating signal to vary the viscosity of magneto-rheological fluid in the damper.

Abstract: A water craft that is made in three units which are connected together. The dimensions of the units can be varied to carry different size users. A motor that forces air through a tube is mounted in one of the units and air passageways lead from the motor to another unit. The water craft has two different steering mechanisms and exterior fins to control the craft.

Abstract: Adjustable angle sponsons and personal watercraft having adjustable angle sponsons. The present invention provides sponsons having at least two adjustable angular settings downward of horizontal for the sponson. Sponsons include a fin or blade having an outward edge for penetrating beneath the surface of the water. The angle of the fin preferably can be set to a vertically straight down position, as well as other, more benign, outwardly extending angular positions. The vertically downward position provides for a responsive, aggressive handling boat, while the more outward positions provide a less aggressive, gentler riding personal watercraft. One adjustable angle sponson includes a fin secured to a longitudinal shaft having a key extending along the shaft length. A sponson housing can include a cavity for receiving the shaft longitudinally as well as at least two longitudinal keyways for receiving the key in different angular positions.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having a multi-hull is disclosed herein. In an embodiment the multi-hull is a catamaran hull, for example two pontoons connected by a cross structure which form an air passage between the hull and the surface of the water upon launching. In alternative embodiments, the multi-hull is a SWATH hull or a trimaran hull. Also, disclosed herein is a personal watercraft having two water outlets from the propulsion system. In an embodiment, the two or more water outlets are disposed between the pontoons. In another embodiment, each pontoon has a water outlet mounted thereto or integral therewith. In another embodiment, each water outlet is positioned within the cross-sectional area of the pontoon. Also, disclosed herein is a method for increasing the speed at which a personal watercraft is propelled comprising using a multi-hull design to decrease the hydrodynamic resistance on the watercraft.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having one or more decorated, and preferably painted, multifunction components, such as the grab handle, shroud, splashguard, hood, rub rails, sponsons, and/or mirror portions of a personal watercraft. The components are fabricated from engineering plastics in a manner suitable to provide an optimal combination of both structural characteristics and the ability to be painted, in a manner sufficient to permit these materials to provide one or more multifunction components within a watercraft. A plurality of different multifunctional components can be fabricated, for use in different portions of the watercraft, thereby permitting some or all of those components to be decorated or painted in a matching or complementary manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decomposing a set of complementary color signals that form a color enhanced image into four or five color maps of an image, for storing said four or five color maps on a sheet of black and white film, and for reconstructing color images from the black and white film images. An image that has been color enhanced in selected regions with color added to depict a variable characteristic that is color independent so that changes in that chracteristic can be determined is decomposed into four or five color constituent maps. The decomposition is performed on an image that is presented electronically as three complementary color bytes, or analog equivalents thereof, for each pixel with the value encoded in each byte being the intensity of that complementary color at that pixel of the image. Also disclosed is the storing on black and white film the constituent parts of a composite color image having a plurality of parts, e.g. four or five colors.