Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: A water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system is disclosed. The system includes a reel having a quantity of tow rope wound therearound. The reel is powered by an electric motor through a drive shaft which is also coupled to an electrically controlled brake or clutch. The brake or clutch acts to keep the drive shaft, and thus the reel, from rotating freely when the electric motor is not being used to pay out or retrieve tow rope. An embodiment of the water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system having radio remote control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system is disclosed. The system includes a reel having a quantity of tow rope wound therearound. The reel is powered by an electric motor through a drive shaft which is also coupled to an electrically controlled brake or clutch. The brake or clutch acts to keep the drive shaft, and thus the reel, from rotating freely when the electric motor is not being used to pay out or retrieve tow rope. An embodiment of the water ski tow rope retrieval and payout system having radio remote control is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ski rope holder which allows a user to wind up a ski rope without tangling it and to store it in a small space. The ski rope holder has a spool mounted inside of a housing. The spool, which is operated by a crank located on the outside of the housing, mounts a lead rope. The lead rope has a hook for attaching to a ski rope. The housing also mounts a handle, for easy operation of the ski rope holder, and a clip, for the attachment of a ski rope handle during storage. In use, a ski rope that is attached to the lead rope of the ski holder can be wound up and payed out as necessary. When the rope is fully out, the ski rope can be disconnected from the ski rope holder and attached to a hook on the rear of the boat. This attachment to the rear of the boat insures that the ski rope will not become entangled with the motor of the boat.

Abstract: A line-handling device mountable to an object such as a boat is disclosed. The device comprises a driven spool (3) on which a line may be stored coupling structure for coupling the line and the spool, and quick-connect structure disposed on the coupling structure for enabling the line and the spool to be quickly coupled or uncoupled at a distance from the spool. Coupling structure may include an elongated, flexible lead segment attached to the spool such that it may be wound thereon. The lead segment has the quick-connect structure disposed at its free end. The quick-connect structure enables the line and the lead segment to be quickly connected and disconnected, allowing the line to be quickly removed from the device so that it may be used independently. In one embodiment, a motor (10) is mounted within the spool's hub (83) and a slipping clutch (11) is connected between the motor and the spool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring the performance of a maneuvering water skier. A series of angular measurements are made on the ski rope relative to a predetermined direction. This information, together with timing information is provided to a computer processing unit which calculates a score after predetermined maneuvers are completed. An apparatus for making both angle and force measurements is described.