A protection device for a boat having a rigid hull with a waterline, gunwale and a cockpit is provided. The device consists of a first inflatable bumper mounted to the rigid hull about the gunwale, which will absorb impacts to the hull when the boat is pulled next to a dock or the like. A second inflatable bumper is mounted to the rigid hull at the waterline to keep the rigid hull afloat if it becomes cracked. A mechanism is in the cockpit, for selectively inflating the first inflatable bumper and the second inflatable bumper.
The present invention relates to a bumper device for boats, which is extremely simple to use. The device comprises inflatable bodies, which are associated with the peripheral walls of the boat, and means for inflation-deflation of the inflatable bodies. The means for inflation-deflation can be activated by command, for transition of the inflatable bodies from a condition of rest, in which they are deflated, to a condition of work, in which they are inflated, and project from the peripheral walls of the boat, in order to protect the peripheral walls during mooring manoeuvres.
Collar assemblies for use with watercraft including rigid-hulled boats are disclosed. Collars of the assemblies may surround or envelope all or most of the perimeters of boats and provide increased buoyancy at least at their sterns. The collars typically are split, rather than continuous, both to facilitate installation and to reduce risk of damage during the installation process.
An improved sponson and rigid inflatable boats incorporating the same. The sponson includes a non-inflatable buoyant component, such as closed-cell polyethylene, and an inflatable buoyant component, such as one or more inflatable tubes. The boat includes a rigid hull having sidewalls along which one or more of the improved sponsons extend. In some embodiments, the inflatable component is removably secured to the non-inflatable component by a restraining structure. In some embodiments, the restraining structure includes straps. In some embodiments, the restraining structure includes resilient arms that bias the inflatable component within a pocket formed in the non-inflatable component.
An inflatable fender system for protecting a watercraft from damaging contact with a permanent object, such as a dock, wharf, piling and rafted watercraft. Two elongated flexible substantially airtight tubular fenders are provided having a generally flat cross section when uninflated, rolled into a coil and stored at the stern of the watercraft. Each of the tubular fenders is independently extendable along a substantial portion of the length of the watercraft. A controlled air supply or AC or DC compressor on the watercraft is operably connected to each of the tubular fenders for independently selectively inflating and expanding the tubular fenders from the flat cross section during deployment. A hanger system, preferably including a plurality of hangers connectable in spaced relation between the watercraft and each of the tubular fenders support the tubular fenders during deployment to protect the side and gunnels of the watercraft.
A vehicle bumper protection system comprises a control unit, a pneumatically inflatable protective cover and an air pump. The control unit is configured for selectively outputting an inflation signal and a deflation signal. The pneumatically inflatable protective cover is configured for being attached to a bumper of a vehicle and is normally in a deflated condition. The air pump is electrically connected to the control unit and is fluid communicatively connected to the protective cover. The air pump supplies compressed air to the protective cover for inflating the protective cover when the inflation signal is outputted by the control unit. The air pump facilitates deflation of the protective cover when the deflation signal is outputted by the control unit.
