The specification discloses a watercraft drain plug system that includes two or more drain plugs, an actuator, and a cable assembly interconnecting the drain plugs and the actuator. The actuator may be operated to move the drain plugs between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for securing the actuator in the closed position to prevent inadvertent opening of the drain plugs.

The specification discloses a watercraft drain plug system that includes two or more drain plugs, an actuator, and a cable assembly interconnecting the drain plugs and the actuator. The actuator may be operated to move the drain plugs between open and closed positions. The actuator includes a locking mechanism for securing the actuator in the closed position to prevent inadvertent opening of the drain plugs.

Heat treatment system and methods to decontaminate ballast fluid includes ballast tank(s) each having a temperature sensor. A heat source transfers heat to ballast fluid when circulated therethrough. Diverter valves provide selective direction of fluid flow to either the onboard heat source or external auxiliary heat source when connected. A pump moves ballast fluid between the ballast tank(s) and the heat source, recirculating ballast fluid for iterative heating. The temperature sensor provides ballast fluid temperature information in the ballast tank(s). Recirculation is stopped when ballast fluid meets predetermined ballast temperature conditions. A display provides decontamination status to an operator. A control unit monitors all sensors, valves and pumps to coordinate the performance of the heat treatment process and provide history report confirming decontamination.

Heat treatment system and methods to decontaminate ballast fluid includes ballast tank(s) each having a temperature sensor. A heat source transfers heat to ballast fluid when circulated therethrough. Diverter valves provide selective direction of fluid flow to either the onboard heat source or external auxiliary heat source when connected. A pump moves ballast fluid between the ballast tank(s) and the heat source, recirculating ballast fluid for iterative heating. The temperature sensor provides ballast fluid temperature information in the ballast tank(s). Recirculation is stopped when ballast fluid meets predetermined ballast temperature conditions. A display provides decontamination status to an operator. A control unit monitors all sensors, valves and pumps to coordinate the performance of the heat treatment process and provide history report confirming decontamination.

A defeat resistant ballast filtration system for a recreational boat includes a pump to pump water into a ballast tank. The system also includes a filter having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump and an outlet of the filter is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the ballast tank. In addition, the system includes a pressure sensor that is configured to measure an upstream pressure at the inlet of the filter and to measure a downstream pressure at the outlet of the filter to determine a pressure differential. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine when the pressure differential is not within a predetermined range, and in response to not being within the pre-determined range, the ECU is configured to make the pump inoperable to pump the water into the ballast tank.

A defeat resistant ballast filtration system for a recreational boat includes a pump to pump water into a ballast tank. The system also includes a filter having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump and an outlet of the filter is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the ballast tank. In addition, the system includes a pressure sensor that is configured to measure an upstream pressure at the inlet of the filter and to measure a downstream pressure at the outlet of the filter to determine a pressure differential. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine when the pressure differential is not within a predetermined range, and in response to not being within the pre-determined range, the ECU is configured to make the pump inoperable to pump the water into the ballast tank.

A scupper valve includes a frame and a rigid flapper coupled to the frame. The rigid flapper is configured to swing relative to the rigid frame between an open and closed position. A flexible annular seal defines a centrally-disposed circular opening and a first annular projection that surrounds the centrally-disposed opening. The rigid flapper, in the closed position, contacts a distal edge of the first annular projection to create a circular line contact that restricts or prevents fluid flow through the centrally-disposed circular opening in the flexible annular seal. A rigid annular backplate is adjacent to and in direct physical contact with an annular surface of the flexible seal on a side of the flexible seal opposite the rigid flapper.

A ballast water-free ship using a difference in the depth of the bottom shell plate between the bow/stern and the midship section and a construction method thereof. A stepped portion is formed between either the bow or the stern and the midship section, such that the depth of the bottom shell plate of either the bow or the stern differs from the depth of the bottom shell plate of the cargo containment in the midship section, so that cargo can be loaded and unloaded without ballast water operation.

A ballast water-free ship using a difference in the depth of the bottom shell plate between the bow/stern and the midship section and a construction method thereof. A stepped portion is formed between either the bow or the stern and the midship section, such that the depth of the bottom shell plate of either the bow or the stern differs from the depth of the bottom shell plate of the cargo containment in the midship section, so that cargo can be loaded and unloaded without ballast water operation.

A house is provided. The house includes a base and a roof. The roof is attached to the base. The base has sufficient buoyancy to enable the house to float on water.