A system and method allows boats to operate air conditioners while positioned above the water level. A dock-mounted control unit has an inlet for lake or seawater, an inlet for fresh water, and an outlet to the raised boat. The fresh water is temporarily used to prime the system, after which the boat's A/C system can operate normally. After the system is primed, a valve on the control unit is used to close off the fresh water inlet, and the fresh water hose may be removed. A Y-valve (or two 1-way valves) provides two settings, one for ordinary, on-water operation, and the other for use in conjunction with the invention. The invention allows the boat's AC system to function as though it were in the water, allowing normal heat exchange with the body of water and thus, normal A/C while on a lift or hoist.

Wakeboat fluid housing compartment fluid level sensing assemblies are provided. The assemblies can include: a wakeboat having a hull; a fluid housing compartment associated with the hull; a nonconductive sensor chamber positioned within the fluid housing compartment of the hull; and at least a pair of conductive electrodes associated with the sensor chamber, at least one of the pair of conductive electrodes being positioned within the nonconductive sensor chamber and electrically isolated from fluid within the fluid housing compartment. Methods for sensing a fluid level within a fluid housing compartment aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: maintaining fluid communication between the fluid level within the fluid housing compartment and a sensor chamber; and determining the electrical communication between at least a pair of electrodes operatively associated with the sensor chamber.

The present disclosure provides power source assemblies aboard a watercraft. The power source assemblies can include: an engine having a crankshaft; a variable ratio drive assembly operably engaged with the crankshaft; and an engine powered accessory operably engaged with the variable ratio drive assembly. The present disclosure also provides methods for distributing power aboard a watercraft from a crankshaft of an engine. The methods can include: using a crankshaft of an engine to drive a variable ratio drive assembly; and using the variable ratio drive assembly to drive an engine accessory over a narrower RPM range while operating the crankshaft over a wider RPM range.

A personal water craft includes a hull; a deck attached to, or integral with, the hull; a foot well having a foot well floor that is configured to receive a foot of a user of the personal water craft; and a drainage system configured to drain liquid from the foot well, the drainage system having a tube extending from the foot well floor to a location outside the hull.

An oar capable of bailing water includes a rod and an oar blade disposed at one end of the rod. The rod includes an outer tube and an inner tube that are insertedly connected to each other to form a pump structure capable of performing a telescopic movement. A fixing device is provided at the junction of the outer tube and the inner tube. The rod has an accommodating room therein. The accommodating room is provided with a piston that can slide along the accommodating room with the telescopic movement of the rod. Another end of the rod, opposite to the oar blade, is formed with a bail opening. A passage is defined between the bail opening and the accommodating room to communicate with each other, so that the bail opening can bail water when the piston is moved.

An oar capable of bailing water includes a rod and an oar blade disposed at one end of the rod. The rod includes an outer tube and an inner tube that are insertedly connected to each other to form a pump structure capable of performing a telescopic movement. A fixing device is provided at the junction of the outer tube and the inner tube. The rod has an accommodating room therein. The accommodating room is provided with a piston that can slide along the accommodating room with the telescopic movement of the rod. Another end of the rod, opposite to the oar blade, is formed with a bail opening. A passage is defined between the bail opening and the accommodating room to communicate with each other, so that the bail opening can bail water when the piston is moved.

The present disclosure provides hydraulic power sources for watercraft. Example power sources can include: a watercraft having an engine; a variable ratio drive assembly operably engaged with the engine; a hydraulic pump operably engaged with the variable ratio drive assembly; and a hydraulic motor powered by the hydraulic pump. The present disclosure also provides methods for providing hydraulic power aboard a watercraft. Example methods can include: using an engine of the watercraft to drive a variable ratio drive assembly; using the variable ratio drive assembly to drive a hydraulic pump; using the hydraulic pump to power a hydraulic motor; and using the hydraulic motor to drive a load.

A flush-mount valve and vent assemblies including the same are described. A flush-mount valve may include a valve mount and a valve barrier which are coupled to the underside of a structure forming part of a liquid-impermeable container. The flush-mount valve is arranged to control the flow of fluid(s) across a fluid passage in the structure and is mounted to the structure so as to remain fully within the interior of the container.

A floating structure installation system includes, on a body capable of traveling on water, a first cradle including a first holding part capable of holding a first portion having a submersible section to be located under the water surface during installation, and a second cradle including a second holding part capable of holding a second portion connectable to the first portion. At least one of the first cradle or the second cradle is movable on the body to connect the first portion held by the first holding part and the second portion held by the second holding part. The first holding part includes a first lifting unit for lifting and lowering the first portion.

A floating structure installation system includes, on a body capable of traveling on water, a first cradle including a first holding part capable of holding a first portion having a submersible section to be located under the water surface during installation, and a second cradle including a second holding part capable of holding a second portion connectable to the first portion. At least one of the first cradle or the second cradle is movable on the body to connect the first portion held by the first holding part and the second portion held by the second holding part. The first holding part includes a first lifting unit for lifting and lowering the first portion.