A mooring system (10) for use in mooring a marine device (24) within a fluid (12) subject to flow comprises a mooring line (16) to be secured to an anchor (18) and defining a tether point for a marine device (24), and a loading assembly (20) secured to the mooring line (16) and configured to generate hydrodynamic lift when exposed to flow to apply tension to the mooring line (16). In embodiments of the invention the loading assembly (20) is configured to also generate a buoyancy force, such that tension is applied to the mooring line (16) by a combination of the hydrodynamic lift force and the buoyancy force.

A flexible lifting tether system for lifting a marine vehicle or object is described which is capable of significantly improving the primary characteristics of an existing cable by enhancing load-carrying capabilities (e.g. in air), modifying the tether to have altered specific gravities in water, and relieving torsional stresses when in operation.

A flexible lifting tether system for lifting a marine vehicle or object is described which is capable of significantly improving the primary characteristics of an existing cable by enhancing load-carrying capabilities (e.g. in air), modifying the tether to have altered specific gravities in water, and relieving torsional stresses when in operation.

A boat mooring system utilizing a cylinder having an internal spring-like mechanism that allows a retaining rope to lengthen or shorten automatically to adjust for rising tide or high wind to retain a boat at a safe distance from a dock or pier.

A boat mooring system utilizing a cylinder having an internal spring-like mechanism that allows a retaining rope to lengthen or shorten automatically to adjust for rising tide or high wind to retain a boat at a safe distance from a dock or pier.

Surge damping systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure that can include a base structure and a turntable disposed on the base structure. A vessel support structure can be disposed on the vessel. At least one extension arm can be suspended from the vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the extension arm. A uni-directional passive surge damping system can be disposed on the vessel and can include an elongated tension member connected to the ballast tank that can be configured to dampen a movement of the ballast tank by applying a tension thereto. A yoke can extend from and can be connected at a first end to the ballast tank and can include a yoke head disposed on a second end thereof that can be configured to connect to the turntable.

Surge damping systems and processes for using same. In some embodiments, a system for mooring a vessel can include a mooring support structure that can include a base structure and a turntable disposed on the base structure. A vessel support structure can be disposed on the vessel. At least one extension arm can be suspended from the vessel support structure. A ballast tank can be connected to the extension arm. A uni-directional passive surge damping system can be disposed on the vessel and can include an elongated tension member connected to the ballast tank that can be configured to dampen a movement of the ballast tank by applying a tension thereto. A yoke can extend from and can be connected at a first end to the ballast tank and can include a yoke head disposed on a second end thereof that can be configured to connect to the turntable.

A connection device is provided for removably connecting an article to a tie-down cleat having a pair of opposed horns each with each horn having a free end. The articles can be ropes, straps, bungee cords, netting, covers, wraps, accessories, and the like. The connection device includes a body having a pair of horn openings each configured for receiving one of the opposed horns therein. The horn openings are coaxial and spaced apart a distance less than a distance between the free ends of the horns. At least a portion of the body is formed of an elastic material so that the body can be resiliently stretched for selectively inserting the opposed horns into the horn openings to secure the connection device to the tie-down cleat and resiliently stretched for selectively removing the opposed horns out of the horn openings to remove the connection device from the tie-down cleat.

A watercraft securement device including a boat attachment line configured for connection to a watercraft and a dock attachment line configured for connection to an anchoring structure. A tensioning apparatus is connected to the boat attachment line and the dock attachment line. The tensioning apparatus is configured to adjust the length of one of the boat attachment line or the dock attachment line. The tensioning apparatus further includes a pulley for engaging the adjustable length and a ratcheting mechanism. The ratcheting mechanism operates to permit rotation of the pulley in only one direction when engaged, and to permit free rotation of the pulley when released. The ratcheting mechanism maintains tension as the adjustable length is pulled through the pulley.

A watercraft securement device including a boat attachment line configured for connection to a watercraft and a dock attachment line configured for connection to an anchoring structure. A tensioning apparatus is connected to the boat attachment line and the dock attachment line. The tensioning apparatus is configured to adjust the length of one of the boat attachment line or the dock attachment line. The tensioning apparatus further includes a pulley for engaging the adjustable length and a ratcheting mechanism. The ratcheting mechanism operates to permit rotation of the pulley in only one direction when engaged, and to permit free rotation of the pulley when released. The ratcheting mechanism maintains tension as the adjustable length is pulled through the pulley.