In one aspect the invention provides a boat support frame loading and unloading apparatus configured to draw a boat on to and off a boat support frame. This boat support frame has a loading end and a terminal end opposite to the loading end. The apparatus provided includes at least one roller assembly mounted to the support frame adjacent to the loading end of the support frame, said at least one roller assembly incorporating at least one roller element. The apparatus also includes at least one drive mechanism configured to rotate one or more roller elements to draw a boat onto and off the support frame through the loading end of the support frame. The roller assembly also includes a hull contact surface formed by a flexible belt which has a circumference greater than the circumference of the said at least one roller element incorporated into the roller assembly.

There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.

There is provided a storage system for storing and retrieving watercraft or other items to or from a storage position in a storage area as part of an enclosure having a plurality of storage areas. The storage system may include at least one carrier to support the item during movement to or from a storage position, and a positioning system to move the carrier system. An elevator system is usable to move the positioning system and carrier system to and from a storage area, and a control system is usable to control the positioning system to move the carrier system and item into and out of its storage position.

A boat handling apparatus includes a carriage frame supported for rolling movement along a first horizontal track between a lifting position adjacent to a first end of the first track and a stored position adjacent to an opposing second end of the first track. A second upright track is fixed in proximity to the first end of the first track to depend downwardly from the first track. A cradle frame which is arranged to support a boat thereon is transferrable from a raised position supported on the carriage frame so as to be movable with the carriage frame between lifting and storage positions thereof, to a lowered position in which the cradle frame is movable up and down along the second track below the first horizontal track.

A boat handling apparatus includes a carriage frame supported for rolling movement along a first horizontal track between a lifting position adjacent to a first end of the first track and a stored position adjacent to an opposing second end of the first track. A second upright track is fixed in proximity to the first end of the first track to depend downwardly from the first track. A cradle frame which is arranged to support a boat thereon is transferrable from a raised position supported on the carriage frame so as to be movable with the carriage frame between lifting and storage positions thereof, to a lowered position in which the cradle frame is movable up and down along the second track below the first horizontal track.

A watercraft lift system including one or more laterally-adjustable components and related methods are disclosed. The watercraft lift system can include a cradle assembly and optionally at least one side guide, which can be connected to the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can include substantially parallel first and second cradle rails. One or both of the first cradle rail and the at least one side guide can be movable in a lateral direction between a wider watercraft-receiving position and a narrower watercraft-received position. In an example, lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide from the watercraft-receiving position to the watercraft-received position occurs automatically upon entry of a watercraft into the confines of the watercraft lift system. The watercraft lift system can further comprise an actuator to cause lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide. In an example, the actuator can be operably connected to the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide via one or more cables or extension plate members.

A watercraft lift system including one or more laterally-adjustable components and related methods are disclosed. The watercraft lift system can include a cradle assembly and optionally at least one side guide, which can be connected to the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can include substantially parallel first and second cradle rails. One or both of the first cradle rail and the at least one side guide can be movable in a lateral direction between a wider watercraft-receiving position and a narrower watercraft-received position. In an example, lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide from the watercraft-receiving position to the watercraft-received position occurs automatically upon entry of a watercraft into the confines of the watercraft lift system. The watercraft lift system can further comprise an actuator to cause lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide. In an example, the actuator can be operably connected to the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide via one or more cables or extension plate members.

Vessel transfer systems are provide herein. The systems include bogies, including a pivoting bogie and a rack and pinion bogie, as well as associated cradles, carriages, and power and control units. The pivoting bogie includes a first side frame, a second side frame, at least one wheel coupled with each of the first and second side frames, and a lift member coupled with each of the first and second side frames. The lift member is pivotably coupled to the first side frame. The rack and pinion bogie includes a frame and pinion gears coupled with the frame. The pinion gears can be selectively coupled with a gear rack, such as at a shipyard. Also provided herein are methods of use of one or both of the bogies and associated equipment, such as for moving vessels within a shipyard.

Vessel transfer systems are provide herein. The systems include bogies, including a pivoting bogie and a rack and pinion bogie, as well as associated cradles, carriages, and power and control units. The pivoting bogie includes a first side frame, a second side frame, at least one wheel coupled with each of the first and second side frames, and a lift member coupled with each of the first and second side frames. The lift member is pivotably coupled to the first side frame. The rack and pinion bogie includes a frame and pinion gears coupled with the frame. The pinion gears can be selectively coupled with a gear rack, such as at a shipyard. Also provided herein are methods of use of one or both of the bogies and associated equipment, such as for moving vessels within a shipyard.

Pontoon forks are specifically designed for the marine industry to efficiently and safely lift and maneuver pontoon boats. The pontoon forks are engineered to lift tri-toons and pontoon boats of lengths up to and greater than twenty-eight feet. The forks can further accommodate weights of up to and greater than six-thousand pounds. Removable pockets included with the pontoon forks allow for the lifting and transport of pontoon boats of various sizes without having to have specialized equipment for each and every make and model of the pontoon boat. The pontoon forks are retrofit to fit specific forklifts already owned or easily acquired by marinas.