In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a boat lift system, including: a pair of lift frames, each of the lift frames disposed across longitudinally spaced apart pilings or support posts; a pair of lifting mechanisms, each one of the lifting mechanisms disposed in one of the lift frames, each of the lifting mechanisms including a ball screw mechanism, including a ball screw in communication with a motor and a ball nut, the ball screw mechanism configured to selectively wind a winch cable; and a lift platform in communication with the winch cable and configured to be selectively raised and lowered with the winch cable via the pair of lifting mechanisms.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a boat lift system, including: a pair of lift frames, each of the lift frames disposed across longitudinally spaced apart pilings or support posts; a pair of lifting mechanisms, each one of the lifting mechanisms disposed in one of the lift frames, each of the lifting mechanisms including a ball screw mechanism, including a ball screw in communication with a motor and a ball nut, the ball screw mechanism configured to selectively wind a winch cable; and a lift platform in communication with the winch cable and configured to be selectively raised and lowered with the winch cable via the pair of lifting mechanisms.

A hoisting system, including: a hoisting crane including a hoisting cable, a craft, and a connector catch assembly for interconnecting the hoisting crane and the craft or a load/cargo on the craft. The connector catch assembly includes: a connector body, and a connector catch having a funnel-shaped trap-cage, whereby one of the connector body and the connector catch is attached to the hoisting cable and the other of the connector body and the connector catch is attached to the craft or the load on the craft. A wide side of the funnel shaped trap-cage is directed toward the connector body on approaching one another, whereas an opposite narrow side of the funnel shaped trap-cage has the connector catch mounted therein for releasably holding the connector body.

A small craft includes a craft body, a propulsion device configured to propel the craft body, a position acquisition portion configured to acquire positional information about a trailer on which the craft body is loadable, and a controller configured to control the propulsion device on the basis of the positional information about the trailer acquired by the position acquisition portion during an operation for releasing the craft body from the trailer and/or an operation for attaching the craft body to the trailer.

A small craft includes a craft body, a propulsion device configured to propel the craft body, a position acquisition portion configured to acquire positional information about a trailer on which the craft body is loadable, and a controller configured to control the propulsion device on the basis of the positional information about the trailer acquired by the position acquisition portion during an operation for releasing the craft body from the trailer and/or an operation for attaching the craft body to the trailer.

A watercraft lift system including one or more laterally-adjustable components and a related method 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 or rotating components and related methods are disclosed. The watercraft lift system can include a cradle assembly and optionally at least one side guide, which can (but need not) be connected to the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can include first and second cradle rails. One or both of the first cradle rail and the at least one side guide can be movable between a wider watercraft-receiving position and a narrower watercraft-received position. In an example, 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 or rotational movement, for example, 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 or rotating components and related methods are disclosed. The watercraft lift system can include a cradle assembly and optionally at least one side guide, which can (but need not) be connected to the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can include first and second cradle rails. One or both of the first cradle rail and the at least one side guide can be movable between a wider watercraft-receiving position and a narrower watercraft-received position. In an example, 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 or rotational movement, for example, 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 blu water lift system for personal watercraft docking systems to raise and lower a personal watercraft into water and retain the personal watercraft for transport. The blu water lift system may be removably attached to boat and a remote activator can be used to manipulate a watercraft between an in-transport condition and a non-transport condition. The blu water lift system may include a carriage structure with a hull-resting plate, at least one carriage rail and at least one pivot mounting arm with at least one bracket assembly, attachment means, and electrically-operated actuator. The blu water lift assembly may be used to removably attach a frame and a carriage structure to a watercraft, operating the at least one pivot mounting arm and operating a loading ramp. Blu water lift systems may be made of corrosion-resistant materials to promote longevity in water-environments.

A blu water lift system for personal watercraft docking systems to raise and lower a personal watercraft into water and retain the personal watercraft for transport. The blu water lift system may be removably attached to boat and a remote activator can be used to manipulate a watercraft between an in-transport condition and a non-transport condition. The blu water lift system may include a carriage structure with a hull-resting plate, at least one carriage rail and at least one pivot mounting arm with at least one bracket assembly, attachment means, and electrically-operated actuator. The blu water lift assembly may be used to removably attach a frame and a carriage structure to a watercraft, operating the at least one pivot mounting arm and operating a loading ramp. Blu water lift systems may be made of corrosion-resistant materials to promote longevity in water-environments.