Flow modifiers are positioned at one or more discrete points along the underside of a boat hull to generate secondary wakes that interfere with the primary wake generated by the boat hull and result in a desired modified wake useful for various watersports. The flow modifiers are formed integrally with the boat hull or affixed thereto, and can be selectively extendable and retractable relative thereto.

The present disclosure provides apparatus and methods that improves the speed, functionality, and safety of wakeboat ballasting operations. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a hydraulic pump, mechanically driven by the engine; a hydraulic motor, powered by the hydraulic pump; a ballast compartment; and a ballast pump, powered by the hydraulic motor. A ballasting apparatus for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast compartment; and a hydraulic ballast pump, the ballast pump configured to be powered by the engine, the ballast outlet and/or inlet of the ballast pump connected to the ballast compartment, the ballast pump configured to pump ballast in and/or out of the ballast compartment. A ballast pump priming system for wakeboats is provided, comprising a wakeboat with a hull and an engine; a ballast pump on the wakeboat; a fitting on the ballast pump which permits water to be introduced into the housing of the ballast pump; and a source of pressurized water, the pressurized water being fluidly connected to the fitting, the pressurized water thus flowing into the housing of the ballast pump.

A water sports board is provided to be attached to the chest of a rider and allow the rider to hold onto a tow line of a powered watercraft and be pulled across water thus riding on the board. The water sports board is strapped to the rider utilizing an integrated harness system consisting of shoulder straps that cross the back of the rider (over a flotation device such as a life vest) and attaches to the board near the waist of the rider. The bottom of the water sports board includes a fin, ribs and water directing channels for allowing the rider to maneuver the board, and a water deflector positioned at or near the front of the board for purpose of deflecting water from spraying onto the face of the rider.

A wake generating apparatus may include a frame. The frame may support at least one pair of fins. The frame may include a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus may allow for the frame to removably mount to a transom of a watercraft. The frame may support the fins such that the fins extend approximately below and behind a stern of the watercraft. The fins may be positioned to generate a wake when the watercraft is cruising in the water.

A waterproof apparatus including a waterproof enclosure including electronic circuitry, a solar panel and a keypad. The electronic circuitry is configured to communicate data wirelessly when pressure is applied to the keypad. The waterproof apparatus may be mounted to watersport equipment, such as a surfboard, kiteboard, kayak, wind surfer jet ski, paddle board, or a wakeboard.

A recreational sport boat includes a hull having starboard and port sides and a transom, a generally horizontal platform, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. The generally horizontal platform extends aft of the transom and is configured to support a human weighing at least 100 lbs. on an upper surface thereof. The pair of wake-modifying devices are attached to the platform. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the platform's centerline, and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the platform's centerline. Each wake-modifying device is moveable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position in which the wake-modifying device is angled downwardly at an angle relative to the top surface of the generally horizontal platform.

A recreational sport boat includes a hull, having starboard and port sides and a transom, and a pair of wake-modifying devices positioned aft of the transom. One of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a port side of the boat's centerline and another of the wake-modifying devices is positioned on a starboard side of the boat's centerline. Each wake-modifying device includes a plate-like member and at least one downturned surface at a trailing portion of the plate-like member. Each wake-modifying device is pivotable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position about a pivot axis that is horizontal or inclined no more than about 35 from horizontal. When a wake-modifying device is in the deployed position, the downturned surface is lower than it is in the non-deployed position so as to be able to modify the boat's wake.

A water ski launch device for use with a boat. The water ski launch device includes a launch tube having an L-shaped configuration, a first end, a second end, and a hollow interior volume. A winch is secured to the launch tube, wherein a cable is wound on the winch and extends through the interior of the launch tube. The cable passes through the second end of the launch tube and includes a handle on an end thereof. The first end of the launch tube is affixed to a launch base, wherein the launch base can be removably connected to the swim step at the rear of a boat. A launch tray is pivotally secured to the launch base and a user can position his or her water skis thereon so that the user can stabilize himself in an upright position in order to begin water skiing.

An assembly and method for the use of a float in a pool. The assembly provides a stable platform to place food, drink, and decorations. Additionally, the assembly reduces the number of small animals drowning or dying in a pool by providing a stable platform in which to climb onto to get out of the water. The assembly includes a foam float, tether, and anchor. The anchor and tether confine the area the float can travel. The anchor is attached to the pool wall, eliminating a tripping hazard next to the pool.

A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick ups that are mounted on a boat controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.