A watercraft comprising: a first section; a second section; and a connecting element joining the first section to the second section, wherein the connecting element has a first unextended state and a second extended state, and wherein the connecting element can be moved between the first and second states to alter the relative positions of the first and second sections.

A cover system for a boat includes a bimini frame securable to the boat and displaceable among an open position, a storage position, and a cover position. A flexible top is coupled with the bimini frame, and a cover is positionable over the bimini frame with the bimini frame in the cover position. The bimini frame thus functions as a support structure for a mooring or trailering cover. With the described bimini frame, one cover size can fit multiple seating and deck configurations without the need for a separate cover design for the various configurations.

According to embodiments described in the specification, a pumping system for use in a tailings pond is provided. The pumping system comprises a pump support and at least one mooring element coupled to the pump support. The at least one mooring element has an extended position for fixing the pump support to a bed of the tailings pond, and a retracted position for permitting movement of the pump support towards a shore of the tailings pond. The at least one mooring element is configured for transitioning from the extended position to the retracted position when a distance from the shore to the pump support exceeds a threshold as a result of a change to tailings pond geometry, and for returning to the extended position following movement of the pump support to reduce the distance below the threshold.

A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.

A trolling motor assembly includes a base and an attached cradle. A transmission housing is coupled to the base by a pivot pin defining an axis about which the transmission housing pivots. A shaft is supported by the transmission housing and moves relative to the transmission housing in a direction which is parallel to a central axis of the shaft. The shaft is also rotatable with respect to the transmission housing about the central axis. A thrust motor is attached to and moves and rotates with the shaft. The assembly is movable from a deployed position, in which the shaft central axis is aligned vertically, the transmission housing is locked in an upright position, and the thrust motor is below water, to a stowed position, in which the shaft central axis is aligned horizontally, the transmission housing is pivoted onto its side, and the thrust motor rests in the cradle.

According to embodiments described in the specification, a pumping system for use in a tailings pond is provided. The pumping system comprises a pump support and at least one mooring element coupled to the pump support. The at least one mooring element has an extended position for fixing the pump support to a bed of the tailings pond, and a retracted position for permitting movement of the pump support towards a shore of the tailings pond. The at least one mooring element is configured for transitioning from the extended position to the retracted position when a distance from the shore to the pump support exceeds a threshold as a result of a change to tailings pond geometry, and for returning to the extended position following movement of the pump support to reduce the distance below the threshold.

A cover system for a boat includes a bimini frame securable to the boat and displaceable among an open position, a storage position, and a cover position. A flexible top is coupled with the bimini frame, and a cover is positionable over the bimini frame with the bimini frame in the cover position. The bimini frame thus functions as a support structure for a mooring or trailering cover. With the described bimini frame, one cover size can fit multiple seating and deck configurations without the need for a separate cover design for the various configurations.

A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.