The present disclosure relates generally to knee braces for boats. The knee braces described herein are particularly suitable for use with lightweight, inflatable rafts and kayaks, for example packrafts used in backcountry boating. The knee braces include a fabric body and a plurality of adjustable straps configured to attach the fabric body to a side wall of the boat.

The collapsible water vessel is deployed as either a kayak or a canoe. The collapsible water vessel is portable and is stored as or in a backpack. The collapsible water vessel deploys with a bottom configuration selected from the group consisting of a normal bottom, a deep V bottom, and a flat bottom. The collapsible water vessel comprises an outer frame, one or more ribs, one or more seats, an outer shell, a flooring bladder, and a plurality of elastic cords. The outer shell provides a barrier between the interior of the collapsible water vessel and the water within which the collapsible water vessel is placed. The outer frame, the one or more ribs, the one or more seats, the flooring bladder, and the plurality of elastic cords form the physical structure upon which the outer shell attaches.

The present invention is method of reducing the longitudinal beam of a kayak in the area of a kayaker's paddle stroke by incorporating a cutaway section. The invention allows the paddle to be closer to the center of gravity of the kayak and thus produce more drive force and less wasted turning force. The paddler doesn't have to reach out so far to the side and therefore has a more comfortable and ergonomic stroke.

The present disclosure relates generally to knee braces for boats. The knee braces described herein are particularly suitable for use with lightweight, inflatable rafts and kayaks, for example packrafts used in backcountry boating. The knee braces include a fabric body and a plurality of adjustable straps configured to attach the fabric body to a side wall of the boat.

A bending method for an inflatable kayak bottom includes: step 1: cutting the fabric; step 2: sewing and locking; step 3: performing air seal installation in a hole zone; step 4: performing air seal installation around a drop stitch material and placing a nozzle; and step 5: bending into shape, the inflatable kayak bottom becoming airtight overall. In the present application, the drop stitch material of the kayak bottom is sewn and locked to make a deformable kayak bottom structure, which features low costs, easy use and high practicality.

A bending method for an inflatable kayak bottom includes: step 1: cutting the fabric; step 2: sewing and locking; step 3: performing air seal installation in a hole zone; step 4: performing air seal installation around a drop stitch material and placing a nozzle; and step 5: bending into shape, the inflatable kayak bottom becoming airtight overall. In the present application, the drop stitch material of the kayak bottom is sewn and locked to make a deformable kayak bottom structure, which features low costs, easy use and high practicality.

Packrafts are disclosed that include an inflatable, tubular packraft body having a bow, a stern, and a midsection, and a floor portion joined to the packraft body to define a central seating area. In these packrafts, the stern comprises a center panel joined to a pair of side panels such that the stern has a generally frustoconical shape. This stern shape provides the packraft with enhanced handling characteristics, particularly in whitewater.

A stand-alone modular removable rudder system for watercraft having a rudder comprising a steering handle coupled to a quick release mechanism adapted to releasably secure said steering handle to said watercraft in proximity to the operator, said system further comprising, a rudder mount adapted to be coupled to the rear of the watercraft by a quick release mechanism adapted to releasably secure said rudder mount to said watercraft, said rudder being carried by a rudder support pivotal about said rudder mount and cables operatively connecting said steering handle to said rudder mount whereby the steering handle can be operated to steer the rudder.

The present invention provides inflatable watercraft that are light weight, easily stowed in relatively small spaces and formed from inflatable drop stitch panels. A preferred watercraft is a boat having a bow, stern, keel and an open transom for self-bailing. A deck can be provided as a separate panel that is either permanently, or detachably, connected to freeboard sides of the watercraft. When connected, the deck provides a sitting area, and enhances the strength and rigidity of the watercraft by functioning like a deck beam. Optional features include a bucket held in place by, and fitted through, a hole in the deck panel. Preferred inflation pressures are between 2 and 25 p.s.i., and more preferably between 12 and 18 p.s.i.

The present invention provides inflatable watercraft that are light weight, easily stowed in relatively small spaces and formed from inflatable drop stitch panels. A preferred watercraft is a boat having a bow, stern, keel and an open transom for self-bailing. A deck can be provided as a separate panel that is either permanently, or detachably, connected to freeboard sides of the watercraft. When connected, the deck provides a sitting area, and enhances the strength and rigidity of the watercraft by functioning like a deck beam. Optional features include a bucket held in place by, and fitted through, a hole in the deck panel. Preferred inflation pressures are between 2 and 25 p.s.i., and more preferably between 12 and 18 p.s.i.