A locking mechanism for use on a ratchet assembly includes a ratchet assembly including a ratchet body, a ratchet axle, ratchet gears, and a ratchet handle, wherein the ratchet handle moves between a locked position and a released position; an aperture for receiving a drain plug; and a pin that extends through a throughhole in the ratchet body, wherein, when the handle is in the released position, the pin extends through the throughhole.

An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be configured to allow loading of a boat in the water for the purpose of removing the boat from the water using the enclosed boat trailer to engage the boat for storage and/or transportation. An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be comprised of a roller system positioned on the floor and a right and left rear arm adjacent a rear opening in the enclosed boat trailer. In an illustrative method of use, a boat operator may load and/or unload the boat into the water from the enclosed boat trailer without leaving the boat and without additional personnel.

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.

An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be configured to allow loading of a boat in the water for the purpose of removing the boat from the water using the enclosed boat trailer to engage the boat for storage and/or transportation. An illustrative embodiment of an enclosed boat trailer may be comprised of a roller system positioned on the floor and a right and left rear arm adjacent a rear opening in the enclosed boat trailer. In an illustrative method of use, a boat operator may load and/or unload the boat into the water from the enclosed boat trailer without leaving the boat and without additional personnel.

An adjustable tether system and method for operating same, the system comprises first and second straps movable connected together by a length adjustment device that adjusts the overall length of the system, first strap has one first strap end that supports a first attachment device and second first strap end fixedly attached to the length adjustment device, the second strap has one second strap end movably inserted into the length adjustment device and other second strap end supporting a second attachment device, wherein for one embodiment, the attachment device removably connects to a vehicle such as a boat while other second attachment device removably connects to an object that is not the vehicle.

A boat centering assembly includes a plate that is mountable to a respective vertical member of a side rail on a boat trailer and a nut that is bonded to the plate. A bolt is extendable through the plate and threadably engages the nut. The bolt is rotatable to extend a preferred distance toward a boat that is positioned on the boat trailer. A panel is coupled to the bolt having the panel being positioned between the respective vertical member of the side rail and the boat on the boat trailer. A block is removably attached to the panel and the block abuts the boat when the bolt is threaded through the nut. A cushioning material is wrappable around the block to contact the boat. The cushioning material is comprised of an abrasion resistant material to inhibit paint on the boat from being damaged by friction with the block.

A trailer frame constructed from a polymer that cannot rust or corrode. The trailer employs a support plate that reinforces an inner and outer wall forming beams that includes a matrix of crisscrossed support walls. A top deck is releasably secured to the frame allowing refinishing of the trailer should the deck be damaged without replacement of the frame. Alternatively the top deck can be a foundation for an enclosure, shield, fence or any other known securement structures.

A trailer mounted protection device (10) for protecting a vehicle (20) positioned on the trailer (18) from debris, the device including a first frame-enclosed panel (13A) and a second frame-enclosed panel (13B), each panel connected to the trailer (18), a first connecting assembly (40, 49A, 49B) for connecting a leading side (26A, 26B) of the frame (12A, 12B) of each panel (13A, 13B) to a forward part of the trailer (18), a second connecting assembly (71) for connecting a trailing side (28A, 28B) of the frame (12A, 12B) of each panel (13A, 13B) to a rearward part of the trailer (18), wherein at least one of the connecting assemblies is adjustable to enable connection of the device (10) to differently sized or differently shaped trailers.

A ramp restraint apparatus for a vehicle includes an elongate, rigid restraint bar having one end rotatably attached to the ramp and a free end having a notch and a roller at its tip. The restraint bar travels over a bar support on a lock/release assembly mounted to a vehicle bulkhead. The bar support is shaped at one end to receive the notch of the bar and hold the bar in place when the ramp is fully deployed. A release arm has a cam follower that pushes up on and releases the restraint bar when the release arm is rotated, allowing the ramp to close. When the ramp is fully closed, a storage bracket receives and holds the inboard end of the restraint bar.

The present invention is to a self-propelled boat launch and methods of operating components of the boat launch a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a partially submersible generally frame. The frame comprises a front frame unit and a modular carriage frame section, comprising at least one modular carnage frame. The boat launch is self-propelled with track assemblies driven by a hydraulic system powered by an engine assembly. The engine assembly is preferably mounted on top of the front frame unit. At least two track assemblies are in removable communication with a modular carriage frame. A track tensioner is provided for increased tension on a continuous track of the track assembly. A track cleaner is described for removal of foreign objects from at least one track assembly. Further, a method of operating the track tensioner is described. A method of operating the track cleaner is described.