A dinghy has a hull with gunwales supporting a Bimini top. The Bimini top includes a primary bow supporting secondary and intermediate bows. A UV stabilized polyester Bimini canvas is supported on the bows by fore, aft, and intermediate sleeve portions. The underside of the Bimini canvas supports port and starboard buoyancy aid assemblies each comprising a bladder which is inflatable by an inflation mechanism and CO.sub.2 cartridge, and is maintained in its collapsed state by tape loop assemblies adjustable by hook-pile self-fastenings which are frangible on inflation. A protective cover is stitched to the Bimini canvas and is provided with hook-pile fastening means frangible on inflation. A toggle handle pulls a lanyard which passes into the primary bow to operate the mechanism to inflate the bladder.

A water vessel flotation system is disclosed comprising a plurality of inflatable bladders disposed within a vessel. In the event of capsizing or hull rupture, the bladders can be automatically inflated with compressed gas. Inflation of the bladders can be performed by one or more omni directional float triggered valves coupled between the compressed gas tanks and the bladders. Each valve is operated by a lever having a flexible link (e.g. a chain) attached to its end. The flexible link extends somewhat perpendicularly away from the lever end to pass through an eyelet at distal point. A float is attached to the flexible link after exiting the eyelet allowing the buoyant action of the float in any direction to cause the flexible link to be pulled toward the eyelet and thereby pulling the lever end and opening the valve.

Righting devices that provide foot and/or hand holds to allow users to manually right capsized watercraft. In some embodiments, each righting device is configured to be secured to a hull bottom so as to extend outwardly from the surface of the hull bottom. In some embodiments, each righting device includes at least one receptacle that is recessed relative to a hull bottom. Righting devices of the present disclosure may, for example, be retrofitted to existing hull bottoms. Righting devices of the present disclosure may be formed monolithically and integrally with hull bottoms during construction thereof. The present disclosure is also directed to methods of using righting devices of the present disclosure, as well as to kits that include one or more righting devices, installation instructions for locating and installing one or more righting devices, and/or use instructions describing how to use the righting device(s) to right a capsized watercraft.

Righting devices that provide foot and/or hand holds to allow users to manually right capsized watercraft. In some embodiments, each righting device is configured to be secured to a hull bottom so as to extend outwardly from the surface of the hull bottom. In some embodiments, each righting device includes at least one receptacle that is recessed relative to a hull bottom. Righting devices of the present disclosure may, for example, be retrofitted to existing hull bottoms. Righting devices of the present disclosure may be formed monolithically and integrally with hull bottoms during construction thereof. The present disclosure is also directed to methods of using righting devices of the present disclosure, as well as to kits that include one or more righting devices, installation instructions for locating and installing one or more righting devices, and/or use instructions describing how to use the righting device(s) to right a capsized watercraft.

A remote control boat that includes a self-righting apparatus adapted to right the boat after it has capsized. In some embodiments, a weighted coupler is attached to the motor output shaft and the drive shaft to prevent the drive shaft from moving for a period of time after the motor is turned on. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a set screw configuration. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a collet-type configuration.

A remote control boat that includes a self-righting apparatus adapted to right the boat after it has capsized. In some embodiments, a weighted coupler is attached to the motor output shaft and the drive shaft to prevent the drive shaft from moving for a period of time after the motor is turned on. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a set screw configuration. In some embodiments, one or more components may be attached to the weighted coupler by a collet-type configuration.

An apparatus and method for control of at least one of a plurality of semiautonomous marine vessels are provided. The system includes a control station with a communications system for network communication with marine vessels, and provides diagnostics and control for control and monitoring of the marine vessels, according to a mission plan.

An apparatus and method for control of at least one of a plurality of semiautonomous marine vessels are provided. The system includes a control station with a communications system for network communication with marine vessels, and provides diagnostics and control for control and monitoring of the marine vessels, according to a mission plan.