Methods and apparatus for monitoring windlass rotation are provided to determine the real time rate and length of rode release when anchoring a boat. The rotation can be monitored in real time using directional sound and/or electromagnetic radiation receivers and/or transmitter in a module attached to the windlass. Another windlass module can monitor windlass rotation using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and/or inertial measurement units (IMU) to sense motion and/or position.

A line tensioner is disclosed. A winch has a winch drum with at least one groove over which a line is passed. The winch has a line tensioner assembly with a stationary cam surface and a plurality of line tensioners rotating with the winch drum. Each has a line gripping portion and a cam follower. The line gripping portion is brought into and out of contact with the line as the cam follower rides along at least a portion of the cam surface.

Novel techniques and equipment for anchoring a boat include sensing and measuring the real time rate and length of rode release based on detecting real time changes in the angular position of a windlass by computer vision using a portable computing device. Rode release is also detected using novel methods based on sensing sound, rode chain movement, and sensing acceleration and/or motion. The apparatus can include software operable to provide safe anchoring based on monitoring real times values of the rate and length of rode release, comparing these values to the speed and position of the boat, and providing local and remote status and alarm information to crew members.

A slide-out room system includes a motor-driven sheath with wound cables for extending and retracting the slide-out room. The cables and the sheath are configured such that rotation of the sheath in one direction displaces the cables to extend the room and such that rotation of the sheath in an opposite direction displaces the cables to retract the room.

Methods and apparatus for anchoring a boat are described. Novel methods provide means for sensing and measuring the real time rate and length of rode release based on detecting real time changes in the angular position of a windlass by computer vision using a portable computing device. Rode release is also detected using novel methods based on sensing sound, rode chain movement, and sensing acceleration and/or motion. The apparatus can include software operable to provide safe anchoring based on monitoring real times values of the rate and length of rode release, comparing these values to the speed and position of the boat, and providing local and remote status and alarm information to crew members.

A slide-out room system includes a motor-driven sheath with wound cables for extending and retracting the slide-out room. The cables and the sheath are configured such that rotation of the sheath in one direction displaces the cables to extend the room and such that rotation of the sheath in an opposite direction displaces the cables to retract the room.

A retractable warping winch with a supporting housing, adapted to be stably fixed to a deck of a vessel at an opening thereof, and a bell, including a base and a drum integral to each other. The bell is movably supported by the housing so that it can vertically shift therein between an extracted working position and a retracted rest position. The winch also includes a driving mechanism to rotate the bell, including a motor and a transmission. The driving mechanism includes a drive hub mounted in the housing. The base of the bell is mounted in the drive hub to be rotatably integral therewith and free to axially shift with respect thereto. The drive hub is mounted in the housing to be rotatably free and axially constrained thereto. The motor is mounted on the housing, externally and laterally thereto.

Methods and apparatus for monitoring windlass rotation are provided to determine the real time rate and length of rode release when anchoring a boat. The rotation can be monitored in real time using directional sound and/or electromagnetic radiation receivers and/or transmitter in a module attached to the windlass. Another windlass module can monitor windlass rotation using micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) components such as accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, and/or inertial measurement units (IMU) to sense motion and/or position.

A retractable warping winch with a supporting housing, adapted to be stably fixed to a deck of a vessel at an opening thereof, and a bell, including a base and a drum integral to each other. The bell is movably supported by the housing so that it can vertically shift therein between an extracted working position and a retracted rest position. The winch also includes a driving mechanism to rotate the bell, including a motor and a transmission. The driving mechanism includes a drive hub mounted in the housing. The base of the bell is mounted in the drive hub to be rotatably integral therewith and free to axially shift with respect thereto. The drive hub is mounted in the housing to be rotatably free and axially constrained thereto. The motor is mounted on the housing, externally and laterally thereto.

A portable hoisting device configured to be connected to a cable secured to a destination location for hoisting at least one person from a start location to the destination location is provided. The device includes a winch mechanism having a drum body shaped and adapted to have the cable wrap around the drum body. The winch mechanism is operable to selectively wrap the cable around the drum body. The device has a gear train operatively connected to the drum body and operable to engage the drum body in rotation, a motor operatively connected to the gear train, a control assembly operatively connected to the motor to control same, and a latching assembly adapted to enable a load to be connected to a component of the portable hoisting device, wherein the control assembly comprises a remote control configured to send signals to the motor remotely.