BOAT AND STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT THEREFOR

Abstract

A support for inclusion internally within a plastic boat body to structurally reinforce the plastic boat body is provided. The support may comprise a support plate and a support brace. Also provided is a reinforced component for a plastic boat body, comprising an interior support; and one or more plastic exterior walls. Plastic boats comprising supports and reinforced components are also provided. Further provided are associated kits, systems, and methods.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A reinforced, resiliently flexible transom for a plastic boat body, the reinforced transom comprising a metallic support; and two plastic walls, wherein the metallic support extends internally between the two plastic walls to structurally support the walls.

3. The reinforced transom of claim 2, wherein the plastic of the walls comprises polyethylene and/or polypropylene.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. The reinforced transom of claim 2, wherein the support comprises a metallic support plate and a metallic support brace.

7. The reinforced transom of claim 6, wherein the support plate is adjacent a rear wall of the reinforced transom and the support brace is adjacent a frontwall of the reinforced component.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. The reinforced transom of claim 2, wherein the metallic support comprises aluminium or an aluminium alloy.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. The reinforced transom of claim 6, wherein the support plate is a substantially rectangular support plate.

14. (canceled)

15. The reinforced transom of claim 6, wherein the support plate comprises a plurality of structural apertures.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. The reinforced transom of claim 6, wherein the support brace is an elongated bracket positioned towards an upper edge of the support plate, extending between respective side edges of the support plate, and projecting laterally from the support plate.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. A plastic boat body comprising the reinforced transom of claim 1.

25. (canceled)

26. The boat body of claim 24, wherein the plastic of the boat body comprises polyethylene and/or polypropylene.

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. The boat body of claim 24, comprising attachment components for connection of accessories to the boat body, wherein the attachment components comprise threaded inserts.

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. A kit comprising the boat body of claim 24; and one or more accessories for connection to the boat body.

33. The kit of claim 32, wherein the one or more accessories are selected from a davit connector; a wheel; and a boat motor.

34. A system comprising the boat body of claim 24, and a motor attached to the boat body.

35. A method of manufacturing a reinforced, resiliently flexible transom for a plastic boat body, including a step of placing a metallic support internally between two plastic walls, wherein the support extends between the two plastic walls to structurally support the walls to thereby manufacture the reinforced component.

36. A reinforced, resiliently flexible transom manufactured according to the method of claim 35.

37. A method of manufacturing a plastic boat body, including a step of incorporating a reinforced, resiliently flexible transom into the boat body, the reinforced transom comprising a metallic support extending internally between two plastic walls to structurally support the plastic walls, to thereby manufacture the plastic boat body.

38. (canceled)

39. The method of claim 37, wherein plastic of the boat body comprises polyethylene and/or polypropylene.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the plastic of the boat body comprises LLDPE and/or HDPE.

41. A boat body manufactured according to the method of claim 37.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to typical embodiments illustrated in the drawings, wherein:

[0065] FIG. 1 sets forth a front perspective view of an embodiment of a support for inclusion internally within a plastic boat body, according to an aspect of the invention.

[0066] FIG. 2 sets forth a rear perspective view of the support of FIG. 1. Breadth (b) and height (h) dimensions of the support are shown with dashed lines.

[0067] FIG. 3 sets forth a front perspective view of the position of the support within a reinforced transom. For illustrative purposes, exterior walls of the reinforced transom are rendered as dashed lines.

[0068] FIG. 4 sets a front perspective view of an embodiment of a reinforced transom of a boat body, according to an aspect of the invention. For illustrative purposes, the position of an interior support within the reinforced transom is shown by translucent rendering of exterior walls of the reinforced transom.

[0069] FIG. 5 sets a rear perspective view of the reinforced transom of FIG. 4. For illustrative purposes, the position of an interior support within the reinforced transom is shown by translucent rendering of exterior walls of the reinforced transom.

[0070] FIG. 6 sets forth an upper perspective view of an embodiment of a boat body, according to an aspect of the invention

[0071] FIG. 7 sets forth a lower perspective view of the boat body of FIG. 6.

[0072] FIG. 8 sets forth a top view of the boat body of FIG. 6.

[0073] FIG. 9 sets forth a bottom view of the boat body of FIG. 6. Length (L) and breadth (B) dimensions of the boat body are shown with dashed lines.

[0074] FIG. 10 sets forth a front view of the boat body of FIG. 6. A height (H) dimension of the boat body is shown with a dashed line.

[0075] FIG. 11 sets forth a rear view of the boat body of FIG. 6.

[0076] FIG. 12 sets forth a side view of the boat body of FIG. 6.

[0077] FIG. 13 sets forth a longitudinal section of the boat body of FIG. 6. Regions that may be filled with foam for buoyancy are shown with diagonal lines.

[0078] FIG. 14 sets forth a partial longitudinal section of a rear portion of the boat body of FIG. 6, showing the position of a support within the transom of the boat body. Regions that may be filled with foam for buoyancy are shown with diagonal lines.

[0079] FIG. 15 sets forth a transverse section near to the rear of the boat body of FIG. 6. Regions that may be filled with foam for buoyancy are shown with diagonal lines.

[0080] FIG. 16 sets forth a transverse section towards the front of the boat body of FIG. 6, relative to the section position as per FIG. 15. Regions that may be filled with foam for buoyancy are shown with diagonal lines.

[0081] FIG. 17 sets forth a transverse section towards the front of the boat body of FIG. 6, relative to the section position as per FIG. 16. Regions that may be filled with foam for buoyancy are shown with diagonal lines.

[0082] FIG. 18 sets forth a transverse section towards the front of the boat body of FIG. 6, relative to the section position as per FIG. 17. Regions that may be filled with foam for buoyancy are shown with diagonal lines.

[0083] FIG. 19 sets forth a top view of the boat body of FIG. 6, with removable components removed.

[0084] FIG. 20 sets forth front and rear exploded views of the boat body of FIG. 6.

[0085] FIG. 21 sets forth a front perspective view of the boat body of FIG. 6 fitted with a boat motor.

[0086] FIG. 22 sets forth a side perspective view of another embodiment of a boat body according to an aspect of the invention, with removable components removed.

[0087] FIG. 23 sets forth a rear perspective view of the boat body of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a support, support 100, for inclusion internally within a plastic boat body. Support 100 is particularly adapted for inclusion internally within a transom of a plastic boat body, as depicted in FIGS. 3-5.

[0089] Support 100 comprises support body 101. Support body 101 comprises support plate 110; and support brace 120.

[0090] Support plate 110 of support body 101 is a substantially rectangular support plate, comprising first support plate face 111; second support plate face 112; first longer edge 113; second longer edge 114; first shorter edge 115; and second shorter edge 116. First longer edge 113 of support plate 110 comprises central indented section 1131 located between respective outer sections 1132.

[0091] A plurality of substantially circular structural apertures 117 extend through support plate 110 from first support plate face 111 to second support plate face 112. More specifically, support plate 100 comprises twenty-seven structural apertures 117, in a three by nine arrangement.

[0092] Support plate 110 further comprises a plurality of substantially circular connection apertures 118. More specifically, support plate 110 comprises four connection apertures 118, with two larger connection apertures 118A flanking two smaller connection apertures 118B.

[0093] Support brace 120 of support body 101 is an elongated bracket comprising first support brace portion 121; and second support brace portion 122. Each of first support brace portion 121 and second support brace portion 122 is substantially rectangular. Respective edges of first support brace portion 121 and second support brace portion 122 are rigidly joined.

[0094] Support brace 120 is rigidly joined with first support plate face 111 by an edge of first support brace portion 121. First support brace portion 121 of support brace 120 extends substantially perpendicularly to support plate 110. Second support brace portion 122 extends substantially parallel to support plate 110.

[0095] Support body 101 comprises aluminium. More specifically, support plate 110 and support brace 120 are formed from marine grade aluminium alloy. Typically, the marine grade aluminium alloy is selected from 5083, 5052, and 5051 aluminium alloy. As depicted, the thickness of aluminium alloy of support plate 110 is 6 mm; and the thickness of the aluminium alloy for support brace 120 is 4 mm.

[0096] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate reinforced component 200, for incorporation as part of a plastic boat body. More specifically, reinforced component 200 forms part of a transom of a plastic boat body.

[0097] Reinforced component 200 comprises interior support 210; exterior walls 220; bridging portion 230; and reinforced component guards 240.

[0098] Interior support 210 of reinforced component 200 is in the form of support 100, hereinabove described.

[0099] Exterior walls 220 of reinforced component 200 comprise first exterior wall 221; and second exterior wall 222. First exterior wall 221 is of an outer transom wall to be positioned away from interior space of a boat. Second exterior wall 222 is of an inner transom wall to be positioned towards interior space of a boat. First exterior wall 221 and second exterior wall 222 are joined by bridging portion 230.

[0100] Exterior walls 220 and bridging portion 230 of reinforced component 200 are formed from plastic. More specifically, exterior walls 220 and bridging portion 230 are formed from marine grade polyethylene. Typically, the marine grade polyethylene is linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0101] Reinforced component guards 240 of reinforced component 200 comprise first reinforced component guard 241; and second reinforced component guard 242. Reinforced component guards 240 are substantially U-shaped plates, comprising respective longer edges 2411 and 2421. Reinforced component guards 240 are typically formed from marine grade polypropylene. However, the material used for reinforced component guards 240 can be varied as desired. By way of non-limiting example, other plastic materials such as polyethylene or nylon, and metallic materials such as aluminium, may also be suitable.

[0102] Interior support 210, in the form of support 100, is located internally within reinforced component 200, bordered by exterior walls 220 and bridging portion 230. First support plate face 111 of support 100 is positioned adjacent first exterior wall 221; second support brace portion 122 of support 100 is positioned adjacent second exterior wall 222; and first longer edge 113 of support 100 is positioned adjacent bridging portion 230.

[0103] Reinforced component guards 240 are attached externally to exterior walls 220 of reinforced component 200, such as by screws and/or chemical adhesive or the like. First reinforced component guard 241 is attached externally to first exterior wall 221; and second reinforced component guard 242 is attached externally to second exterior wall 222. Respective longer edges 2411 and 2421 of reinforced component guards 241 and 242 are substantially aligned with outer sections 1132 of first longer edge 113 of support plate 110 and extend substantially across regions corresponding to central indented section 1131 of support plate 110.

[0104] FIGS. 6-21 illustrate a plastic boat body, boat body 50. Boat body 50 has a general form that may be described, in non-limiting terms, as that of a dinghy, or dinghy-like. Boat body 50 comprises stern 51; bow 52; and hull 53.

[0105] Stern 51 of boat body 50 comprises transom 511; legs 512; and stern brace 513.

[0106] Transom 511 of stern 51 comprises reinforced component 200 hereinabove described (reinforced component guards 240 not shown). The position of interior support 210 (in the form of support 100) of reinforced component 200 within transom 511 of boat body 50 is shown in FIG. 14. Transom 511 further comprises drainage ports 5111, best seen in FIGS. 7 and 11.

[0107] As best seen in FIG. 8, legs 512 of stern 51 comprise foot portions 5121. As best seen in FIG. 7, legs 512 flank transom 511, projecting outwards therefrom.

[0108] As best seen in FIG. 6, stern brace 513 of stern 51 comprises walls extending substantially perpendicularly from an interior face of stern 51. Stern brace 513 extends substantially along a central longitudinal axis of boat body 50.

[0109] As best seen in FIG. 12, bow 52 of boat body 50 comprises handle 521. Handle 521 comprises grip aperture 5211 having a flattened oval shape; and tie aperture 5212 having a substantially circular shape. Handle 521 is integrally formed within bow 52.

[0110] As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, hull 53 of boat body 50 comprises interior space 531; boat bottom 532; and gunwale 533.

[0111] Boat body 50 further comprises a plurality of attachment components 5000. Attachment components 5000 comprise metallic threaded inserts moulded within boat body 50, typically M6 (M6 x 1) or M8 (M8 x 1 or M8 x 1.25) threaded inserts. Typically, threaded inserts of attachment components 5000 comprise brass or stainless steel.

[0112] Attachment components 5000 of boat body 50 include stern attachment components 5001, best seen in FIGS. 8 and 11; and gunwale attachment components 5003, best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8.

[0113] As best seen in FIG. 20, boat body 50 further comprises a plurality of removable components 5500. Removable components 5500 include removable deck cover 5501; removable bench cover 5502; removable bow cover 5503; removable seat base 5504; and removable seat cover 5505.

[0114] Boat body 50 typically comprises a foam-filled double skin structure, such foam-filled double skinned structures being known, in general terms, in the art. Regions wherein foam is typically placed within boat body 50 are indicated with diagonal lines in FIGS. 13-18.

[0115] Typically, skins of boat body 50 are formed from marine grade polyethylene. Typically, the marine grade polyethylene is LLDPE and/or HDPE. Typically, foam of foam-filled boat body 50 is foamed plastic, such as polyethylene foam or polyurethane foam, although without limitation thereto.

[0116] In one typical embodiment, which may be referred to herein as the `3 m embodiment, boat body 50 has parameters, best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, as follows: length (L) ~ 3 m; breadth (B) ~1.5 m; height (H) ~ 0.6 m. For the 3 m embodiment, typical parameters, best seen in FIG. 2, of support 100 are as follows: breadth (b) ~ 0.3 m; height (h) ~ 0.1 m.

[0117] Various advantages of, and alternatives to, typical embodiments of aspects of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example.

[0118] Generally, support 100, and reinforced component 200 comprising support 100, are considered advantageous for strengthening and/or stabilising a plastic boat body.

[0119] The construction of support 100 from aluminium or aluminium alloy is considered particularly advantageous in the context of strengthening and stabilising plastic boat bodies. Aluminium and alloys thereof typically offer properties that are desirable in the context of the invention, for example, in respect of resilience and strength to weight ratio. Aluminium of a thickness of between about 3 mm and about 9 mm, including about 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 mm, is considered particularly desirable for forming support plate 110 and/or support brace 120 of support 100 as described herein.

[0120] However, it will be appreciated that support 100 need not necessarily be formed from aluminium or an aluminium alloy. In alternative embodiments, support 100 may be formed using other materials, inclusive of other metals, such as stainless steel; reinforced plastics, such as fibreglass and carbon fibre reinforced plastics; and synthetic fibre materials such as aramids, e.g. Kevlar and Technora.

[0121] The skilled person will appreciate that the transom of a boat is a key structural area that is subject to substantial force from water in use. Furthermore, the transom is a typical point of attachment for boat motors, and force applied to the transom when a plastic boat is powered by attachment of a motor thereto is increased very significantly. For durability, the transom of a plastic boat to which a motor is to be attached should be capable of resilient flexing under strong force over large numbers of cycles (e.g. thousands of flexing cycles) during the life of the plastic boat.

[0122] Advantageously, support 100 and reinforced component 200 are particularly adapted for inclusion as part of a transom of a plastic boat body. Support 100 and reinforced component 200 are particularly well-adapted to facilitate durable resilient flexing of plastic boat bodies, such as boat body 50, including flexing of a transom when powered by a motor attached to the transom.

[0123] One embodiment of a system according to an aspect of the invention, system 60, comprising a plastic boat body fitted with a boat motor, is depicted in FIG. 21. System 60 comprises boat body 50 fitted with boat motor 600, which may be of a capacity of up to about 200 horsepower (hp), as discussed further hereinbelow. Advantageously, use of reinforced component 200 comprising support 100 as part of boat body 50 may facilitate use of a larger capacity boat motor with boat body 50 as per system 60, as compared to a typical plastic boat body.

[0124] Although shape and configuration of support 100 and reinforced component 200 are adapted to form part of transom 511 of boat body 50, it will be appreciated that inserts and reinforced components according to aspects of the invention can be readily modified to suit various transom and/or stern shapes or designs. That is, although plastic boat 50 is considered particularly well-adapted to be enhanced by inclusion of support 100 and/or reinforced component 200, support 100 and/or reinforced component 200, or modifications thereof, can be used with plastic boats other than plastic boat 50.

[0125] It will be further appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, supports and reinforced components according to aspects of the present invention may be adapted for use in other areas of plastic boat bodies. By way of non-limiting example, supports and reinforced components could be adapted to provide strength and/or stability to the bow of a plastic boat body, such as bow 52 of boat body 50.

[0126] As described herein, support 100 is adapted for internal inclusion within reinforced component 200. Inclusion of support 100 entirely internally within reinforced component 200 is considered advantageous in the context of aspects of the current invention. By way of non-limiting example, internal inclusion of support 100 may be advantageous for structural integrity of reinforced components comprising support 100, and/or for enhancing the ability of support 100 and exterior walls 220 to resiliently flex as a unit.

[0127] Another advantage of internal inclusion of support 100 within reinforced component 200 is that this arrangement can prevent, or at least constrain, exposure of support 100 from elements which may lead to degradation of support 100 in use. For example, internal inclusion of support 100 within reinforced component 200 can prevent or constrain exposure of support 100 to water, air, excess heat, and/or mechanical stress by direct contact.

[0128] However, it will be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, part of a support as described herein may be located outside of a reinforced component as described herein. By way of non-limiting example, a support may include an internal portion within the transom, and an external portion extending over part of an external wall of the transom.

[0129] The arrangement of plate 110 and brace 120 within support 100 is considered particularly advantageous for optimal reinforcement of a transom of a plastic boat body. In one alternative embodiment (not shown), brace 120 or a further component of support 100 may extend into a stern brace of a plastic boat body, such as stern brace 513 of boat body 50.

[0130] In another alternative embodiments of support 100, brace 120 may be excluded; and/or one or more braces, such as vertical braces, e.g. extending between first longer edge 113 and second longer edge 114 of support 100, may be included.

[0131] The arrangement of structural apertures 117 of support 100 is considered advantageous to increase resilient flexing capacity and/or strength to weight ratio of support 100. In particular, use of substantially evenly spaced apertures occupying at least 20%, such as at least: 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, and 65%, of an area defined by a face (e.g. first support plate face 111) of a support as described herein is considered particularly advantageous.

[0132] However, it will be understood that size, number, and/or position of structural apertures 117 may be varied. In some alternative embodiments, structural apertures 117 may be excluded.

[0133] Connection apertures 118 are considered advantageous to allow for stable positioning of support 100 within reinforced component 200 during moulding. By way of elaboration, internal projections (not shown) from exterior walls (such as exterior wall 221 and/or exterior wall 222) can be placed through connection apertures (such as connection apertures 118A and/or 118B) to hold support 100 in place during moulding to form reinforced component 200.

[0134] However, it will be understood that the size, number, and/or position of connection apertures 118 may be varied. In some alternative embodiments, connection apertures 118 may be excluded.

[0135] As depicted, surfaces of support 100, including surfaces of support plate 110 and support brace 120, are substantially smooth. In alternative embodiments, at least some surfaces of supports as described herein, such as support 100, may be roughened. Roughened support surface may be desirable for holding the support in place during and/or after moulding into a reinforced component, such as reinforced component 200.

[0136] Use of LLDPE and/or HDPE to form boat body 50 as herein described is considered advantageous in the context of the current invention. Physical properties of LLDPE and HDPE, e.g. resilience, durability, and flexibility, are considered well-suited to enhancement by inclusion of support 100 and/or reinforced component 200.

[0137] However, in alternative embodiments, other plastics may be suitable. By of non-limiting example, polyolefins more generally, such as polyethylene varieties other than LLDPE and HDPE, and polypropylene varieties inclusive of homopolymer, random copolymer and block copolymer polypropylene varieties, may have suitable properties for use to form boat body 50.

[0138] It will be further appreciated that, plastic boat bodies as described herein, such as boat body 50, may include minor amounts of non-plastic material. In embodiments, plastic boat bodies as described herein include less than 20% non-plastic materials, including 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, and 1% or less non-plastic materials.

[0139] Although not typical, some alternative embodiments of boat body 50 may be formed primarily from non-plastic materials.

[0140] Shape and configuration properties of boat body 50 as described herein are also considered advantageous to facilitate enhancement (e.g. in respect of strength and/or resilient flexing properties) by inclusion of support 100 and/or reinforced component 200.

[0141] For example, the shape and configuration of stern 51, wherein transom 511 comprising reinforced component 200 is bordered by legs 512, is considered advantageous for providing particularly desirable strength and rigidity when reinforced component 200 is present. Legs 512 are typically formed from solid plastic, and the bulk of solid plastic of legs 512 may assist in this respect.

[0142] Inclusion of stern brace 513 of boat body 50 is also considered advantageous for providing particularly desirable strength and rigidity when reinforced component 200 is present.

[0143] However, it will be appreciated that supports and reinforced components as described herein are general applicable (with suitable modification, as appropriate) to a variety of plastic boat bodies.

[0144] As set out hereinabove, an embodiment of boat body 50, which may be referred to as the 3 m embodiment, has parameters of length ~ 3 m; breadth ∼ 1.5 m; height ~ 0.6 m. More generally, it will be understood that boat body 50 has a ratio of length (L): breadth (B): to height (H) of about 10: 5: 2.

[0145] It will be appreciated that other embodiments of boat body 50 may, although need not necessarily, have approximately the same L: B: H ratio, on different scales. By way of non-limiting example, a 2.5 m embodiment of boat body 50 may have L: B: H of ~ 2.5 m: ~ 1.25 m: ~ 0.5 m; a 4 m embodiment of boat body 50 may have L: B: H of ~ 4 m: ~ 2 m: ~ 0.8 m; a 5 m embodiment of boat body 50 may have L: B: H of ~ 5 m: ~2.5 m: ~ 1 m; and a 7 m embodiment of boat body 50 may have L: B: H of ~ 7 m: ~ 3.5 m: ~ 1.4 m.

[0146] Generally, larger scale embodiments of boat body 50 will be suitable for use with larger size boat motors, e.g. as per system 60. By way of elaboration, it is considered that 2.5 m embodiments of boat body 50 are particularly well-suited to use with boat motors of up to about 10 horsepower (hp) or 50 kilograms (kg); 3 m embodiments of boat body 50 are particularly well-suited to use with boat motors of up to about 15 hp or 75 kg; 4 m embodiments of boat body 50 are particularly well-suited to use with boat motors of up to about 50 hp or 150 kg; and 7 m embodiments of boat body 50 are particularly well-suited to use with boat motors of up to about 200 hp or 300 kg.

[0147] As set out hereinabove, for 3 m embodiments of boat body 50, typical parameters of support 100 are as follows: breadth ~ 0.3 m; height ~ 0.1 m. It will be understood that boat body 50 comprising support 100 has a ratio of boat body breadth (B): support breadth (b) of about 3: 1; and a ratio of boat body height (H): support height (h) of about 6: 1.

[0148] More generally, it is considered advantageous for embodiments of boat body 50 to have ratios of boat body breadth (B): support breadth (b) of between about 1.5: 1 to about 6: 1, including about: 2: 1, 3: 1, 4: 1, and 5: 1. Additionally, it is considered advantageous for embodiments of boat body 50 to have ratios of boat body height (H): support height (h) of about 3: 1 to about 12: 1, including about 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1; 7: 1, 8: 1, 9: 1, and 10: 1.

[0149] Inclusion of integrally formed handle 521 in bow 52 of boat body 50 is considered particularly advantageous in the context of the current invention. It will be appreciated that placement of a handle at the bow of a plastic boat body allows for relatively efficient movement of the boat body by pulling by a user.

[0150] Side handles are used in some plastic boats, which can be effective for lifting a plastic boat. However, for plastic boats such as comprising boat body 50 fitted with a relatively substantial motor, side handles are typically ineffective. In contrast, an integrally formed handle, such as handle 521 can allow for effective pulling of a boat body with a motor attached, such as per system 60 described herein.

[0151] As noted above, the inclusion of reinforced component 200 as part of boat body 50 allows for use of a relatively heavy motor with boat body 50, such as per system 60. The strength, e.g. as compared to an attached handle, and placement of integrally formed handle 521 is considered particularly advantageous for pulling of system 60, such as from shallows onto beach. This can be particularly the case if wheels, such as transom dinghy wheels, are attached to boat body 50 of system 60.

[0152] The arrangement of handle 521 comprising grip aperture 5211 and tie aperture 5212 is also considered particularly desirable. Grip aperture 5211 is particularly adapted for gripping by a user, such as when pulling boat body 50 and/or system 60. Tie aperture 5211 is particularly adapted for tie-off of boat body 50 and/or system 60, such as using rope or a metal shackle.

[0153] It will be appreciated, however, that the particular arrangement of integrally formed handle 521 can be varied as desired.

[0154] Attachment components 5000 of boat body 50 are also considered particularly advantageous in the context of aspects of the current invention. Incorporation of a plurality of moulded threaded inserts within the stern (e.g. attachment components 5001) and gunwale (e.g. attachment components 5003) of a plastic boat as described herein allows for efficient connection of a range of accessories, without the need for modification (such as cutting) of boat body 50, as is often required for plastic boats.

[0155] Attachments component in the form of a plurality of moulded threaded inserts 5000 can also offer advantages in respect of strength for attachment. This may be particularly advantageous in the context of aspects of the current invention. By way of non-limiting example, use of a davit may be desirable for lifting of boat bodies and systems as described herein, particularly boat bodies fitted with relatively heavy boat motors, such as system 60. The arrangement of attachment components 5000 as described herein, including attachment components 5003 at various locations across gunwale 533, is considered particularly advantageous for connection of a davit to lift boat bodies and systems as described herein.

[0156] The inclusion of stern attachment components 5001 for boat body 50 is also considered advantageous. For example, the strength of moulded inserts 5001 provide for durable connection of wheels to boat body 50, such as transom dinghy wheels and the like, as are known in the art. Use of transom dinghy wheels connected to moulded inserts 5001 can be particularly advantageous when pulling a system such as system 60 herein described, wherein boat body 50 is fitted with a relatively heavy boat motor 600.

[0157] As set out hereinabove, attachment components 5000 typically comprise metallic M6 or M8 threaded inserts. The use of metallic inserts, such as stainless steel or brass, is considered advantageous for strength and/or durability. Additionally, M6 or M8 threading is considered desirable as this threading type is commonly in use for accessories suitable for attachment to boat body 50, such as transom dinghy wheels.

[0158] However, it will be appreciated that other materials and/or thread parameters can be used for attachment components 5000, as desired. By way of non-limiting example, in alternative embodiments, threading formed from other metals, such as aluminium; plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene (including by direct moulding of boat body 50; reinforced plastic, such as fibreglass and carbon fibre reinforced plastics; and synthetic fibre materials such as aramids, e.g. Kevlar and Technora, may be suitable. A range of thread parameters including both metric and imperial thread sizes, may also be suitable.

[0159] It will also be readily appreciated that the number and location of attachment components within boat bodies, such as boat body 50, can be varied. By way of example, FIGS. 22 and 23 set out a further embodiment of boat body 50, wherein additional attachment components 5000, including gunwale attachment components 5003 and stern attachment components 5001, and further attachment components on the floor, lateral rails, and stern brace, are incorporated, relative to the embodiment of boat body 50 illustrated in FIGS. 6-21.

[0160] Removable components 5500 can also have advantages in the context of the invention. For example, due to the ability of systems as described herein, such as system 60, to include comparatively powerful boat motors, the systems may have increased capacity for carriage of material within the plastic boat body forming part of the system, as compared to existing plastic boat body and boat motor arrangements. The arrangement of removable components such as removable components 5500 can allow for substantial additional storage space within plastic boat bodies, such as boat body 50.

[0161] It will be understood generally that the above description of embodiments of the invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. In some instances, well-known components and/or processes have not been described in detail, so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein.

[0162] As described, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0163] In this specification, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” are not to be read as singular indefinite articles or as otherwise excluding more than one or more than a single subject to which the indefinite article refers. For example, “a” support includes one support, one or more supports, and a plurality of supports.

[0164] In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, and similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an apparatus, system, or method that comprises or includes a list of elements need not have those elements solely, and may well have other elements not listed.

[0165] In this specification, the terms “consisting essentially of” and “consists essentially of” are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion only to the extent that, if additional elements are included beyond those elements recited, the additional elements do not materially alter basic and novel characteristics. That is, an apparatus, system, or method that "consists essentially of one or more recited elements includes those elements only, or those elements and any additional elements that do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the apparatus, system, or method.

[0166] In this specification, terms such as "above" and "below"; "front" and "back"; "top" and "bottom"; "left" and "right"; "horizontal' and "vertical", and the like, may be used for descriptive purposes. However, it will be understood that embodiments can potentially be arranged in various orientations, and that such relative terms are not limiting and may be interchangeable in appropriate circumstances.

[0167] In this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “connection”, “connected”, “connecting”, and the like, are not to be read as limited to direct connections and may also include indirect connections. For example, unless the context requires otherwise, a stated first component "connected' to a stated second component may be connected via, through, or by, one or more unstated components.