Watercraft stabilizing device for boarding or exiting
View Patent ↗An apparatus for stabilizing a watercraft for boarding or exiting comprising an elongated cradle arm support member for attaching vertically to a docking structure and a cradle arm for attaching to the cradle arm support member, in which the cradle arm has a generally V-shaped upper surface for cradling the under surface of a watercraft, restricting roll. The cradle arm is adjustably connecting the cradle arm support member, for selectively fixing the arm to the cradle arm support member in one of a range of vertical positions to accommodate changing water levels.
1. An apparatus for stabilizing a watercraft for boarding or exiting consisting of:
a single elongated cradle arm support member for attaching vertically to a docking structure;
a single cradle arm for adjustably attaching to the cradle arm support member;
said cradle arm including sloping watercraft supporting portions defining a generally V-shaped upper surface for contacting the under surface of the watercraft at laterally spaced regions for restricting roll of the watercraft while floating; and
interconnecting means adjustably connecting the cradle arm to the cradle arm support member, including means for selectively fixing the cradle arm to the cradle arm support member in a selected vertical position, providing for vertical positioning of the cradle arm relative to water level such that a floating watercraft can slide fore and aft onto and off the cradle arm.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the interconnecting means comprises a connector portion at one end of the cradle arm adapted to be adjustably connected to the cradle arm support member.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the interconnecting means includes retention means for keeping the connector portion of the cradle arm slidably attached to the cradle arm support member.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 including limit means for limiting downward travel of the cradle arm to prevent accidental separation of the cradle arm from the cradle arm support member.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for selectively fixing the cradle arm to the cradle arm support is disposed vertically above the watercraft supporting portions, to facilitate adjustability above water level.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the connector portion is removably connected to the cradle arm support member, in order to facilitate removal of the cradle arm from the support member.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein an outer end of the cradle arm distal from the support member has a guide member to facilitate the positioning of the watercraft over the cradle arm during docking.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cradle arm is provided with a resilient upper watercraft contacting surface for protecting the watercraft hull.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the V-shaped cradle arm comprises a pair of substantially linear sloping portions having an intersecting included angle such that the watercraft is supported on both sides of centre at separated regions, for restricting roll.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the intersecting included angle ranges from about 130 to 160°.