US 11,447,217 B2 · Watercraft lift system and method

Abstract

A watercraft lift system including one or more laterally-adjustable components and related methods are disclosed. The watercraft lift system can include a cradle assembly and optionally at least one side guide, which can be connected to the cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can include substantially parallel first and second cradle rails. One or both of the first cradle rail and the at least one side guide can be movable in a lateral direction between a wider watercraft-receiving position and a narrower watercraft-received position. In an example, lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide from the watercraft-receiving position to the watercraft-received position occurs automatically upon entry of a watercraft into the confines of the watercraft lift system. The watercraft lift system can further comprise an actuator to cause lateral movement of the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide. In an example, the actuator can be operably connected to the first cradle rail and/or the at least one side guide via one or more cables or extension plate members.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A watercraft lift system, comprising:

a cradle assembly including longitudinally-extending first and second cradle rails configured to receive and support an underside of a watercraft;
and
first and second side guides longitudinally-extending in a substantially horizontal direction to receive starboard- and port-sides of the watercraft along their lengths,
wherein at least the first side guide is operably connected to the cradle assembly such that the first cradle rail and the first side guide are movable together in a lateral direction, which is generally perpendicular to the direction of the first side guide's longitudinal extension, between a watercraft-receiving position and a watercraft-received position when the watercraft is piloted within the watercraft lift system's confines and is in a floating state above the cradle assembly,
wherein the lateral movement of at least the first cradle rail and the first side guide is initiated by an actuator and powered by a hydraulic member, a pneumatic member, or a screw mechanism that is operably connected to the first cradle rail or the first side guide.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Watercraft lift system and method

Life of this patent

Watercraft lift system and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19