Movable float system for boat launching ramps

Abstract

A float movable along a ramp for launching trailerable boats so that the float remains adjacent the water line of the ramp responsive to changes in water level. The float is moved by a line extending from the deep water end of the float, downwardly to a stationary underwater sheave, upwardly to a shore mounted powered drive mechanism and downwardly to the shallow water end of the float. The drive mechanism is controlled by a water level sensor to move the float along the ramp as the water level changes so that the float remains in the water near the water line of the ramp as the water level fluctuates. The water level sensor includes an ultrasonic level detector mounted in a vertical tube communicating with the water through an equalizing tube. The float moves along a guide mechanism running alongside one end of the ramp to prevent transverse movement of the float.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.