Captured seat for self-propelled watercraft and method for forming same

Abstract

A self-propelled watercraft referred to herein as vessel (10), such as, though not limited to, a kayak or the like. At least two ridges (34) and (36) are provided in the hull bottom (17) in spaced relation from one another. Likewise, at least two ridges (44) and (46), in spaced relation from one another, are provided in seat bottom (30). In one embodiment, the distance (60) between ridges (34) and (36) is greater than the distance (65) between ridges (44) and (46) such that ridges (44) and (46) are captured by ridges (34) and (36) thus preventing undesired lateral movement of the seat (25) within the interior volume (50) of the hull (15). The seat (25) is positioned lower in the hull than with a traditional seat, thus lowering the center of gravity for the vessel (10) when an occupant is seated, making the vessel (10) more stable in the water. In order to prevent undesired bridging of molten plastic between ridges (34) and (44) and between ridges (36) and (46) during the molding process, the seat (25) is molded in an elevated position. Upon removal of the vessel (10) from the mold, i.e. after skinning, but while the thermomolded plastic is still pliable, the seat (25) is pressed downward to the desired lower position. The plastic is allowed to reach room temperature and the plastic hardens sufficiently for the vessel (10) to retain this configuration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.