WO2018081864A1 - Apparatus for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water, including a receptacle for the hull of the boat, the receptacle being submersible to enable the boat to move over the receptacle and the receptacle having an inflatable member fitted thereto to raise the receptacle when a boat is positioned above it, the apparatus further including a pump for displacing water from within the receptacle once the receptacle has been raised and a rim of the receptacle reaches water level, thereby exposing a lower part of the hull.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SERVICING THE PROPULSION DRIVE OF A BOAT WHILE

IN THE WATER

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water.

[0002] To facilitate servicing of a boat, particularly legs and propellers, it has previously been necessary to remove a boat from the water and place it into a dry dock or on a hard stand.

[0003] Although commercially available in-water dry docks allow lifting of the boat from the water, they do not facilitate servicing of the boat, particularly as they provide limited access to a rear of the boat.

[0004] It is also desirable to store a boat out of the water as marine environments can damage a boat hull and. Dry docks can be useful for this purpose, protecting the hull and propeller from algae and barnacle build up. However, conventional dry docks can be expensive and/or inconvenient to use. For example, removing a boat from the water and placing it onto a hard stand can be expensive and time consuming.

[0005] Examples of the invention seek to solve, or at least ameliorate, one or more disadvantages of previous marine dry docks.

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water, including a receptacle for the hull of the boat, the receptacle being submersible to enable the boat to move over the receptacle and the receptacle having an inflatable member fitted thereto to raise the receptacle when a boat is positioned above it, the apparatus further including a pump for displacing water from within the receptacle once the receptacle has been raised and a rim of the receptacle reaches water level, thereby exposing a lower part of the hull.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle has a pivotable rear end and a free forward end so that in a submerged state the receptacle inclines downwardly from the rear end to the forward end. [0008] Preferably, the inflatable member is one of a plurality of inflatable segments disposed around a rim of the receptacle. More preferably, the inflatable member is disposed under the front end portion of the receptacle. The inflatable member or members are fillable with water to submerse the receptacle, the water being displaceable and replaceable with air to raise the receptacle.

[0009] The apparatus can further comprise a buoyant rear support to which the rear end is mounted. The rear support can include extension members extending toward the forward end to provide a guide for positioning a boat above the receptacle. The rear end can be pivotably mounted to a marine structure. The marine structure can be a pier or a dock.

[0010] In an embodiment, the receptacle is raisable or lowerable vertically with respect to the rear support.

[0011] The apparatus can further include support members within the receptacle for supporting the boat from the receptacle to allow access to an underside of the boat. Preferably, the support members are adjustable to vary the orientation of the boat when supported. In a preferred embodiment, the support members are for supporting a keel of the boat.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the support members are arranged to support a boat such that a hull of the boat, when it is so received by the support members, is spaced apart from the inner surface of the receptacle. More preferably, the space between the hull and the receptacle inner surface allows air circulation about the hull

[0013] Preferably, the receptacle is formed with a rebate in which a rudder and/or propeller of the boat can be received. Preferably, the receptacle is in the form of a shell shaped to accommodate a stern of the boat at a rear end.

[0014] In an embodiment, the receptacle is configured to be expandable and contractable for adapting to a length and/or width of the boat. [0015] Preferably, the receptacle has two symmetrical portions, the symmetrical portions being separable along a longitudinal axis and the intermediate portion insertable therebetween and connectable to the symmetrical portions to form a receptacle of extended width.

[0016] Preferably, the receptacle has front and rear portions, the front and rear portions being separable and an intermediate portion insertable therebetween and connectable to the front and rear portions to form a receptacle of extended length.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of servicing a boat using an apparatus of the above described type, including the steps of: positioning the boat above the receptacle; raising the receptacle to water level;displacing water from within the receptacle to expose the hull of the boat; accessing and servicing an underside of the boat; and submersing the receptacle to return the boat to the water.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a system of controlling an apparatus as described above wherein the system has a processor, a memory and a set of instructions in the memory executable by the processor to carry out at least one step of the method as described above.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the system as described above is controllable remotely from the apparatus. Preferably the system is operable wirelessly.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be further described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water of one embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a plan view of the apparatus;

[0023] Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the apparatus;

[0024] Figure 4 is a sectional end view of the apparatus; [0025] Figures 5 to 8 are various perspective views of an apparatus for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water of another embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 9 is a rear view of the apparatus of Figures 5 to 8;

[0027] Figures 10 to 12 are various partial sectional side views of the apparatus taken along the dotted line marked A- A in Figure 9;

[0028] Figure 13 is a sectional side view of the apparatus taken along the dotted line marked B-B in Figure 9;

[0029] Figures 14 to 16 are cross-section side views taken along the dotted lines marked C-C, D-D and E-E respectively in Figure 13;

[0030] Figures 17 and 18 are enlarged portions of Figure 16;

[0031] Figures 19 to 22 are sectional side views of extending a receptacle to accommodate larger boats according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 23 is a sectional side view of the apparatus in a submerged state with a boat preparing to reverse into the apparatus;

[0033] Figure 24 is a sectional side view of the apparatus in a submerged state of Figure 23 with the boat over the submerged receptacle;

[0034] Figure 25 is a sectional side view of the apparatus in a raised state with a boat within the receptacle;

[0035] Figure 26 is a sectional side view of the apparatus in a raised state with water pumped from within the receptacle;

[0036] Figure 27 is a sectional side view of the apparatus with a boat within the receptacle with water pumped into the receptacle;

[0037] Figure 28 is a sectional side view of the apparatus in a submerged state with a boat over the receptacle and preparing to leave the apparatus; [0038] Figure 29 is another sectional side view of the apparatus in a submerged state with a boat driving away from the apparatus;

[0039] Figure 30 is a block diagram illustrating a system of controlling the apparatus of Figures 10 to 18; and

[0040] Figure 31 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method of servicing a boat using an apparatus of Figures 10 to 18.

[0041] With reference to Figure 1, there is shown an apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 is configured for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water.

[0042] The apparatus 10 includes a receptacle in the form of a shell 12 for the hull of the boat. The shell 12 is preferably sized to accommodate vessels up to 60 feet in length, though it will be appreciated that embodiments for use with larger vessels are also possible. The shell 12 is submersible to enable the boat to move over the shell 12 and has inflatable members 14 fitted thereto to raise the shell 12 when a boat is positioned above it. Inflatable members 14 are operable via an air pump controllable via valves 32. Valves 32 are in the form of shafts with a handle to enable rotation. Providing a submersible shell 12 enables the shell 12 to be moved out of the way of a boat, thereby allowing a boat to be serviced to be driven above the shell, thereby greatly simplifying the process of obtaining access to the propulsion drive and removing the need for additional equipment, such as lifting devices, to be used.

[0043] The apparatus 10 further includes a pump (not shown) for displacing water from within the shell 12 once the shell 12 has been raised and a rim of the shell 12 reaches water level, thereby exposing a lower part of the hull. The pump is preferably a bilge pump recessed within the shell 12 to reduce the opportunity for accidental damage, and is preferably operable via remote control to allow the apparatus 10 to be operated remotely. Displacing water from within the shell 12 not only exposes the boat hull to provide access but also increases the buoyancy of the shell 12, lifting the boat further out of the water as the amount of water displaced increases. [0044] In some embodiments, the shell 12 is provided with a single inflatable member 14, though in other embodiments, multiple inflatable members 14, which may be interconnected, can be used. The inflatable members 14 are preferably continuous, interconnected inflatable segments disposed around a rim of the shell 12 so that once the receptacle 14 is raised and the rim reaches water level, the rim effectively seals the shell 12 from the body of water, separating it from the body of water to allow pumping of the water from the shell 12 so as to expose the underside of the boat.

[0045] To allow submersing of the shell 12, in one form the inflatable members 14 are fillable with water. Any water within the inflatable members 14 is preferably displaceable from within the inflatable members 14 and replaceable with air to raise the shell 12 in use. In other forms, operation of the pump may be reversed, or an additional pump provided, to fill the shell 12 with water to sink the shell 12 so that it can be submersed for use with another vessel.

[0046] The shell 12 has a pivotable rear end 16 and a free forward end 18, which moves along path A shown in Figure 3. In a submerged state the shell 12 inclines downwardly from the rear end 16 to the forward end 18. This allows the shell 12 to be moved from the path of the boat so that a boat to be easily positioned over the shell 12 prior to servicing.

[0047] In the preferred form illustrated, the apparatus 10 includes a buoyant rear support 20 to which the rear end 16 is pivotably mounted via a hinge. In other forms, the rear end 16 may not be strictly pivotably mounted, and may be configured to raise or lower in cooperation with the forward end 18, or move in a combination of both pivoting and raising/lowering. In addition to be pivotably mounted, the shell 12 may be provided with guides for guiding its movement. In use, the rear support 20 maintains a position above the water and the rear support 20 includes extension members 22 extending toward the forward end 18 to provide a guide for positioning a boat above the shell 12. Uprights 26 are also provided to guide a boat over the shell 12 so that a user will clearly know that their boat is correctly positioned prior to raising the shell 12. The uprights 26 are fixed to the shell 12 to provide structural rigidity to the shell 12 and are pivotably coupled to the rear support 20 so as to pivot forwardly as the shell 12 pivots.

[0048] A platform 24 is also provided above the rear support 20 to assist with passengers disembarking the boat and technicians gaining access. The platform 24 is preferably formed with a non-slip surface of the type which is common to marine structures.

[0049] The rear support 20 is preferably secured to a marine structure, such as a pier or dock, as illustrated in Figures 5 to 10. In other embodiments, the rear end 16 may be directly pivotably mounted to the marine structure.

[0050] An inner surface of shell 12 is preferably formed of non-skid material to enable a technician to walk around a boat received therein for complete access to the hull for inspection and/or maintenance.

[0051] Returning to Figure 1, the shell 12 is provided with support members 28 within the shell 12 for supporting the boat from the shell 12 to allow access to an underside of the boat. In some examples, the support members 28 are rigidly fixed to the shell 12. In other examples, the support members 28 are adjustable to vary the orientation of the boat when supported, and/or accommodate differently sized or configured boats. The configuration of the support members 28 is preferably such that smaller vessels can be used on the same apparatus as larger boats, thereby increasing the flexibility of the apparatus and reducing capital expenditure for shipping yards that service vessels.

[0052] The shell 12 is generally hull-shaped and it will be appreciated that many different configurations are possible. In the illustrated embodiments, the shell 12 is shaped to accommodate a stern of the boat at the rear end 16. The shell 12 is also formed with a rebate 30 in which a rudder and/or propeller of the boat can be received. In other examples, rebate 30 may also be configured to accommodate a keel of a sail boat. Rebate 30 is preferably sized so that a technician working to service the propulsion drive of the boat can climb into the rebate 30 to gain close access to the propulsion drive. Rebate 30 also acts as a sump to collect water within the shell so that it can be pumped out. To facilitate collection, drain 34 acts to channel water to the rebate for collection by the pump.

[0053] With reference to Figures 5 to 18, there is shown an apparatus 110 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention where the apparatus is configured for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water. The apparatus may also be utilised to keep the boat out of the water when not in use to protect the hull from fouling. Apparatus 110 share common features with apparatus 10 and like features are indicated with like numbers incremented by 100.

[0054] As illustrated in perspective and rear views of Figures 5 to 8, the apparatus 110 includes a receptacle 112 in the form of a shell for the hull of the boat 140. The shell 112 is submersible to enable the boat 140 to move over the shell 112 and has an inflatable member 114 fitted thereto to raise the receptacle 112 when a boat is positioned above it. Inflatable member 114 is operable via an air pump controllable via valves 32. In this embodiment, the inflatable member 114 is located at under the front end of the receptacle 112 and, as most clearly illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, is preferably shaped to correspond to the front edge of the receptacle 112, which is correspondingly shaped to conform generally to the bow of a boat 140.

[0055] Once the receptacle 112 is raised by inflating the inflatable member 114 and the rim reaches water level, the rim effectively seals the receptacle 112 from the body of water to allow pumping of the water from the receptacle 112 so as to expose the underside of the boat 140. To allow submersing of the receptacle 112, in one form the inflatable member 114 is fillable with water. Any water within the inflatable member 114 is preferably displaceable from within the inflatable member 114 and replaceable with air to raise the shell 112 in use. In other forms, operation of the pump may be reversed, or an additional pump provided, to fill the shell 112 with water to sink the shell 112 so that it can be submersed for use with another vessel. In particular, the location of the inflatable member 114 under the bow of the boat, when the boat 140 is received in the receptacle 112, advantageously allows accurate adjustment of the angle of incline of the boat 140. [0056] The apparatus 110 also includes a buoyant rear support 120 to which the rear end 116 is pivotably mounted via a hinge connection, as illustrated in sectional side view of Figures 10 to 12 which are taken along dotted line A indicated in Figure 9. The arrows at the end of dotted line A indicate the relevant side which is being viewed. As shown in similar sectional side views of Figures 11 and 12, the receptacle 112 is also configured to raise or lower in cooperation with a forward end 18 in the direction of the arrow A. Preferably, the receptacle 112 is positionable in a combination of both pivoting and raising/lowering so as to be able to adjust the boat 140 relative to its weight and/or to adjust it so it sits level. In particular, the apparatus 110 can have side stabilisers (not shown) which can manually or automatically adjust the tilt or lean towards or away from port or starboard to keep the boat 140 so that it sits true and stable 140.

[0057] In addition to be pivotably mounted, the shell 112 may be provided with guides for guiding its movement. In use, the rear support 120 maintains a position above the water and the rear support 120 includes extension members 122 extending toward the forward end 118 to provide a guide for positioning the boat 140 above the receptacle 112. Uprights 126 are also provided to guide a boat over the receptacle 112 so that a user will clearly know that their boat is correctly positioned prior to raising the receptacle 112. The uprights 126 are fixed to the shell 112 to provide structural rigidity to the receptacle 112 and are pivotably coupled to the rear support 120 so as to pivot forwardly as the receptacle 112 pivots.

[0058] A platform 124 is also provided above the rear support 120 to assist with passengers disembarking the boat and technicians gaining access. The platform 124 is preferably formed with a non-slip surface of the type which is common to marine structures. The rim of the receptacle 112 is provided with a flattened upper surface to provide for additional walk way access to the boat. As illustrated most clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the platform 124 and flattened upper surface of the receptacle rim are substantially at the same height so as to allow a maintenance technician to freely access all sides of the boat, and further is at a height which allows easy access from a marine structure to which the boat is docked. [0059] As more particularly illustrated in Figure 9, the receptacle 112 has a pivotable rear end 116 mounted via a hinge and a free forward end 118. In a submerged state the receptacle 12 inclines downwardly from the rear end 116 to the forward end 118. This allows the receptacle 112 to be moved from the path of the boat so that a boat can be easily positioned over the receptacle 112 prior to servicing. Adjusting the angle of the receptacle 112 allows the level of the platform 124 to be kept stable and level for easy user access. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the receptacle 112 is also configured to be raised or lowered in the direction indicated by arrow A with respect to a marine structure, such as a pier. This allows accommodation of different boat weights while allowing the level of the platform 124 to remain substantially the same for easy access to the boat from the marine structure.

[0060] Various sectional side views in Figures 13 to 18 illustrate the inner features of the apparatus 110, where Figure 13 is a sectional side view of the apparatus 110 taken along dotted line B of Figure 9, indicating the location of each sectional side view of Figures 14 to 18, taken along dotted lines C, D and E respectively. The arrows at the end of each dotted line B to E indicate the relevant side which is being viewed. For illustrative purposes, an outline of the boat 140 is provided in these views.

[0061] The receptacle 112 is provided with support members 128, 129 within the receptacle 112 for supporting the boat 140 from the receptacle 112 to allow access to an underside of the boat 40, as illustrated in Figures 14 to 18. Support members 129 are used to support the keel of the boat 40, and a number of these support members 129 can be located spaced-apart parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receptacle 112. The support members 129 advantageously supports the weight of the boat 140 which is optimal to support the boat 140 when out of the water to prevent damage. Support members 128 are arranged to support the sides of the hull of the boat 140 and extend transverse to the inner surface of the receptacle 112 so that the boat hull is supported by the support members 128, 129 so as to be spaced apart from the receptacle 112 thereby leaving an air gap 136 as illustrated in Figures 17 to 19. This air gap 136 between the boat hull and receptacle 112 advantageously allows air to flow about the hull to prevent fouling and also allows access to the boat hull for servicing by a technician. [0062] In some examples, the support members 128, 129 are rigidly fixed to the receptacle 112. In other examples, the support members 128, 129 are adjustable to vary the orientation of the boat when supported, and/or accommodate differently sized or configured boats. The configuration of the support members 128, 129 is preferably such that smaller vessels can be used on the same apparatus as larger boats, thereby increasing the flexibility of the apparatus 110 and reducing capital expenditure for shipping yards that service vessels.

[0063] The receptacle 112 is in the form of a rigid shell and is generally hull- shaped and it will be appreciated that many different configurations are possible. In the examples illustrated in the Figures, the receptacle 112 is formed of a rigid polymer material which is preferably non-corrosive when exposed to salt water, resistant to UV radiation, and impervious to algae growth and fouling. It is also preferred that the polymer material be made of a recyclable material. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer material is polyethylene, and even more preferably has a minimum required strength of 10 MPa, commonly known as PE 100.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiments, the receptacle 112 is shaped to accommodate a stern of the boat at the rear end 116. The receptacle 112 is also formed with a rebate 130 in which a rudder and/or propeller of the boat can be received. In other examples, rebate 130 may also be configured to accommodate a keel of a sail boat. Rebate 130 is preferably sized so that a technician working to service the propulsion drive of the boat can climb into the rebate 130 to gain close access to the propulsion drive. Rebate 130 also acts as a sump to collect water within the receptacle 112 so that it can be pumped out by one or more main pumps (not shown). One or more bilge pump(s) (not shown) can be also provided to evacuate rain water from the receptacle 112 and/or rebate 130 as required. To facilitate collection, drain 134 acts to channel water to the rebate 130 for collection by the main or bilge pump(s) (not shown). To introduce water into or evacuate water from the rebate 130, one or more water inlet/outlets 138 can be operated via one or more gated valves (not shown) either manually or automatically. [0065] In preferred embodiments illustrated in Figures 19 to 22, there is shown an apparatus 210, 310 having a receptacle 212, 312 configured to be expandable and contractable for adapting to a lengths and/or width of a boat 140. The receptacle 212, 312 has two portions 212A, 212B, 312A, 312B, the portions 212A, 212B, 312A, 312B being separable from one another such that an intermediate portion 242, 342 can be inserted therebetween thereby expanding the receptacle 212, 312 in a chosen direction.

[0066] In the example illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the apparatus 210 has a receptacle 212 which, when in use, has front and rear portions locked securely together so as to be able function in the same way as any receptacle 12, 112 as described above. However, when a boat 140 which is sized wider than the receptacle 212, the receptacle 212 can be separable into the front and rear portions 212A and 212B, the portions 212A, 212B being moved apart along a longitudinal axis of the receptacle 212 such that an intermediate portion 242 can be inserted therebetween. The portions 212A, 212B and 242 are then locked securely together, to form the receptacle 212' having an extended length so as to be able to accommodate a longer boat 140A.

[0067] In a further example illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, the apparatus 310 has a receptacle 312 which works similarly to the receptacle 212, however in this example the receptacle 312 is separable along a longitudinal axis of the receptacle 212 into two symmetrical portions 312A and 312B. An intermediate portion 342C is insertable between the two portions 312A and 312B and the portions 312A, 312B, 312C are lockable together to form a receptacle 312' having an extended width which is able to accommodate a wider boat 140B.

[0068] To contract the length or width of the receptacle 212, the reverse steps can be taken to remove the intermediate portion 242 or 342 and re-join the front and rear portions 212A and 212B or symmetrical portions 312A and 312B. It will be appreciated that while in the examples the receptacles 212 and 312 are shown to be separable into two portions, the receptacles could be separable into three or more portions as required to accommodate different sized and shaped boats. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle could be expandable and contractable in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Furthermore, the size of the intermediate portions 242, 342 could also be variable to extend and contract the dimensions of the receptacles 212, 312 to accommodate boat shape and size. The abutting surfaces of the receptacle portions 212A, 212B, 312A, 312B and intermediate portions 242, 342 can preferably be formed so as to have inter-locking profiles for strength and secure connection thereof.

[0069] Figures 23 to 29 illustrate an exemplary use of the apparatus 10, 110. Firstly, the receptacle 12, 112 is submersed, as can be seen in Figure 23, with the "C" shaped rear support exposed to guide a boat 40, 140, and where a boat 140 is in the process of reversing into the apparatus 10, 110. Then the inflatable member 14, 114 is inflated to raise the receptacle 12, 112 and bring a rim of the receptacle 12, 112 above water level, as illustrated in Figures 23 and 24. Water is then pumped from the receptacle 12, 112 creating a dry dock for supporting a boat within the water, as illustrated in Figure 26.

[0070] Figure 26 illustrates a boat 40, 140 supported by the apparatus 10, 110. To bring the boat 40, 140 into this position, it is moved over the receptacle 12, 112 (see Figure 24), which is then raised (see Figure 25). Water is displaced from the receptacle 12, 112 to expose a lower portion of the hull and support the boat on the support members 28, 128 and 129 which support the boat 140 spaced apart from the inner surface of the receptacle 12, 112 thereby providing an air gap 136 about the entire surface of the hull which keeps the hull dry to prevent fouling and allows access for servicing and maintenance (see Figure 26). To move the boat 40 from the apparatus 10, water is introduced into the receptacle 12, 112 (see Figure 27) the shell 12 is submersed (see Figure 28). The boat 40, 140 can then be driven away, leaving the shell 12, 112 submersed and ready to be used with another boat, as illustrated in Figure 29.

[0071] Figures 23 to 29 also illustrate an exemplary system 500 of operating the apparatus 10, 110 as described above. The system can have one or more sensors 502, including for example, sensors for detecting the angle of the receptacle 12, 112, the presence or absence of water or air in the inflatable member(s) 14, 114 or the state of the gated valves at the water inlet/outlet(s) 138. [0072] The system 500 can include one or more processors 504, at least one memory 506 and one or more sets of instructions stored within the at least one memory 506 executable by the processor(s) 504 for carrying out the steps required to operate the apparatus 10, 110 such that it can receive a boat 40, 140 therein for the purposes of servicing the propulsion drive of a boat 40, 140 while in the water and to reverse those steps when the servicing is complete so that the boat 40, 140 can be released back into the water for use.

[0073] In the example illustrated in Figure 30, the processor(s) 504 can send signals to operate motors 508, 510 for pivoting and vertical movement respectively of the receptacle 12, 112, pump 514 for operating the inflatable member 14, 114, main pump 516 for evacuating water from and introducing water into the receptacle 12, 112, bilge pump 518 for evacuating rainwater, stabilisers 520 for stabilising the receptacle and associated boat. The operation of these components of the system are based on signals received by the sensors 502, on the instructions in the memory 506, and/or on instructions received wirelessly at the input 522 such as those sent by a device 524, such as a tablet or smart phone. The device 524 includes a processor 526, a memory 528 in which the instructions are stored, and further has inputs and outputs 530, 532 in the form of a screen and/or keyboard or other such input/output devices. Although in this embodiment, the apparatus 10, 110 is operated wirelessly via a device, the apparatus 10, 110 may also be operated by entering instructions at the input 522 directly, such as a keyboard or control panel located on the apparatus 10, 110. Information received from the processor 526 or sensors 502 can be displayed on a screen or other display device at output 512.

[0074] The system 500 can be used to carry out an exemplary set of instructions/method 600 illustrated in the flow diagram of Figure 31. The steps include: receiving user responses to receive the boat 602, activating the motor to submerge the receptacle to as to receive the boat 604, receiving outputs from a sensor to detect whether the receptacle is submerged 606, displaying a message that the receptacle is submerging, 608, receiving outputs from a sensor to detect whether a boat has been received 610, displaying messages that the boat is ready to be received or being received 612, or has been received 614, receiving a user response to evacuate water from the receptacle 616, activating the pump/valves to evacuate the receptacle 618, receiving an output from a sensor to detect whether the receptacle has been evacuated 620, displaying a message that the receptacle is evacuating 622 or has been evacuated 624, activating motors/stabilisers to adjust the receptacle such that the boat is level and at the correct height 626, receiving an output from sensor(s) to detect whether the boat is sitting correctly 628, displaying a message that the boat is being levelled 630, or is level 632, and displaying a message that the boat is ready for servicing/docked 634. It will be appreciated that these steps can be conducted in reverse so as to release a boat into the water.

[0075] The instructions 600 would also preferably include safety overrides to prevent any risks to users of the apparatus 10, 110, for example accidental or unwanted submerging of the receptacle 12, 112 and/or flooding of the rebate 3, 130 whilst in use.

[0076] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

[0077] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0078] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for servicing the propulsion drive of a boat while in the water, including a receptacle for the hull of the boat, the receptacle being submersible to enable the boat to move over the receptacle and the receptacle having an inflatable member fitted thereto to raise the receptacle when a boat is positioned above it, the apparatus further including a pump for displacing water from within the receptacle once the receptacle has been raised and a rim of the receptacle reaches water level, thereby exposing a lower part of the hull.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle has a pivotable rear end and a free forward end so that in a submerged state the receptacle inclines downwardly from the rear end to the forward end.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inflatable member is one of a plurality of inflatable members, the inflatable members being inflatable segments disposed around a rim of the receptacle.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inflatable member is disposed under the front end portion of the receptacle.

5. An apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the inflatable member(s) are fillable with water to submerse the receptacle, the water being displaceable and replaceable with air to raise the receptacle.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a buoyant rear support to which the rear end is mounted.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the rear support includes extension members extending toward the forward end to provide a guide for positioning a boat above the receptacle.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the rear end is pivotably mounted to a marine structure.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the structure is a pier or dock.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the receptacle is raisable or lowerable vertically with respect to the rear support.

11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including support members within the receptacle for supporting the boat from the receptacle to allow access to an underside of the boat.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the support members are arranged to support a boat such that a hull of the boat, when it is so received by the support members, is spaced apart from the inner surface of the receptacle.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the space between the hull and the receptacle inner surface allows air circulation about the hull.

14. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the support members are configured to support a keel of the boat.

15. An apparatus according any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the support members are adjustable to vary the orientation of the boat when supported.

16. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is formed with a rebate in which a rudder and/or propeller of the boat can be received.

17. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is in the form of a shell shaped to accommodate a stern of the boat at a rear end.

18. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is configured to be expandable and contractable for adapting to a length and/or width of the boat.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the receptacle has two symmetrical portions, the symmetrical portions being separable along a longitudinal axis and the intermediate portion insertable therebetween and connectable to the symmetrical portions to form a receptacle of extended width.

20. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the receptacle has front and rear portions, the front and rear portions being separable and an intermediate portion insertable therebetween and connectable to the front and rear portions to form a receptacle of extended length.

21. A method of servicing a boat using an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, including the steps of:

positioning the boat above the receptacle;

raising the receptacle to water level;

displacing water from within the receptacle to expose the hull of the boat;

accessing and servicing an underside of the boat; and

submersing the receptacle to return the boat to the water.

22. A system of controlling an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the system has a processor, a memory and a set of instructions in the memory executable by the processor to carry out at least one step of the method according to claim 21.

23. A system according to claim 22, being controllable remotely from the apparatus.