Patent ID: 8915207
Filing Date: 2014-12-23
Classification: B63B,B63H

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for stabilizing a watercraft, for boarding or exiting, utilizing a paddle, comprising: a paddle clamping device for mounting on a watercraft; said paddle clamping device having upper and lower opposing jaws, said opposing jaws being laterally elongated and curved forming a generally C-shaped channel with a longitudinal slot for receiving a paddle shaft; said opposing jaws having gripping regions for the paddle shaft, spaced laterally along a longitudinal axis of said C-shaped channel; said opposing jaws having a deflectable lip portion configured to allow insertion and releasably retain the paddle shaft within said C-shaped channel; said paddle clamping device being disposed, when mounted on a watercraft, with said C-shaped channel oriented along a substantially horizontal axis transverse to a fore-and-aft axis of the watercraft, and having said longitudinal slot disposed along a longitudinal side of the C-shaped channel to allow insertion and removal of the paddle shaft from the C-shaped channel by fore-and-aft motion thereof, and whereby the gripping regions of the opposing jaws oppose vertical forces generated by the paddle shaft, and whereby lateral spacing of the gripping regions provides leverage for minimizing twisting forces imposed on the clamping device from vertical forces generated by the paddle shaft when an outer end thereof engages an object to limit roll of the watercraft.