Abstract:
A stabilizer that extends from the hull of a watercraft below the waterline when needed is disclosed. The stabilizer produces added drag on the watercraft&#39;s counteracting a tendency to change bearing. Stabilization chambers of the stabilizer hold semi contained water to produce an extended drag effect by adding lateral weight due to the water that is semi contained within the chamber during use. The restricted flow of water into and out of the stabilizer and the outer dimensions of the stabilizer provides lateral drag to mute any ambient drift.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. provisional applications: no. 62/284,207 filed on Sep. 23, 2015, 62/240,732 filed on Oct. 13, 2015, 62/247,251 filed Oct. 28, 2015, 62/250,428 filed Nov. 3, 2015, 62/260,184 filed Nov. 25, 2015, and 62/269,052 file Dec. 17, 2015, the disclosure of which are incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to the field of watercraft and more particularly to a system for stabilizing a boat when it is on a body of water. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Many boats are generally stable when in the water due to the nature, shape, and accessories of the boat. For example, boats that are longer than they are wide, having a V-hull tend to be relatively stable, in that, when at rest, such boats tend to face in one direction and do not shift as the occupants of those boats make movements such as turning their bodies or casting a fishing line. Consider a canoe that, at rest, remains stable except for external forces such as a paddle or a gust of wind. 
         [0004]    Stability is an issue when boats having certain hull shapes are used, for example a round boat as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,487, issued Jul. 29, 2014 to Jeffrey Lizzio. In a watercraft that has a generally rounded shape it is at times difficult to keep a bearing and course while not anchored and in a drift. Further, when using the motor to counteract the wind to keep the boat is a desired area; such a watercraft will not easily maintain a heading, especially in windy conditions. Such watercraft styles provide many advantages as described in the above noted reference including efficiency, balance, and buoyancy. To retain these advantages, it is desirable to limit secondary drag or lateral drag that would hinder the watercrafts ability to turn, change direction, and move using minimal engine power. 
         [0005]    When steering a round shaped watercraft, force from the motor is transferred faster along the perimeter, making steering and ambient drift more sensitive than that of a boat having a hull perimeter with sharper gradients. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a system that will selectively provide enhanced stability to certain watercraft, selectively, when desired. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A stabilizer is extended from the hull of a watercraft below the waterline when needed to produce added drag and instilling a numbing effect on the watercraft&#39;s tendency to change bearing. The stabilizer produces sufficient lateral drag when extended below the waterline by a density that is higher, increasing gravitational pull; and by displacing water, the stabilizer causes lateral drag. Chambers of the stabilizer(s) hold semi contained water to produce an extended drag effect by adding lateral weight due to the water that is semi contained within the chamber during use. The restricted flow of water into and out of the stabilizer and the outer dimensions of the stabilizer provides lateral drag to mute any ambient drift. The stabilizers are preferably constructed as to not significantly add weight to the watercraft, as weight effects top speed, battery life, fuel consumption, etc. 
         [0008]    The stabilizer(s) are preferably retractable or removable, moving to and from a position above the waterline and below the waterline by the user of the watercraft. Several ways for deploying and retracting the stabilizer(s) are disclosed. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, a stabilizer for stabilizing a watercraft that is floating in water is disclosed. The stabilizer includes at least one stabilizer chamber, that is at least partially hollow, allowing flow of the water entering the at least one stabilizer chamber when the at least one stabilizer chamber is deployed in the water. A mechanism is connected to the at least one stabilizer chamber for supporting the at least one stabilizer chamber to the watercraft and there is a mechanism for deploying and retracting the at least one stabilizer chamber in and out of the water around the watercraft. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, a method of stabilizing a watercraft is disclosed, the watercraft floating on water. The method includes inserting at least one stabilization chamber into the water such that the water enters the stabilization chamber, and interfacing the stabilization chamber to a surface of the watercraft, thereby maintaining a position of the stabilization chamber relative to the watercraft. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a stabilizer for stabilizing a watercraft that is floating in water is disclosed. The stabilizer includes at least one stabilizer chamber that is at least partially hollow and allows for a flow of the water entering the at least one stabilizer chamber when the at least one stabilizer chamber is deployed in the water. The at least one stabilizer chamber is connected to a first end of a vertical member and a horizontal member is connected to a second end of the vertical member. An appendage extends from the horizontal member. A second end of the appendage is sized to interface with a hole of the gunnel of the watercraft when the stabilizer is deployed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a round boat with two stabilizers ready to be inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two stabilizers inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the round boat with the two stabilizers ready to be inserted into holes within the gunnel walls of the round boat for storage when not being used for stabilization. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the round boat with the two stabilizers inserted into holes within the gunnel walls of the round boat for storage when not being used for stabilization. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a round boat with two stabilizers ready to be inserted for deployment into through-holes (scuppers) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two stabilizers inserted and deployed into through-holes (scuppers) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with two stabilizers retracted (above the water line) using a swivel deployment mechanism. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two stabilizers deployed (below the water line) using the swivel deployment mechanism. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with two stabilizers deployed (below the water line) using the swivel deployment mechanism. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two stabilizers retracted (above the water line) using a swivel deployment mechanism. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with two stabilizers attached to the hull of the round boat and deployed (below the water line) using a hinged deployment mechanism. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two stabilizers attached to the hull of the round boat and retracted (above the water line) using the hinged deployment mechanism. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with two horizontal stabilizers ready to be inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two horizontal stabilizers inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of a round boat with two stabilizers with fins ready to be inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two stabilizers with fins inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a round boat with two fin stabilizers ready to be inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of the round boat with the two fin stabilizers inserted for deployment into holes (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  illustrates a plan view of the round boat with the two stabilizers ready to be inserted into holes within the gunnel walls of the round boat for storage when not being used for stabilization. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  illustrates a plan view of the round boat with the two stabilizers inserted into holes within the gunnel walls of the round boat for storage when not being used for stabilization. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  illustrates a perspective view of a single stabilizer element having a primary stabilization chamber and two auxiliary stabilization chambers. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22A  illustrates a perspective view of a single stabilizer element having multiple stabilization chambers. 
           [0035]      FIG. 22B  illustrates a plan view of a configuration of stabilization chambers. 
           [0036]      FIG. 22C  illustrates a plan view of a configuration of stabilization chambers. 
           [0037]      FIG. 23  illustrates a plan view of a stabilizer that attaches with a clamp to the gunnel of the watercraft and extends/retracts through telescoping action. 
           [0038]      FIG. 24  illustrates a plan view of a stabilizer with removable stabilization chambers that attaches with a clamp to the gunnel of the watercraft and extends/retracts through telescoping action. 
           [0039]      FIG. 25  illustrates a plan view of a stabilizer with mass being in a retracted position, held by a rope running through the handle of the stabilizer. 
           [0040]      FIG. 26  illustrates a plan view of a stabilizer with mass being in a deployed position, held by a rope running through the handle of the stabilizer. 
           [0041]      FIG. 27  illustrates a cut-away view of a stabilizer with respect to the water line when deployed. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0043]    Throughout this description, the stabilizing apparatus are shown augmenting an existing round boat, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,487, issued Jul. 29, 2014 to Jeffrey Lizzio. The description and drawings use the disclosed round boat as an example, and the stabilizing apparatus disclosed here within are intended for use in many different types of watercraft, especially for use when fishing. 
         [0044]    Although several ways for deploying and retracting the stabilizer(s) are disclosed, there are no limitations here within as to the mechanism for performing such deployment. Embodiments shown are typically fabricated from plastic tubing such as furniture-grade PVC tubing and associated mating joints such as elbows and T-joints. These embodiments are provided for explanation of the invention and are in no way limiting, as it is fully anticipated that the stabilizing element(s) be fabricated in many different ways, for example, by molding the stabilizing element as a single piece, etc. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective views of a round boat with two stabilizers  1  ready to be inserted for deployment  FIG. 1  into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  21  and inserted and deployed ( FIG. 2 ) into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  21 . 
         [0046]    The stabilizers  1  provide stabilization to many types of watercraft, for example the round boat  20  as shown. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stabilizer includes a single stabilization chamber  10  that is open to allow entry of water. In some embodiments, the vertical portion of the stabilizers  1  include a joint  11  that allows for disassembly, for example when storing the stabilizer  1 , while in other embodiments, the vertical portion  5  is a monolithic tube. In this example, the horizontal portion  6  of the stabilizer  1  includes an appendage  2  for inserting into the holes  21  (e.g., fishing pole holders or specifically formed holes) of the round boat  20 . By leaving a section of the horizontal portion  6  extending beyond the appendage  2 , the section of the horizontal portion  6  that extends beyond the appendage  2  is usable to stow the stabilizer  1  when not in use, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0047]    To allow water penetration into the stabilization chamber  10 , the horizontal portion  5  and the vertical portion  6  are hollow, at least hollow enough as to allow air pressure equalization as water enters the stabilization chamber  10 . Although there are many ways to provide such equalization, all of which are included here within, in the embodiments shown, the end of the horizontal section  6  is at least partially open, thereby fluidly interfacing the stabilization chamber  10  with the atmosphere and allowing for water to enter the stabilization chamber  10 . 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , plan views of the round boat  20  with the two stabilizers  1 . In  FIG. 3 , the two stabilizers  1  are shown ready to be inserted into holes  21  within the gunnel walls for storage when not being used for stabilization. In  FIG. 4 , the two stabilizers  1  are shown inserted into holes  21  within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20  for storage when not being used for stabilization. The stabilizers  1  are used stabilize the round boat  20  when stationary or, using a motor (e.g. trolling motor), when controlling drift of the round boat  20 . It is desired that the stabilization chambers  10  be lifted out of the water when relocating the round boat  20 , improving velocity of the round boat  20  and reducing fuel/electricity consumption. As will be shown in subsequent drawings, there are many ways to effect such removal. In this example, the stabilizers  1  are removed from the holes  21  of the round boat  20 , and then the section of the vertical portion  6  that extends beyond the appendage  2  are inserted into the holes  21 , stowing the stabilizers  1  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this, the stabilization chambers  10  are held out of the water, thereby eliminating any drag that would occur when the round boat  1  is underway. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , perspective views of a round boat  20  with two stabilizers  1 B are shown. In  FIG. 5 , the two stabilizers  1 B are shown ready to be inserted for deployment into through-holes  23  (scuppers). In  FIG. 6 , the two stabilizers  1 B are shown inserted and deployed into through-holes  23  (scuppers). Although any location is anticipated for the through-holes  23 , in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the through-holes  23  are shown within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20 . Each of the stabilizers  1 B includes a stabilization chamber  10  as previously described. In some embodiments, a handle  30  is provided on each of the stabilizers  1 B to facilitate lifting the stabilizers  1 B out of the water when not requiring stabilization (e.g., when underway or on a trailer). 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , perspective views of the round boat  20  with two stabilizers  1 C are shown. In  FIG. 7 , the two stabilizers  1 C are shown retracted (above the water line) using a telescoping deployment mechanism  105 . In  FIG. 8  the two stabilizers  1 C are shown deployed (below the water line) using the telescoping deployment mechanism  105 . In this version of the stabilizers  1 C, there are three stabilization chambers  10  connected in a linear fashion to the telescoping deployment mechanism  105  that telescope for retracting and deployment. A handle  107  facilitates lifting and lowering of the stabilization chambers  10  for retracting and deploying. In this version, the telescoping deployment mechanism  105  is attached to the round boat  20  by an arm  102  that is inserted into a holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders), although any attachment mechanism is equally anticipated. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , perspective views of the round boat  20  with two stabilizers  1 D are shown. In  FIG. 9 , the two stabilizers  1 D are shown deployed (below the water line) using the swivel or hinged deployment mechanism  34 . In  FIG. 10  the two stabilizers  1  are shown retracted (above the water line) using a swivel or hinged deployment mechanism  34 . In this version of the stabilizers  1 D, there is a horizontal stabilization chamber  10  connected to the swivel or hinged deployment mechanism  34  that hinges or swivels for retracting and deployment. A handle  37  facilitates lifting and lowering of the stabilization chambers  10  for retracting and deploying. In this version, the swivel or hinged deployment mechanism  34  is attached to the round boat  20  by an arm  32  that is inserted into a holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders), although any attachment mechanism is equally anticipated. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , perspective views of the round boat  20  with two stabilizers  1 E are shown. In  FIG. 11  the two stabilizers  1 E are shown attached to the hull of the round boat  20  and deployed (below the water line) using a hinged deployment mechanism  44 . In  FIG. 12  the two stabilizers  1 E are shown attached to the hull of the round boat  20  and retracted (above the water line) using the hinged deployment mechanism  44 . In this version of the stabilizers  1 E, there is a horizontal stabilization chamber  10  connected to the hinged deployment mechanism  44  that hinges for retracting and deployment. A handle  47  facilitates lifting and lowering of the stabilization chambers  10  for retracting and deploying. In this version, the hinged deployment mechanism  44  is attached to the hull of the round boat  20 , for example, by a bolt or by a fitting  45 , although any attachment mechanism is equally anticipated. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , perspective views of the round boat  20  with two horizontal stabilizers  1 F are shown. In  FIG. 13 , the two stabilizers  1 F are shown ready to be inserted for deployment into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20 . In  FIG. 14  the two stabilizers  1 F are shown inserted for deployment into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20 . In this example, the stabilization chambers  10  are shown horizontal and elongated and are interfaced to the round boat  20  connected to an appendage  52  by an arm  54 . The appendage  52  fits into the holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders). 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , perspective views of a round boat  20  with two stabilizers  1 G with fins  68  are shown. In  FIG. 15  the two stabilizers  1 G with fins  68  are shown ready to be inserted for deployment into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20 . In  FIG. 16  the two stabilizers  1 G with fins  68  are shown inserted for deployment into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20 . In some embodiments, the vertical portion  65  of the stabilizers  1 G include a joint  11  that allows for disassembly, for example when storing the stabilizer  1 G, while in other embodiments, the vertical portion  65  is a monolithic tube. In this example, the horizontal portion  66  of the stabilizer  1 G includes an appendage  62  for inserting into the holes  21  (e.g., fishing pole holders or specifically formed holes) of the round boat  20 . By leaving a section of the horizontal portion  66  extending beyond the appendage  62 , the section of the horizontal portion  66  that extends beyond the appendage  62  is used to stow the stabilizer  1 G when not in use, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0055]    To allow water penetration into the stabilization chamber  10 , the horizontal portion  65  and the vertical portion  66  are hollow, at least hollow enough as to allow air pressure equalization as water enters the stabilization chamber  10 . Although there are many ways to provide such equalization, all of which are included here within, in the embodiments shown, the end of the vertical section  66  is at least partially open, thereby fluidly interfacing the stabilization chamber  10  with the atmosphere and allowing for water to enter the stabilization chamber  10 . The fin  68  provides directional stabilization to the round boat  20 . 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , perspective views of a round boat  20  with two fin-stabilizers  1  are shown. In  FIG. 17 , the two fin-stabilizers  1 H are shown ready to be inserted for deployment into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20 . In  FIG. 18  the two fin-stabilizers  1 H are shown inserted for deployment into holes  21  (e.g. into fishing pole holders) within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20 . In some embodiments, the vertical portion  75  of the stabilizers  1 H include a joint  11  that allows for disassembly, for example when storing the stabilizer  1 H, while in other embodiments, the vertical portion  75  is a monolithic tube. In this example, the horizontal portion  76  of the stabilizer  1 H includes an appendage  72  for inserting into the holes  21  (e.g., fishing pole holders or specifically formed holes) of the round boat  20 . By leaving a section of the horizontal portion  76  extending beyond the appendage  72 , the section of the horizontal portion  76  that extends beyond the appendage  72  is usable to stow the stabilizer  1 H when not in use, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0057]    In this version, the fin  69  provides directional stabilization to the round boat  20 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , plan views of the round boat  20  with the two stabilizers  1 K are shown. In  FIG. 19 , the two stabilizers  1 K are shown ready to be inserted into holes  21  within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20  for storage when not being used for stabilization. In  FIG. 20  the two stabilizers  1 K are shown inserted into holes  21  within the gunnel walls of the round boat  20  for storage when not being used for stabilization. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the vertical portion  85  of the stabilizers  1 K include a joint  11  that allows for disassembly, for example when storing the stabilizer  1 K, while in other embodiments, the vertical portion  85  is a monolithic tube. In this example, the horizontal portion  86  of the stabilizer  1 K includes an appendage  82  for inserting into the holes  21  (e.g., fishing pole holders or specifically formed holes) of the round boat  20  when deploying the stabilizers  1 K. By leaving a section of the horizontal portion  86  extending beyond the appendage  82 , the section of the horizontal portion  86  that extends beyond the appendage  82  is usable to stow the stabilizer  1  when not in use, as shown. The stabilizers  1 K are deployed as shown in, for example,  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0060]    To allow water penetration into the stabilization chamber  10 , the horizontal portion  85  and the vertical portion  86  are hollow, at least hollow enough as to allow air pressure equalization as water enters the stabilization chambers  10 . Although there are many ways to provide such equalization, all of which are included here within, in the embodiments shown, the end of the horizontal section  86  is at least partially open, thereby fluidly interfacing the stabilization chamber  10  with the atmosphere and allowing for water to enter the stabilization chamber  10 . In this version, there are two auxiliary stabilization chambers  9  that provide stabilization above that of the stabilization chamber  10 . Although the auxiliary stabilization chambers  9  and the stabilization chamber  10  are shown lined up in a linear fashion, any configuration is anticipated, having any number of auxiliary stabilization chambers  9  in any arrangement and size. It is preferred that the auxiliary stabilization chambers  9  be at least partially open at each end to permit water entry and exit. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 21 , a perspective view of a lone stabilizer  1 K having stabilization chamber  10  and two auxiliary stabilization chambers  9  is shown. In this view, the stabilizer  1 K is shown disassembled at the joint  11 , for example when stowing the stabilizer  1 K. Also, this view shows an optional bumper  83  that is present on some stabilizers to hold the stabilizers away from the round boat  20  and keep the stabilizers from moving. 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 22A , a perspective view of a lone stabilizer  1 M having multiple auxiliary stabilization chambers  9  is shown. There are many anticipated configurations of stabilization chambers and auxiliary stabilization chambers  9 , as some have been shown and are shown in subsequent figures as examples. In this view, the stabilizer  1 M is shown disassembled at the joint  11 , for example when stowing the stabilizer  1 M. The stabilizer  1 M is shown with two equally sized auxiliary stabilization chambers  9 , a cross sectional view of such is shown in  FIG. 22C . In  FIG. 22B  a cross sectional view of another configuration of stabilization chambers is shown with the stabilization chamber  10 , an auxiliary stabilization chamber  9  having substantially the same cross-sectional size as the stabilization chamber  10  and two auxiliary stabilization chamber  99  having smaller same cross-sectional size as the stabilization chamber  10 . Any width, length, and shape of stabilization chamber  10  and auxiliary stabilization chamber  9  is anticipated and examples are shown in the figures. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , plan views of stabilizers  1 N/ 1 P that attach with a clamp  13  to the gunnel of the watercraft and extend/retract through collapsing action are shown. In  FIG. 23 , the entire stabilization chamber  10 / 9  of the stabilizer  1 N is lowered below the water level by extending the collapsible stages  4 . In  FIG. 24 , the stabilization chamber  10 / 9  of the stabilizer  1 P interfaces to the vertical riser  5  through a connection interface  11 . Both stabilizers  1 N/ 1 P attach to the gunnel of a watercraft by a clamp  13 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , plan views of a stabilizer  1 Q with mass  17  are shown. In  FIG. 25 , the mass  98  is shown in a retracted position, held by a rope  97  running through the stabilizer  1 Q. In  FIG. 26  the mass  98  is shown in a deployed position. In the versions of  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the stabilizer  1 Q includes a single stabilization chamber  10  that is open to allow entry of water, although any configuration of stabilization chamber(s)  10 / 9  is anticipated. In this embodiment, the vertical portion  95  is a monolithic tube. The horizontal portion  96  of the stabilizer  1 Q includes an appendage  92  for inserting into the holes  21  (e.g., fishing pole holders or specifically formed holes) of the round boat  20 . By leaving a section of the horizontal portion  96  extending beyond the appendage  92 , the section of the horizontal portion  96  that extends beyond the appendage  92  is usable to stow the stabilizer  1 Q when not in use, for example as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
         [0065]    To allow water penetration into the stabilization chamber  10 , the horizontal portion  95  and the vertical portion  96  are hollow, at least hollow enough as to allow air pressure equalization as water enters the stabilization chamber  10 . Although there are many ways to provide such equalization, all of which are included here within, in the embodiments shown, the end of the horizontal section  96  is at least partially open, thereby fluidly interfacing the stabilization chamber  10  with the atmosphere and allowing for water to enter the stabilization chamber  10 . 
         [0066]    In this embodiment a mass  98  (e.g. weight) is attached to a line  97  (e.g. rope) and the line passes through the vertical section  96  and the horizontal riser  95  for raising and lowering the mass  97 . 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 27 , a cut-away view of a stabilizer  1  is shown with respect to the water line after being deployed. Once deployed below the water line, the stabilization chamber  10  fills with water to an equal level with the water line as the horizontal section  6  is at least partially open to the atmosphere and the horizontal section  6  and the vertical riser  5  are at least partially hollow to fluidly connect the stabilization chamber  10  with the atmosphere. 
         [0068]    In this description, various examples are provided for ways to fabricate the stabilizer. Although generally shown using tubing, such as PVC tubing (plumbing or furniture grade), any material and construction technique is anticipated, including using members that are not cylindrical (e.g. having triangular, square, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, shape). Further, although individual components are anticipated, it is also anticipated that the entire stabilizer be molded as one piece. Further, although shown throughout interfaced or interfacing to a round boat  20 , the stabilizers are anticipated for use with any known or future watercraft. 
         [0069]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0070]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.