Abstract:
Embodiments include a retrofit pontoon system including a pontoon, the pontoon having a pontoon body defining a first cavity, a retrofit assembly, the retrofit assembly including a first lateral tube, wherein the first lateral tube is sized to pass through a first aperture formed in the pontoon body and a selectively fillable container, where the first lateral tube is operably coupled with the selectively fillable container, a main tube, where the main tube is fluidly coupled with the first lateral tube, and a pump, the pump being coupled with the main tube such that operation of the pump selectively fills and drains water from the selectively fillable container, where filling the selectively fillable container lowers the profile of the pontoon in the water and emptying the selectively fillable container raises the profile of the pontoon in the water.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/325,268, filed Apr. 20, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the technology relate, in general, to pontoon technology, and, in particular, to selectively fillable pontoons for boats. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]    The present disclosure will be more readily understood from a detailed description of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with the following figures: 
           [0004]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pontoon boat according to one embodiment. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the pontoon boat shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is a right side view of the pontoon boat shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  depicts a front view of the pontoon boat shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  depicts a rear view of the pontoon boat shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  depicts a bottom view of the pontoon boat shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 7  depicts a partial exploded perspective view of the pontoon boat shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 8A  depicts a right side cross-sectional view of a pontoon according to one embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 8B  depicts a right side cross-sectional view of a pontoon according to an alternate embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  depicts a top cross-sectional view of a pontoon assembly according to one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  depicts a top cross-sectional view of a pontoon assembly according to an alternate embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11A  depicts a bottom view of a pontoon having a visual, auditory, and vibratory system according to one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11B  depicts a more detailed view of the visual system shown in  FIG. 11A  according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  depicts a perspective view of a dock system having a plurality of pontoons according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  depicts a perspective cutaway view of a retrofit pontoon assembly according to one embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  depicts a front view of the retrofit pontoon assembly shown in  FIG. 13 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  depicts a right side view of a pontoon boat shown having a high profile relative to the waterline. 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  depicts a right side view of a pontoon boat shown having a low profile relative to the waterline. 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  depicts a right side view of a pontoon boat shown having a low profile bow and high profile stern such that the boat is substantially beached. 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  depicts a rear view of a pontoon boat shown having a first pontoon with a low profile and a second pontoon with a high profile such that the boat is substantially beached in a “parallel parking” configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  depicts a right side cross-sectional view of a pontoon according to one embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  depicts a right side cross-sectional view of a pontoon according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Various non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the apparatuses, systems, methods, and processes disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that systems and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0027]    Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with any embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “some example embodiments,” “one example embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0028]    Described herein are example embodiments of apparatuses, systems, and methods for adjustable pontoons for boats, docks, and the like. In one example embodiment, a pontoon boat can include one or a plurality of pontoons that can be selectively filled and drained with fluid to adjust the boat&#39;s position in the water. In some embodiments, the selectively fillable pontoons can be adjusted or controlled automatically with a controller or computer. In some embodiments, the pontoons can be divided into sections that can be independently filled or drained to create different boat positions within the water. 
         [0029]    The examples discussed herein are examples only and are provided to assist in the explanation of the apparatuses, devices, systems and methods described herein. None of the features or components shown in the drawings or discussed below should be taken as mandatory for any specific implementation of any of these the apparatuses, devices, systems or methods unless specifically designated as mandatory. For ease of reading and clarity, certain components, modules, or methods may be described solely in connection with a specific figure. Any failure to specifically describe a combination or sub-combination of components should not be understood as an indication that any combination or sub-combination is not possible. Also, for any methods described, regardless of whether the method is described in conjunction with a flow diagram, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified or required by context, any explicit or implicit ordering of steps performed in the execution of a method does not imply that those steps must be performed in the order presented but instead may be performed in a different order or in parallel. 
         [0030]    Example embodiments described herein can include providing a pontoon boat with the ability to adjust position relative to the waterline to improve fishing quality. For example, in certain circumstances, a low profile boat may be advantageous for fishing, where a higher profile boat may be advantageous for travelling between fishing locations. Additionally, or alternatively, the pontoons can be equipped with any suitable features including lights, audible features, depth sensors, emergency filling systems, and the like. 
         [0031]    As will be described in more detail with respect to  FIG. 8 , a pontoon management computer system or controller  50  in accordance with the present disclosure can be accessed via any suitable technique, such as a web-browser such as SAFARI, OPERA, GOOGLE CHROME, INTERNET EXPLORER, or the like executing on a client device. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be a web-based application or a stand-alone executable. Additionally, in some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can integrate with various types of on-board computer systems, such as computer systems integrated with a fishing boat, and the like. Any suitable client device can be used to access, or execute, the pontoon management computing system, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, smart phones, tablet computers, and the like. 
         [0032]    Systems and methods described herein may generally provide an optimized fishing environment for users (e.g., a high profile boat position during travel and a low profile boat position during fishing) to substantially optimize the fishing or boating experience for a user. Interaction with the controller  50  may include, without limitation, keyboard entry, writing from pen, stylus, finger, or the like, with a computer mouse, or other forms of input (voice recognition, etc.). It will be appreciated that the controller  50  can be associated with a dedicated display  26  ( FIG. 2 ) on the dashboard of a boat or other vehicle. The display may be presented on a tablet, desktop, phone, board, or paper. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , various views of an example pontoon boat  10  are illustrated. It will be appreciated that any suitable pontoon boat or watercraft is contemplated, where pontoon boat  10  is shown by way of example only. The pontoon boat  10  can include a platform  12  that can be coupled with a first pontoon  14  and a second pontoon  16 . The pontoons  14 ,  16  can be fixedly coupled to the bottom of the platform  12 , can be substantially parallel, and can be spaced apart any suitable distance. The pontoons  14 ,  16  ( FIG. 3 ) can have any suitable length  18  including from about 8 feet to about 14 feet, from about 10 feet to about 16 feet, from about 3 feet to about 8 feet, or any other suitable length. The pontoons  14 ,  16  can have any suitable diameter  20  including from about 12 inches to about 24 inches, from about 18 inches to about 30 inches, or at about 24 inches. In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , the pontoon boat  10  includes two spaced-apart pontoons, but it will be appreciated that any suitable number of pontoons having any orientation is contemplated. In an alternate embodiment, a series of small pontoons can be used in place of the two long pontoons to provide even greater control or flexibility in accordance with embodiments described herein. The pontoons  14 ,  16  can be streamlined and have a varying diameter to improve fluid dynamics, or the pontoons can have a substantially uniform diameter for applications such as for use in docks. The pontoons  14 ,  16  can be constructed from any suitable material such as aluminum. The pontoon boat  10  can include seating  22 , a captain&#39;s chair  24 , a dashboard  26 , a steering wheel  28 , and/or any other suitable features. The pontoon boat  10  can include any suitable fishing gear such as a fish finder, radar, well, trolling motor, or the like. 
         [0034]      FIG. 8A  depicts a cross-sectional view taken along reference plane A-A ( FIG. 7 ) of the pontoon  14  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated example, the pontoon  14  can include a substantially bullet-shaped or cigar-shaped pontoon body  30 . The pontoon body  30  can be configured from aluminum and can define an internal cavity  32 . The pontoon  14  can be divided into a first section  34 , a second section  36 , and a third section  38  by a first bulkhead  40  and a second bulkhead  42 . The pontoon body  14  can include a horizontal divider  44  that can further divide the pontoon body into an upper section  46  and a lower section  48 . The bulkheads  40 ,  42  and horizontal divider  44  can be constructed from aluminum and can be welded or otherwise coupled with the pontoon body  30  to form a watertight seal. In one embodiment, the upper section  36  of the pontoon  14  is never filled with water such that a minimum level of buoyancy is maintained in the pontoon  14  even when the lower section  48  of the pontoon is completely or partially filled. The horizontal divider  44  may substantially and permanently separate the upper section  46  from the lower section  48  such that only the lower section  48  can be selectively filled with fluid to adjust the position of the pontoon boat  10  relative to the waterline. Similarly, the first bulkhead  40  and the second bulkhead  42  can substantially separate first section  34 , second section  36 , and third section  38  such that fluid can only fill or drain from the sections via dedicated tubing in accordance with versions described herein. It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, particularly embodiments with relatively large pontoons, an upper section  46  may not be provided such that the entire pontoon is fillable. 
         [0035]    Still referring to  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment the pontoon  14  can include a pipe or main tube  52  that can extend substantially horizontally through the first section  34 , the second section  36 , and into the third section  38 . The main tube  52  can pass through apertures  54  defined by the first bulkhead  40  and the second bulkhead  42 . The bulkheads  40 ,  42  can include a seal  56  or the like that can create a watertight seal between the main tube  52  and the bulkheads  40 ,  42 . In one embodiment, the main tube is constructed from PVC and has a diameter of about 1 inch. The main tube can include a first lateral tube  58 , a second lateral tube  60 , and a third lateral tube  62  that can be associated with the first section  34 , the second section  36 , and the third section  38 , respectively. The lateral tubes  58 ,  60 ,  62  can branch off of the main tube  52  into each respective section such that fluid can be selectively added or removed from each section  34 ,  36 ,  38  during operation. It will be appreciated that the lateral tubes  58 ,  60 ,  62  can extend any length, but in one embodiment are sufficiently long or otherwise configured to drain water that may pool in the bottom of each section. 
         [0036]    The pontoon  14  can include a pump  64  that can be coupled to the rear end of the pontoon  14 . The pump  64  can be any suitable pump that can have a first fill mode and a second drain mode, for example. The pump  64  can be coupled with an inlet/outlet tube  66  that can be sized and positioned to remain in the water throughout the operation of the pump  64 . The pump  64  can draw water with an impeller (not shown) through the inlet/outlet tube  66  and can urge the water through the main tube  52  and the associated lateral tubes  58 ,  60 ,  62  such that the water begins to fill the sections  34 ,  36 , and  38  of the pontoon  14 . In the drain mode, the pump  64  can reverse direction of the impeller and can draw water through the lateral tubes  58 ,  60 , and  62  into the main tube  52  such that the water can be expelled through the inlet/outline tube  66 . The pump  64  can be controlled manually or, alternatively, can be controlled by the controller  50 . The pump  64  may be battery operated, solar powered, or have any other suitable power source. It will be appreciated that as water or fluid is added to the pontoons  14 ,  16  the pontoon boat  10  can sink lower into the water and as water or fluid is removed from the pontoon  14 ,  16  the pontoon boat  10  can rise higher in the water. 
         [0037]    During operation of the pontoon boat  10 , the pontoons  14 ,  16  can be selectively filled or emptied as desired. For example, when boating at normal speed it may be preferable that the pontoons  14 ,  16  be substantially free of water inside the pontoon body  30 . Added water may increase drag and unnecessarily slow down the pontoon boat  10 . When the pontoon boat  10  has stopped, such as at a desirable fishing location, it may be advantageous for the pontoon boat  10  to have a relatively lower profile relative to the waterline. Such a lower profile can make it easier to access fish, to remain stable in the water, to be less susceptible to wind, etc. Once a desirable location has been reached the pump  64  can be activated to draw water through the inlet/outlet tube  66  and into the main tube  52 . Water from the main tube  52  can pass through the lateral tubes  58 ,  60 ,  62  into the sections  34 ,  36 ,  38 , respectively. As the sections  34 ,  36 ,  38  begin to fill the pontoons  14 ,  16  can begin to sit lower and lower in the water. The operator can manually operate the pump  64  until the desirable depth is set or, alternatively, the controller  50  can guide the pump  64  to fill the pontoon  14  to a specific or pre-set level. 
         [0038]    In an alternate embodiment, the lateral tubes  58 ,  60 ,  62  can include valves (not shown) that can be opened and closed manually, with a controller  50 , via wiring to the dashboard  26  ( FIG. 1 ), or the like. In this embodiment the fluid or water may be pumped through the main tube  52 , but valves associated with certain sections may be opened and/or closed depending upon the desired profile. Such a configuration may allow one or more sections  34 ,  36 ,  38  to be selectively filled to adjust the position of the boat in the water on two or three axes. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , a coordinate system is showing having X, Y, and Z axes. The pontoon boat  10  can, for example, rotate at the origin above the X axes, Y axes, and/or Z axis until a desirable position in the water is achieved. In one example, the pontoons may be filled such that the pontoon boat only rotates about the X axes. In an alternate example the same pontoon boat may be rotated only about the Y axes. It will be appreciated that the pontoon boat  10  can be aligned along any suitable plane in the coordinate system. It will be appreciated that any suitable degree of rotation about one or more of the axes is contemplated including from about 1 degree to about 15 degrees, from about 5 degrees to about 10 degrees, from about 2 degrees to about 5 degrees, from about one degree to about five degrees, greater than about one degree, or combinations thereof. For example, the pontoon boat  10  may have a 2 degree rotation about a first axis and a five degree rotation about a second axis. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, each pontoon  14 ,  16  can be associated with a separate pump  64  or, as will be described herein, a single pump can be used for both pontoons  14 ,  16 . It will be appreciated that the position of the pump  64  is shown by way of example only and any suitable placement and configuration is contemplated. It will be appreciated that operation of the pump  64  can be controlled on the pump itself, through wiring (not shown) to the dashboard  26  ( FIG. 1 ) of the pontoon boat, wirelessly to the dashboard  26 , by a mobile or computer device, or by any other suitable method or mechanism. In one embodiment the main tube  52  can include a shutoff valve (not shown) that can be closed in an emergency or equipment malfunction to prevent water from filling the pontoons  14 ,  16 . 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the pontoon  14  can include a port  68  that can be used for the selective delivery of fluid, chemicals, cleaners, or the like into the internal cavity  32  of the pontoon body  30 . For example, if lake water is being used to selectively fill the pontoon  14  then algae or other biological material may begin to grow within the pontoon body  30 . One or more ports  68  may provide access to the internal cavity  32  for the delivery of biocide, algaecide, pesticide, or cleaning materials. The port  68  can allow for a hose (not shown) to be inserted into the internal cavity  32  to deliver or remove fluid as desirable. It will be appreciated that each section of the internal cavity  32  can be associated with a separate port or the port system can be coupled with each independent section of the pontoon. The pontoon body  30  can also include non-stick or algae-resistant paint, for example, to resist the attachment of plants, animals, organisms, or the like. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 8B , an alternate embodiment of a pontoon  114  is shown. The pontoon body  130  can be constructed from aluminum and can define an internal cavity  132 . The pontoon  114  can be divided into a first section  134 , a second section  136 , and a third section  138  by a first bulkhead  140  and a second bulkhead  142 . The pontoon body  114  can include a horizontal divider  144  that can further divide the pontoon body into an upper section  146  and a lower section  148 . In one embodiment, the upper section  136  of the pontoon  114  is never filled with water such that a minimum level of buoyancy is maintained in the pontoon  114  even when the lower section  148  of the pontoon is completely or partially filled. The horizontal divider  144  may substantially and permanently separate the upper section  146  from the lower section  148  such that only the lower section  148  can be selectively filled with fluid to adjust the position of the pontoon boat  10  ( FIG. 1 ) relative to the waterline. Similarly, the first bulkhead  140  and the second bulkhead  142  can substantially separate first section  134 , second section  136 , and third section  138  such that fluid can only fill or drain from the sections via dedicated tubing in accordance with versions described herein. 
         [0042]    Still referring to  FIG. 8B , in one embodiment the pontoon  114  can include a pipe or main tube  152  that can extend substantially horizontally through the first section  134 , the second section  136 , and into the third section  138 . The main tube  152  can pass through apertures  154  defined by the first bulkhead  140  and the second bulkhead  142 . The bulkheads  140 ,  142  can include a seal  156  or the like that can create a watertight seal between the main tube  152  and the bulkheads  140 ,  142 . In one embodiment, the main tube is constructed from PVC and has a diameter of about 2 inches. The main tube can include a first lateral projection  158 , a second lateral projection  160 , and a third lateral projection  162  that can be associated with the first section  134 , the second section  136 , and the third section  138 , respectively. The lateral projections  158 ,  160 ,  162  can branch off of the main tube  152  into each respective section  134 ,  136 ,  138  during operation. 
         [0043]    The pontoon  114  can include a pump  164  that can be coupled to the rear end of the pontoon  114 . The pump  164  can be any suitable pump that can have a first fill mode and a second drain mode. The pump  164  can be coupled with an inlet/outlet tube  166  that can be sized and positioned to remain in the water throughout the operation of the pump  164 . The pump  164  can be coupled with separate tubes  170 ,  172 ,  174  that can pass through the main tube  152  such that each of sections  134 ,  136 ,  138  can be filled independently. The pump  164  can draw water through the inlet/outlet tube  166  and can urge the water through one or more of the tubes  170 ,  172 ,  174  to selectively fill the sections  134 ,  136 , and  138  of the pontoon  114 . In the drain mode, the pump  164  can reverse direction and can draw water through one or more of the tubes  170 ,  172 ,  174  such that the water can be expelled through the inlet/outline tube  166 . The pump  164  can be controlled manually or, alternatively, can be controlled by the controller  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, it is possible for the user to adjust the amount of fluid within each section of the pontoon  114  to create different positions for the pontoon boat  10  ( FIG. 1 ) within the water. As will be described in more detail herein, it may be advantage in certain situations for the bow of the pontoon boat  10  to be filled when the stern of the boat is relatively empty, or vice versa. Similarly, it may be advantageous in certain situations to have one pontoon filled to a certain level or fill profile while another pontoon has a different fill profile. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a top view of one embodiment of a selectively fillable pontoon system  211  is shown. The selectively fillable pontoon system  211  can include a first pontoon  214  and a second pontoon  216  that can be coupled to a pump  264  via a first tube  252  and a second tube  253 , respectively. The pump  264  can be associated with an inlet/outlet tube  266  that can be used to draw or drain water for the pontoon system  211 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pump  264  can substantially fill or drain the pontoons  214 ,  216  at the same time and at substantially the same level. In one embodiment, the pontoon system  211  can include depth sensors  276  that can be used to determine the fill profile and position of the pontoons  214 ,  216  in the water. Information gathered by the depth sensors  276  can be processed automatically by a controller  250  associated with the pump  264  to maintain a particular position for the pontoon boat  10  ( FIG. 1 ) in the waterline, for example. The controller  250  can be preprogrammed with one or a plurality of fill profiles associated with a specific depth, where the controller  250  can fill or drain the pontoons  214 ,  216  until a desired profile is achieved. 
         [0045]    In one embodiment, the pontoons  214 ,  216  can be associated with one or more air tanks  278  via a hose  280  coupled with the tubes  252 ,  253  to provide immediate buoyancy to the pontoons  214 ,  216  in the event of a breach or emergency. The air tanks can be filled with compressed gas, such as carbon dioxide gas, where upon a breach occurring in a pontoon the compressed gas can be delivered through the tubes  252 ,  253  to expel water or fluid from the pontoons  214 ,  216 . The tanks  278  can be manual or can be associated with the controller  250  to initiate upon detection of a leak in one or more of the pontoons  214 ,  216 . In one embodiment, the depth sensors  276  can be monitored by the controller  250  to alter the delivery of compressed gas to the pontoon(s) during a breach to maintain a substantially balanced profile. It will be appreciated that tanks  278  can be filled with any suitable material such as foam or the like that could help provide a seal and/or buoyancy for the pontoons  214 ,  216 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a top view of one embodiment of a selectively fillable pontoon system  311  is shown. The selectively fillable pontoon system  311  can include a first pontoon  314  coupled with a first pump  364  via a first tube  352  and a second pontoon  316  that can be coupled to a second pump  365  via a second tube  353 . The pumps  364 ,  365  can be associated with one or a plurality of inlet/outlet tubes  366  that can be used to draw or drain water for the pontoon system  311 . In the illustrated embodiment, the pumps  364 ,  365  can substantially fill or drain the pontoons  314 ,  316  independently to create different fill profiles and positions for the pontoon boat  10  ( FIGS. 15-18 , for example). In one embodiment, the pontoon system  311  can include depth sensors  376  that can be used to determine the fill profile and position of the pontoons  314 ,  316  in the water. Information gathered by the depth sensors  376  can be processed automatically by a controller  350  associated with the pumps  364 ,  365  to maintain a particular position for the pontoon boat  10  in the waterline, for example. The controller  350  can be preprogrammed with one or a plurality of fill profiles associated with a specific depth, where the controller  350  can fill or drain the pontoons  314 ,  316  until a desired profile is achieved. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller can be associated with profiles that fill the pontoons  314 ,  316  differently to create asymmetrical or varied positions within the water. Alternatively, the user can manually adjust the pumps  364 ,  365  to achieve a desired position or profile. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , one embodiment of a pontoon  414  is shown having a plurality of displays, indicators, features, or the like. The pontoon  414  can include one or a plurality of speakers  482 , alarms, or auditory systems that can be used for any suitable purpose. For example, certain auditory profiles, such as a fish distress signal, delivered under the water may particularly attractive to certain types of fish or aquatic life. The pontoon  414  can include one or a plurality of haptic or vibratory systems  484  that can send vibrations through the water. The pontoon  414  can include a first light strip  484  and a second light strip  486  that can extend substantially the length of the pontoon  414 . The light strips  484 ,  486  can be comprised of a first row  487  of ultraviolet or black lights, a second row  488  of red lights, and a third row  489  of white lights. It will be appreciated that any suitable light arrangement and type is contemplated, but the ultraviolet light, red lights, and/or white light may be attractive to aquatic life or provide good visibility during fishing activities. Red light may be low spectrum and reduce the number of insects that are attracted. The light strips  484 ,  486  can be flush mounted with the pontoon  414 , can be adhered or otherwise attached to the pontoon  414 , or can be selectively removable. The light strips  484 ,  486  can include fiber optics, light emitting diodes, or any other suitable lighting system or mechanism. The light strips  484 ,  486  and other accessories can be associated with a controller (not shown) such that certain lighting profiles can be preprogrammed for different uses. For example, a particular fish species may have a specific visual, auditory, and haptic profile that can be programmed to best attract that specific type of fish. Control of the accessories can be associated with the dashboard of the pontoon boat  10  or, alternatively, can be associated with a remote device such as a mobile phone or tablet. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , one embodiment of a dock system  511  is shown having a plurality of pontoons  514  that can support a platform  512 . The pontoons  514  can include any suitable mechanism for raising or lowering the pontoons  514  and the associated platform  512 . A pump  564  can be coupled to the pontoon  514  in accordance with versions described herein to selectively fill or drain one or more of the pontoons  514 . For example, during transportation it may be desirable for a dock or platform to sit as far above the waterline as possible, particularly in shallow locations. Upon arrival at a suitable location the pontoons  514  can be filled using the pump  564  such that the dock system  511  is substantially beached and secured. When the dock system  511  is no longer needed the pump  564  can be used to draw water out of the pontoons  514  such that they can be transported once again. Such dock systems may be particularly useful for temporary and/or shallow dock applications or where it&#39;s impractical or undesirable for stakes or supports to be inserted into the lake, river, or water bed. It will be appreciated that any suitable dock systems  511  can be coupled together using any suitable mechanism. It will be appreciated that the pump  564  can be selectively removable such that a single pump can be used to fill or drain a number of associated dock sections. 
         [0049]    It will be appreciated that the dock system  511  can also be used as a landing platform for personal watercraft, boats, or the like. For example, the dock system  511  can be filled with water to create a low enough profile that a watercraft can move onto the platform  512 , which can be in the form of a ramp (not shown) or otherwise include boat docking features. Once the watercraft is positioned the pontoons  514  can be emptied to raise the dock system  511  and secure the watercraft on the platform  512 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , one version of a pontoon retrofit system  611  is shown including a pontoon  614  and a retrofit assembly  690  that can be positioned within the pontoon  614 . In one embodiment, the pontoon  614  can be a standard pontoon that is hollowed out so that the retrofit assembly  690  can be inserted into the pontoon  614 . The retrofit assembly  690  can include a body  692  that can include one or a plurality of fillable chambers (not shown) that can be selective filled via an inlet/outlet tube  609 . The body  692  can be cylindrical to match the general shape of a pontoon or, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the body  692  can be a rectangular box that can fit universally into a wide range of pontoons. The body  692  can be associated with one or a plurality of spacers  694  that can engage the body  692  and the pontoon  614  to permanently or selectively secure the retrofit assembly  690  to the pontoon  614 . It will be appreciated that any suitable shape or configuration of a retrofit assembly is contemplated including any suitable attached or sizing features or elements. The retrofit assembly  690  can include a pump (not shown) and can be operated in accordance with versions described herein. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-18 , a number of different fill or boat profiles are shown by way of example.  FIG. 15  illustrates one version of a pontoon boat  10  where the pontoons may be substantially empty such that the pontoon boat  10  has a substantially high profile relative to the waterline.  FIG. 16  illustrates a version of the pontoon boat  10  where the pontoons may be substantially filled such that the pontoon boat  10  has a substantially low profile relative to the waterline.  FIG. 17  illustrates one version of a pontoon boat  10  where the pontoons may be substantially filled at the bow, but are substantially empty in the stern. Such a configuration may be useful for beaching the bow of the pontoon boat  10  for recreation or the like.  FIG. 18  illustrates one version of a pontoon boat  10  where pontoon  14  is substantially filled and pontoon  16  is substantially empty. In the illustrated configuration the pontoon boat  10  may be “parallel parked” on a sandbar or the like, for example. In embodiment, the bow of the boat  10  can be emptied and the stern can be filled with water to raise the bow in the water. Such a configuration may facilitate boat trailering. A lower profile in the water may also be used when docking the boat  10  to allow for disable passengers, or those having trouble with height variations, to easily ingress and egress from the boat. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 19 , shown is a cross-sectional view of a pontoon  714  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated example, the pontoon  714  can include a substantially bullet-shaped or cigar-shaped pontoon body  730 . The pontoon body  730  can be configured from aluminum and can define an internal cavity  732 . The pontoon  714  can be divided into a first section  734 , a second section  736 , and a third section  738  by a first bulkhead  740  and a second bulkhead  742 . The bulkheads  740 ,  742  can be constructed from aluminum and can be welded or otherwise coupled with the pontoon body  730  to form a watertight seal. The first bulkhead  740  and the second bulkhead  742  can substantially separate first section  734 , second section  736 , and third section  738  such that fluid can only fill or drain from the sections via dedicated tubing or pumps, for example, in accordance with versions described herein. It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, particularly embodiments with relatively small pontoons, an upper section may be provided in the pontoon that is not fillable. 
         [0053]    Still referring to  FIG. 19 , in one embodiment the pontoon  714  can include a first pump  752  that can extend into the first section  734  through an aperture  753  defined by the pontoon body  730 . The first pump  752  can be coupled with a first plate  755  that can be fixedly attached to the pontoon body  730  in a watertight fashion, such as with rivets or the like. The first plate  755  can include a seal (not shown) or other suitable feature to facilitate a watertight coupling. The first pump  752  can include an impeller (not shown) or any other suitable mechanism that can draw water into a compliant, semi-compliant, or non-compliant first container  757  such that the first section  734  can be selectively filled with water. In one embodiment, the first container  757  can be flexible and sufficiently compliant such that the first container can substantially fill the cavity defined by the first section  734  including non-uniform geometries. When the first container  757  is partially or wholly filled the buoyancy of the pontoon  714  can be impacted to create a desired profile in the water. The pump  752  can be bi-directional such that the first pump  752  can selectively urge water out of the first container. The pump  752  can be electrically wired into the dashboard of the pontoon boat, can have an independent power source, can be remotely controlled such as via Bluetooth or the like, or can have any other suitable power or control configuration. 
         [0054]    The pontoon  714  can also include a first release valve  759  that can extend into the first section  734  through an aperture  763  defined by the pontoon body  730 . The first release valve  759  can be coupled with first valve plate  761  that can be fixedly attached to the pontoon body  730  in a watertight fashion, such as with rivets or the like. The first release valve  759  can be associated with the cavity  732  such that as the first container  757  is filled air can be released through the first release valve to accommodate the expansion of the first container  757 . The first release valve  759  can be positioned at or about the top of the pontoon body  730  above the waterline. The first release valve  759  can be a two-way valve, a door, or any other feature that can allow for the first container  757  to fill and empty. The first release valve  759  can be a passive valve or can be powered and/or controllable as desired. 
         [0055]    In one embodiment, the first pump  752  and the first release valve  759  can be part of a retrofit system for use with existing pontoons. For example, during installation the aperture  753  can be formed in the body  730  of an existing pontoon  714 . The aperture  763  can also be formed in the body  730  using any suitable mechanism, cutter, drill, or the like. The first container  757  coupled with the pump  752  can be inserted through the aperture  753  into the cavity  752  and the pump  752  can then substantially seal the aperture  753  with or without the use of a first plate  755 . The first release valve  759  can be inserted into the aperture  763  and can be sealed with or without the use of the first valve plate  761 . A permanent retrofit system can be wired into the pontoon boat. A selectively removable system may include an independent power source for the pump and may be remotely controllable, for example. It will be appreciated that if the system is removed from the pontoon  714  that a permanent or selectively removable plug (not shown) can be inserted into the aperture  753  to prevent leakage. 
         [0056]    The pontoon  714  can include any suitable number of pumps, valves, containers, or the like. For example, the second section  736  can be associated with a second pump  765  coupled with a second fillable container  766 . A second release valve  768  can be coupled with the second section  736 . The third section  738  can be associated with a third pump  767  coupled with a third fillable container  769 . A third release valve  770  can be coupled with the third section  738 . In one embodiment, each of the pumps  752 ,  765 ,  767  can be independently operated such that the associated containers  757 ,  766 ,  769  can be filled or drained to a desirable level. Adjusting the water level in each of the containers can correspondingly adjust the position of the pontoon boat on the water.  FIG. 19  illustrates one example showing a pontoon with three separate sections, but it will be appreciated that any suitable number of sections such as one section, two sections, three sections, four sections, five sections, or more is contemplated. The containers  757 ,  766 ,  769  can have a uniform size and shape or can vary depending on their position, geometry of the pontoon, or the like. A one-size-fits-all container is contemplated that can be expandable, for example, to accommodate variety of pontoon dimensions. The containers can incorporate an algae or bacteria resistant material. The containers can be fixedly or selectively adhered inside the cavity  732  of the pontoon or, alternatively, can simply be passively retained within the cavity  732 . The pumps  752 ,  765 ,  767  can be any suitable pump that can have a first fill mode and a second drain mode, for example. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 20 , a cross-sectional view is shown taken along a pontoon  814  according to one embodiment. In the illustrated example, the pontoon  814  can include a substantially bullet-shaped or cigar-shaped pontoon body  830 . The pontoon body  30  can be configured from aluminum and can define an internal cavity  832 . The pontoon  814  can be divided into a first section  834 , a second section  836 , and a third section  838  by a first bulkhead  840  and a second bulkhead  842 . The bulkheads  840 ,  842  can be constructed from aluminum and can be welded or otherwise coupled with the pontoon body  830  to form a watertight seal. The first bulkhead  840  and the second bulkhead  842  can substantially separate the first section  834 , second section  836 , and third section  838  such that fluid can only fill or drain from the sections via dedicated tubing in accordance with versions described herein. 
         [0058]    Still referring to  FIG. 8A , in one embodiment the pontoon  814  can include a pipe or main tube  852  that can extend substantially horizontally along the first section  834 , the second section  836 , and the third section  838 . The main tube  852  can pass externally to the pontoon  814  as shown or, in an alternate embodiment, can be positioned internally. In one embodiment, the main tube  852  can be constructed from PVC and can have a diameter of about 1 inch. The main tube  852  can include a first lateral tube  858 , a second lateral tube  860 , and a third lateral tube  862  that can be associated with the first section  834 , the second section  836 , and the third section  838 , respectively. The lateral tubes  858 ,  860 ,  862  can branch off of the main tube  852  into each respective section such that fluid can be selectively added or removed from each section  834 ,  836 ,  838  during operation. A container  857  can be associated with each of the lateral tubes and can be fluidly coupled with each of the lateral tubes  858 ,  860 ,  862  such that water passing through the lateral tubes will fill the containers and water exiting the lateral tubes will empty the containers. It will be appreciated that the lateral tubes  858 ,  860 ,  862  can extend any length, but in one embodiment are sufficiently long or otherwise configured to drain water that may pool in the bottom of each container. 
         [0059]    The pontoon  814  can include a pump  864  that can be coupled to the rear end of the pontoon  814 , for example. The pump  864  can be any suitable pump that can have a first fill mode and a second drain mode, for example. The pump  864  can be coupled with an inlet/outlet tube  866  that can be sized and positioned to remain in the water throughout the operation of the pump  864 . The pump  864  can draw water with an impeller (not shown) through the inlet/outlet tube  866  and can urge the water through the main tube  852  and the associated lateral tubes  858 ,  860 ,  862  such that the water begins to fill the containers  857  in each of sections  834 ,  836 , and  838  of the pontoon  814 . In the drain mode, the pump  864  can reverse direction of the impeller and can draw water through the lateral tubes  858 ,  860 , and  862  into the main tube  852  such that the water can be expelled through the inlet/outline tube  866 . The pump  864  can be controlled manually or, alternatively, can be controlled by the controller  50  described elsewhere herein. The pump  864  may be battery operated, solar powered, or have any other suitable power source. It will be appreciated that as water or fluid is added to the pontoon  814  the pontoon boat can sink lower into the water and as water or fluid is removed from the pontoon  814  the pontoon boat can rise higher in the water. During operation an operator can manually operate the pump  864  until the desirable depth is set or, alternatively, the controller  50  can guide the pump  864  to fill the pontoon  814  to a specific or pre-set level. 
         [0060]    In an alternate embodiment, the lateral tubes  58 ,  60 ,  62  can include valves  880  that can be opened and closed manually, with a controller  50 , via wiring to the dashboard  26  ( FIG. 1 ), or the like. In this embodiment the fluid or water may be pumped through the main tube  852 , but valves  880  associated with certain sections may be opened and/or closed depending upon the desired profile. Such a configuration may allow one or more sections  834 ,  836 ,  838  to be selectively filled to adjust the position of the boat in the water on two or three axes. For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , a coordinate system is showing having X, Y, and Z axes. The pontoon boat  10  can, for example, rotate at the origin above the X axes, Y axes, and/or Z axis until a desirable position in the water is achieved. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, the pontoon  814  can include one or a plurality of ports  868  or valves that can be used passively or selectively release air pressure that may build up within the cavity  832  when the containers  857  are filled. Additional or alternatively, the ports  868  can be used for the delivery of fluid, chemicals, cleaners, or the like into the internal cavity  832  of the pontoon body  830 . For example, if lake water is being used to selectively fill the pontoon  814  then algae or other biological material may begin to grow within the pontoon body  830 . One or more ports  868  may provide access to the internal cavity  832  for the delivery of biocide, algaecide, pesticide, or cleaning materials. The port  68  can allow for a hose (not shown) to be inserted into the body cavity  832  to deliver or remove fluid as desirable. 
         [0062]    In one embodiment, the selective fill system described with respect to  FIG. 20  can be a retrofit system. During installation, a traditional pontoon  814  can be used where holes or apertures can be bored into the sections  834 ,  836 ,  838 . Into each of these apertures an assembly  890  including features such as, for example, lateral tube  858 , port  868 , valve  880 , and container  880 , can be placed. Such an assembly  890  can include a plate  892  that can retain some or all of the elements associated with the assembly  890 . The plate  892  can be permanently or selectively affixed to the body  830  of the pontoon  814 . Such an assembly  890  may allow for a pontoon  814  to be relatively quickly retrofit to add the functionality as described herein. Such an assembly  890  may also have the benefit of creating a single aperture to access the pontoon, where the aperture is above the waterline to reduce the chance for leakage. It will also be appreciated that such a system can be incorporated into any suitable pontoon at the time of manufacture. It will be appreciated that the plates and/or other structures associated with pumps, valves, or the like can be flush with the body of the pontoon, recessed, or otherwise configured to diminish the impact on fluid flow when the boat is in operation. 
         [0063]    In general, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that at least some of the embodiments described herein can be implemented in many different embodiments of software, firmware, and/or hardware. The software code or specialized control hardware that can be used to implement embodiments is not limiting. For example, embodiments described herein can be implemented in computer software using any suitable computer software language type, using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. Such software can be stored on any type of suitable computer-readable medium or media, such as, for example, a magnetic or optical storage medium. The operation and behavior of the embodiments can be described without specific reference to specific software code or specialized hardware components. The absence of such specific references is feasible, because it is clearly understood that artisans of ordinary skill would be able to design software and control hardware to implement the embodiments based on the present description with no more than reasonable effort and without undue experimentation. 
         [0064]    Moreover, the processes described herein can be executed by programmable equipment, such as computers or computer systems and/or processors. Software that can cause programmable equipment to execute processes can be stored in any storage device, such as, for example, a computer system (nonvolatile) memory, an optical disk, magnetic tape, or magnetic disk. Furthermore, at least some of the processes can be programmed when the computer system is manufactured or stored on various types of computer-readable media. 
         [0065]    It can also be appreciated that certain portions of the processes described herein can be performed using instructions stored on a computer-readable medium or media that direct a computer system to perform the process steps. A computer-readable medium can include, for example, memory devices such as diskettes, compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), optical disk drives, or hard disk drives. A computer-readable medium can also include memory storage that is physical, virtual, permanent, temporary, semi-permanent, and/or semi-temporary. 
         [0066]    A “controller”, can be, for example and without limitation, a computer, a computer system, a host, a server, a processor, a microcomputer, a minicomputer, a server, a mainframe, a laptop, a personal data assistant (PDA), a wireless e-mail device, a cellular phone, a pager, a fax machine, a scanner, or any other programmable device configured to transmit and/or receive data over a network. Computer systems and computer-based devices disclosed herein can include memory for storing certain software modules used in obtaining, processing, and communicating information. It can be appreciated that such memory can be internal or external with respect to operation of the disclosed embodiments. The memory can also include any means for storing software, including a hard disk, an optical disk, floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM) and/or other computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media, as used herein, comprises all computer-readable media except for a transitory, propagating signal. 
         [0067]    In various embodiments disclosed herein, a single component can be replaced by multiple components and multiple components can be replaced by a single component to perform a given function or functions. Except where such substitution would not be operative, such substitution is within the intended scope of the embodiments. 
         [0068]    The foregoing description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the above teachings. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art. Rather it is hereby intended the scope of the invention to be defined by the claims appended hereto.