Patent Publication Number: US-10759499-B1

Title: Cockpit covering system and method for skiffs

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/625,689, filed on Jun. 16, 2017 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,179,629 on Jan. 15, 2019), which claims the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,013, filed on Jun. 16, 2016, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     The benefit of and/or priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/625,689, filed on Jun. 16, 2017 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,179,629 on Jan. 15, 2019), and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,013, filed on Jun. 16, 2016, is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a cockpit covering system and method for a boat or skiff, e.g., a small hunting or fishing boat or skiff. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cockpit covering system and method for forming an enclosure around an interior for providing shelter to an occupant of the interior. The cockpit covering system comprises a cover or tent with an opening in a tent base, the tent base resting on the boat deck around a cockpit and the base opening extending over the cockpit. The tent or cover encloses the cockpit recess and an interior above a height of the boat deck. A cockpit floor located below the tent base defines a floor for the enclosure. The covering system includes a plurality of webbing straps extending from an outer perimeter of the boat to the cockpit and wherein tension applied to the webbing straps compresses a sealable layer or compressible layer to form a water and/or bug proof seal around the cockpit. A plurality of pole brackets or pole housings can be provided on the webbing straps or tent base for securing poles on the deck of the boat or skiff, wherein said poles can provide support for the tent or cover. The tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, a distance away from a launch location. A boat can be operated, e.g., idling from one place to another or using poling techniques, while the tent covering system is in place on the boat. 
     2. General Background of the Invention 
     Small hunting and fishing boats, e.g., those manufactured by Hellsbay, Maverick, Chittum, East Cape and Beaver Tail companies are commonly used for day trips for hunting and fishing, e.g., in the Florida Everglades. These boats are commonly referred to as poling skiffs wherein the boats are moved through shallow waters via poling techniques. These boats also generally comprise a motor for moving the boat through water. 
     Such boats generally have a small deck area wherein a person, e.g., a person five (5) foot tall or taller, generally does not have room to lie down on the deck. There also generally is not room to pitch a tent on the deck area, and no means to secure a standard prior art tent at deck level in a manner so that a water and/or bug proof barrier and/or seal can be provided around a cockpit area. 
     A cockpit or recessed area of such boats generally comprises a seat or two and a steering column. A person, e.g., a person that is five (5) foot tall or taller can have room to lie down and/or sit down on a floor of a cockpit interior. 
     Some hunters and fishermen may bring their own tent and pitch it over a cockpit area but such tents are not securable to the boat wherein a water and bug seal is provided at a cockpit outer perimeter. Such tents can be awkwardly placed with a tent floor drooping into the recessed area of a cockpit. Such tents generally are put into use when a boat is off the water, e.g., on a trailer. 
     In common hunting/fishing areas in which hunting and/or fishing boats or skiffs are used, e.g., the Florida Everglades, fishermen can rent deck/platform space extending over water at certain locations to camp on the deck or platform overnight. Such space is expensive and highly sought after, and it can be difficult to find or rent available space for any given hunting or fishing trip. 
     Hunting and fishing boats or skiffs at times experience malfunctions and may break down leaving hunters or fishermen or other boat occupants stranded in open water or marsh areas over night. In such situations, the hunters, fishermen and/or other boat occupants are exposed to numerous insects and bugs as well as weather elements without adequate cover. This can be a very dangerous situation. 
     There is thus a need in the art for an enclosure and tent covering system for small boats or skiffs that will provide protection for boat or skiff occupants from weather elements, bugs and/or insects, and which includes a water and/or bug proof enclosure or a water, wind and/or bug barrier. 
     There is also a need in the art for a cockpit enclosure and covering system for small boats or skiffs that will provide protection for boat or skiff occupants from weather elements and/or bugs and/or insects, and which includes a water and bug proof seal or at least a barrier around a cockpit area, wherein the occupants can sleep or rest in a prone position within the cockpit interior and within the enclosure and can be protected from insects and bugs swarming at an exterior of the cockpit cover or tent. 
     There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that can be assembled while a small boat or skiff is on open water or in marsh areas. 
     There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that can be assembled on a small boat or skiff a distance away from a launch point, and which may remain assembled while moving on open water, e.g., idling from one place to another, or while utilizing poling techniques. 
     There is also a need for a tent covering system for small boats or skiffs wherein occupants, while utilizing the shelter of the tent can easily access hatches or storage areas located on the deck, while maintaining a water and/or bug proof seal or barrier around the cockpit perimeter. 
     There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that remains in place over a cockpit area, with a water and/or bug proof seal or a water and/or bug barrier around the cockpit perimeter, while boat occupants can enter and exit the cockpit area to the deck, and perform hunting, fishing or other activities on the deck. 
     There is also a need in the art wherein a tent covering system can be secured on a deck, at or near deck level, and not just at a boat outer rail or lip. 
     There is also a need in the art for a tent covering system that can remain in place while a boat is in motion, over a cockpit area during the day and night, including while the deck is utilized for hunting, fishing or other boating activities. 
     Such a system will enable people to extend their fishing or hunting trips over night and during rainy and/or other bad weather conditions. Such a system will also provide protection from bugs and insects and wind in the event a boat or skiff breaks down leaving occupants stranded in open water or marsh areas overnight. 
     The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 349,316; 3,192,542; 3,896,832; 5,364,054; 5,511,507; 7,395,775; 8,950,416. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A cockpit covering system and method for small boats or skiffs forms an enclosure around an interior for providing shelter to an occupant of the interior. The cockpit covering system comprises a cover or tent with an opening in a tent base, the tent base resting on the boat deck around a cockpit and the base opening extending over the cockpit. The tent or cover encloses the cockpit recess and an interior above a height of the boat deck. A cockpit floor located below the tent base defines a floor for the enclosure. The covering system includes a plurality of webbing straps, or other tie down straps or ropes or cords (e.g., see webbing straps or tie downs available at Home Depot sold under the trademark Everbilt), preferably extending from an outer perimeter of the boat to the cockpit and wherein tension applied to the webbing straps compresses a sealable layer that can rest on the boat deck surface, e.g., a gasket, to form a water and/or bug proof seal around a cockpit perimeter. Tension applied to the webbing straps can compress or press a tent base, which can include a compressible layer, against the boat deck. 
     A plurality of pole brackets can be provided on the webbing straps or on the tent base for securing poles at the deck of the boat or skiff, wherein said poles can provide support for the tent or cover. 
     The tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, a distance away from a launch or docking location, e.g., at about ¼, ½, ¾ or 1 mile away from a launch location or docking station, or at least between about ¼ and 1 mile away from a boat launch or dock. In some embodiments, the tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, over a mile away from a launch or docking location. In some embodiments, the tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is in open water or in a marshy area, less than about ¼ mile away from a launch or docking location. In some embodiments, the tent covering system can be assembled while the boat is at a dock or launch point, or off the water, e.g., on a trailer. 
     Preferably a boat can be operated, e.g., idling from one place to another or using poling techniques, while the tent covering system is in place on a boat on the water. 
     In some embodiments, if a boat is operated while the tent is assembled on the boat, doors and/or windows of the enclosure can be opened and closed. In some embodiments doors or windows can include two layers, a mesh or screen layer and tent fabric layer, e.g., nylon or polyester layer, wherein the tent fabric layer, polyester or nylon layer can be opened, e.g., unzipped, with the screen or mesh layer remaining in place, to help prevent bugs from entering the enclosure, but to allow wind to flow through the enclosure, for example. 
     In various embodiments a cockpit tent covering system for a small boat or skiff comprises a tent or cover having a plurality of walls, each of the plurality of walls having a lower portion and wherein the tent or cover is sized to cover and enclose a cockpit recessed area and an interior at a height above the deck, and wherein the cover extends over the cockpit recessed area. A tent base includes a base layer that is attached to a lower portion of each of the plurality of walls and positionable on the deck around the cockpit. A sealable water and/or bug proofing layer, which preferably is compressible, is below the base layer for resting on a deck of the small boat around a cockpit. The base of the enclosure comprises an open portion that extends over a cockpit recessed area. A floor of the cockpit preferably defines a floor of the enclosure. A plurality of tension straps, e.g., webbing straps, have first and second ends. The first end of each strap is attachable at an outer perimeter of the boat. The second end of each strap is attachable to the tent covering system and at a cockpit perimeter and/or at a cockpit wall or deck lip. Tension applied to the straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit perimeter applies pressure to the sealable layer for compressing the sealable layer to form a water and/or bug proof seal around the cockpit. The amount of pressure and sealing can be adjusted based on tension applied, e.g., tension of one or more webbing tension straps. 
     In one or more embodiments, a cockpit enclosure system for a small boat comprises:
         a cover comprising a plurality of wall portions, each of the plurality of wall portions having a lower portion and base layer, and wherein the cover is sized to extend over a recessed area of a cockpit and enclose an interior space that extends above deck height and below the base layer;   the base layer attached to the lower portion of each of the plurality of walls and positionable around an outer perimeter of the cockpit;   a compressible sealing layer below the base layer for resting on a deck of the small boat around the cockpit outer perimeter, for providing a bug and/or water seal;   a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps comprising first and second end portions;   the first end portion of each of the plurality of straps attachable to an outer perimeter of the boat;   the second end portion of each of the plurality of straps attachable to the cockpit enclosure system and to the cockpit;   wherein tension applied to the plurality of straps extending from the small boat outer perimeter to the cockpit compresses the sealable layer to form a bug and/or water proof seal around the cockpit so that bugs and water cannot enter the interior space.       

     In one or more embodiments of the system, a floor of the cockpit defines a floor for the enclosure system. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the sealable layer is a neoprene gasket. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the plurality of straps include tension buckles for increasing or reducing tension of the plurality of straps extending from the small boat outer perimeter to the cockpit outer perimeter. 
     In one or more embodiments, the system, further comprises a second plurality of straps extending from the lower portion of one or more side portions of the cover to the outer perimeter of the small boat, each of the second plurality of straps having a first end attachable to the outer perimeter of the boat and a second end attached to the cockpit enclosure system. 
     In one or more embodiments the system further comprises a rain fly for covering the tent and deck. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the rain fly extends over the outer perimeter of the boat and is secured underneath the boat to enable rain or water to flow off the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the first ends of each of the plurality of straps are secured to a plurality of brackets positioned along the outer perimeter of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the rain fly is also secured to the plurality of brackets positioned along the outer perimeter of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, each of the plurality of brackets includes a clamp for loosening or tightening it to the outer perimeter of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, each of the plurality of brackets includes a cushioning layer that is in contact with the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a plurality of poles for providing support to the cover. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, plurality of poles are attachable to a housing on one or more of the plurality of straps. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the housing is movable between one or more positions, enabling tension of the poles to be increased or decreased. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, at least two of the plurality of poles is securable to a bracket positioned on an outer perimeter of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the plurality of straps are attached to the cockpit enclosure system at cover corners between the lower portion of each of the walls and the base layer. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the plurality of straps are threaded through a sealed opening in the lower portion of one of the plurality of the cover wall portions and attached to the cockpit enclosure system on an interior side of one of the plurality of wall portions. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, each of the plurality of straps is attached to the cockpit enclosure system between the base layer and the compressible sealable layer. 
     In one or more embodiments, a tent covering system for a cockpit of a small boat comprises:
         a tent comprising four side portions, each of the tent side portions having a lower portion and wherein the tent is sized to cover the opening of a cockpit;   a base layer attached to the lower portion of each of the tent side portions and positionable on a deck surface of the boat around the cockpit, the base layer not extending over the cockpit opening;   a compressible sealable layer below the base layer on at least three sides of the tent;   a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps comprising first and second ends;   the first end of each of the plurality of straps attachable to an outer perimeter of the boat;   the second end of each of the plurality of straps attached to the tent covering system and attachable to a cockpit coupler;   wherein tension applied to the plurality of straps extending from the small boat outer perimeter to the cockpit coupler compresses the compressible sealable layer to form a seal around the cockpit.       

     In one or more embodiments of the system, a flange is attachable to the base layer on any side that does not comprise the compressible sealable layer and wherein at least a portion of said flange is positionable under a seat of the small boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the flange provides a water and/or bug proof seal along the any of said sides of the cockpit outer perimeter where a said flange is positioned. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the compressible sealable layer is a neoprene gasket. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the straps include tension buckles. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a second plurality of straps extending from the bottom portion of one or more sides of the tent to the outer perimeter of the boat, each of the second plurality of straps having a first end securable to the outer perimeter of the boat and a second end securable to the tent covering system. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a rain fly for covering the tent and deck of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the rain fly extends over the outer perimeter of the boat and is secured underneath the boat to enable rain or water to flow off the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the first ends of each of the plurality of straps are secured to a plurality of brackets positioned along the outer perimeter of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, a rain fly for covering the tent and deck of the boat is also secured to one or more of the plurality of brackets positioned along the outer perimeter of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the bracket includes a clamp for loosening or tightening it to a rail of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the bracket includes a cushioning layer that is in contact with the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the compressible sealable layer is removably attachable to the tent covering system. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the plurality of straps are removably attachable to the tent covering system. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the compressible sealable layer is attached to the base layer and also attached the straps positioned between the base layer and compressible sealable layer. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the base layer extends a first distance away from an exterior side of each of the plurality of walls to a second distance away from an interior side of each of the plurality of walls. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, at least a portion of the base layer is wrapped in a water proof or water resistant material. 
     In various embodiments the tent or cover of the cockpit covering system is made from a continuous piece of material, e.g., nylon or polyester, and said continuous tent or cover has four wall portions for enclosing each side of a cockpit. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer has a perimeter that is closed. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer surrounds an entire circumference or perimeter of a cockpit. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises more than one component that establishes the closed perimeter. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a compressible material for sealing a portion of the cockpit perimeter and a flange, e.g., a metal or plastic flange, for providing a seal along one or more sides of the cockpit. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer seals around a rotation of about 360 degrees, if an occupant turns a full circle within an interior of the enclosure created by the covering system. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer seals an interior from an exterior. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a material that is not penetrable by water. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a material that is not penetrable by bugs. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer comprises a material that is not penetrable by bugs or water. 
     In various embodiments a tent base has a perimeter that is closed. 
     In various embodiments a tent base surrounds an entire circumference or perimeter of a cockpit. 
     In various embodiments a tent base comprises more than one component that establishes a closed perimeter. 
     In various embodiments a tent base comprises a compressible material for sealing a portion of the cockpit perimeter and a flange, e.g., a metal or plastic flange, for providing a seal along one or more sides of the cockpit. 
     In various embodiments a tent base seals around a rotation of about 360 degrees, if an occupant turns a full circle within an interior of the enclosure created by the covering system. 
     In various embodiments a tent base can seal around less than a rotation of about 360 degrees, if an occupant turns a full circle within an interior of the enclosure created by the covering system. 
     In various embodiments a tent base seals an interior from an exterior. 
     In various embodiments a tent base seals a least a portion of an interior from an exterior. 
     In various embodiments a tent base provides a barrier for an interior from an exterior. 
     In various embodiments a tent base is formed from a material that is not penetrable by water. 
     In various embodiments a tent base is formed from a material that is not penetrable by bugs. 
     In a tent base is formed from a material that is not penetrable by bugs or water. 
     In a tent base is formed from a material that is at least resistant to bugs and/or water and/or wind. 
     In various embodiments tension can be applied to the straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit via one or more tension buckles positioned on the straps. 
     In various embodiments one or more pole bracket housings may also be provided on the webbing tension straps, or other tension tie down, that extend from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit. Preferably tension can be applied to the straps so that the tension straps cannot move or have very restricted movement in any direction. When a tent pole is secured in a bracket housing on the webbing tension straps, with desired tension applied, the tent pole can be secured at or near deck level for supporting the enclosure over the cockpit. Said poles can be selected so as to provide a desired height for the cockpit enclosure. 
     Preferably a tent pole housing bracket assembly for coupling to a webbing tension strap includes a housing bracket coupled to a pole housing tension strap, said pole housing tension strap coupled to the webbing tension strap that can extend from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit. Preferably the tent pole housing bracket is movable or slidable between one or more positions on the pole housing tension strap of the pole housing bracket assembly, enabling tension or slack to be applied to the poles, as necessary or desired. 
     Preferably a pole can be moveable in forward and reverse directions within a bracket housing on the pole bracket tension strap, while the bracket housing itself, coupled to the pole bracket tension strap with tension applied, will have no or limited movement in any direction. 
     In various embodiments poles are provided on an exterior of the tent or cover for nesting within pole housings on pole housing tension straps, on boat deck webbing tension straps. 
     In various embodiments poles can also be provided on an interior of the tent or cover. 
     In various embodiments a pole system can be provided for both an exterior and interior of the tent or cover. 
     If included, an interior pole system can run along interior sides of a tent base portion at or near deck level. Preferably, the said interior poles can extend a distance along all four sides of the tent or cover, e.g., corner to corner. Preferably the said interior poles can have clips or pole housings spaced a distance apart, e.g., about a foot apart, to hold the interior poles in place at or near a lower most portion of the tent cover wall portions or at or near the base portion of the tent that can rest on the boat deck. Pockets or sleeves for receiving one or more pole end portions can be placed at or near corners at the tent cover base. 
     Alternatively, a tent base portion can be made to include sleeves that can extend along on an interior of the tent for receiving interior poles to be threaded through the sleeves. Including interior poles can add additional protection and support for the tent covering system, e.g., for protection against high winds. 
     In various embodiments, support stakes or poles are provided inside the tent along a base layer or over a base layer, attached between four corners of the tent. In between webbing tension straps, preferably a clip will be placed to clip poles along the run. 
     In various embodiments a compressible water and/or bug proofing layer is not provided on all sides of the tent or cockpit, for example, for skiffs that include one or more seats along a rear side of a cockpit. For such skiffs with one or more seats at or near a cockpit edge, a flange can be provided as part of a tent base portion for any tent side or sides that does not include the compressible water and/or bug proofing layer. A lower portion of a tent rear wall, for example, can be coupled to the flange, e.g., via an adhesive. A tent base webbing layer that extends on other sides of the tent base, e.g., above the gasket or sealable layer, can also be coupled to at least an end portion of the flange. Preferably the tent walls and base layer are coupled to the flange so that bugs or water cannot enter a tent interior at the couplings. The flange preferably is configured so that at least a portion of the flange can be pushed or slid under a seat, for example, and wherein the boat seat can help hold the tent side with the flange in place. 
     In various embodiments, a flange can be provided with one or more openings to enable a tent wall portion or a tent base portion to be threaded therethrough to enable attachment of a tent wall portion or tent base portion to the flange. The tent wall portion or base portion can be sewn back on itself, for example, after being threaded through the opening in the flange. In some embodiments, a tent wall portion or tent base portion could be sewn to a flange, e.g., if sew holes are included in the flange. In some embodiments a tent wall portion or tent base portion could be coupled to a flange via staples, e.g., heavy duty staples when a flange comprises a thin metal or plastic material. 
     In various embodiments, a tent covering system with a compressible sealable layer on all sides of the tent cover can be used on boats that do include a seat at or near a cockpit edge, wherein the tent base portion with a compressible sealable layer is slid under the seats, or wherein the tent base portion with a compressible sealable layer is attached to a horizontal member of a flange on a seat side of the cockpit and the compressible sealable layer on the flange is slid under the seat portion. 
     Preferably a tent enclosure and covering system does not comprise a floor layer that extends over and covers a cockpit recessed area. Preferably the floor of the cockpit defines a floor for the enclosure formed by the tent covering system. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a neoprene gasket. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a foam material. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a foam material that is water proof. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer can be a foam material that has been sealed with a water proofing material to prevent the foam material from absorbing water. 
     In various embodiments the sealable layer can be any desired material that can be pressed against a deck surface and provide a seal or a barrier at least along a portion of the deck surface. 
     In various embodiments, a cockpit covering system can be utilized on a skiff or boat in open water, away from a launch or docking area in an emergency situation, for example if the boat breaks down, even if the weather is not bad or raining. In such a situation a water proof layer may not be needed but a bug proofing layer will still be desirable. A foam material that is compressible to form a seal around the perimeter of the cockpit wherein bugs cannot move under or through the layer can be utilized, although preferably a sealable layer is both water and bug proof so that when compressed at a cockpit perimeter it also can prevent water from flowing under or through the sealable layer. The tent walls above the sealable layer can also prevent bugs from entering the interior of the tent covering system and are preferably at least water resistant, e.g., of a nylon or polyester material, to help prevent water from entering the interior through the tent walls. In some embodiments a rainfly can also be used to cover the tent covering system and provide added protection from rain water. 
     In one or more preferred embodiments, a tent covering system can provide any desired water proofing to a cockpit area without also including a rainfly. 
     In one or more preferred embodiments, a tent covering system can provide any desired water proofing to a cockpit area and a rainfly can also be included to help guide rain runoff away from the boat. 
     In some embodiments the material of the tent cover can be water proof, e.g., not penetrable by water, or the tent material can be treated with a water proofing layer to prevent water from being absorbed by or penetrating the tent material. 
     Preferably four tension straps are sized to extend from the boat outer perimeter to cockpit corners and are attached to the cockpit tent covering system at or near tent corners at the tent base. 
     In various embodiments, each of the straps extends from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit at corners or bends of a cockpit rail or lip and are attached to the covering system at tent corners between a lower portion of one or more walls and a base layer. 
     In various embodiments, each of the tension straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit are threaded through a sealed or sealable opening in a lower portion of one or more of the plurality of tent wall portions and are attached to the tent on an interior side of one or more of the tent wall portions. 
     In various embodiments, each of the straps extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit are attached to the tent covering system between a base layer and the sealable layer. 
     In various embodiments a second plurality of straps can be provided spaced apart along a lower portion of the tent, as desired, and sized to extend from a tent wall portion to the outer perimeter of the small boat. Such straps may or may not also be attachable to the cockpit, e.g., to a cockpit wall or cockpit rail or lip. 
     In various embodiments, the enclosure and covering system provides a water and/or bug proof seal around a cockpit perimeter but the enclosure formed by the covering system can receive gas, e.g., air into the enclosure interior. 
     In various embodiments, an entrance/exit is provided for entering or exiting an interior of the enclosure formed by the covering system, wherein an occupant can enter or exit the interior by temporarily unsealing the entrance/exit, which can be resealed, while the sealable layer around the cockpit perimeter continues to provide a water and/or bug proof seal at the cockpit outer perimeter. 
     Various embodiments can include a rain fly for covering the tent and/or deck of the boat or skiff. 
     Preferably a rain fly extends over the outer perimeter of the boat and is secured underneath the boat to enable rain or water to flow off the boat and provide another level of waterproofing to the enclosure and tent covering system. 
     A plurality of brackets can be positioned along the outer perimeter of a boat or skiff. Preferably at least four brackets positioned along the outer perimeter of a boat or skiff include an opening or loop for receiving a strap extending from the boat outer perimeter to the cockpit outer perimeter corners. In various embodiments at least four such brackets can include a rain fly tie down area (e.g., an opening for the tie down to be threaded through or a raised coupler for the tie down to be coupled to). In some embodiments, the at least four brackets may also include a tent tie down or a pole tie area (e.g., an opening, loop, or raised coupler via which a tie down for one or more poles or for tent sides can be coupled). 
     In various embodiments a method for providing a tent covering system with a water and/or bug proof seal around an outer perimeter of a cockpit of a small boat or skiff comprises the following steps:
         a. providing a tent or cover comprising:
           a plurality of walls, each of the plurality of walls having a lower portion and wherein the tent is sized to cover the opening of a cockpit;   a base layer attached to the lower portion of each of the plurality of walls and positionable at or near deck level around the cockpit, the base layer preferably not extending across or over a recessed area of the cockpit;   a compressible sealable layer below the base layer for resting on a deck around the cockpit;   a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps comprising first and second ends;   the first end of each of the plurality of straps attachable to an outer perimeter of the boat;   the second end of each of the plurality of straps coupled to the tent covering system and attachable to a cockpit;   
           b. positioning the tent around the cockpit wherein the compressible water and bug proofing layer rests on the deck at or near a cockpit deck lip;   c. attaching the first ends of the plurality of straps at the boat outer perimeter and the second ends of the plurality of straps at the cockpit;   d. applying tension to the plurality of straps to compress the compressible sealable layer to form a water and bug proof seal around the cockpit.       

     In various embodiments the method further comprises providing a pole bracket housing on at least two of the plurality of straps, wherein the bracket housing is moveable or slidable between one or more positions to enable increasing or decreasing tension of a pole secured therein. 
     Various embodiments of the method of the present invention includes a method of operating a boat on water, e.g., idling a boat from one location to another, or using poling techniques, with a cockpit tent covering system attached and working to provide a water and bug seal around a cockpit perimeter, while a boat or skiff is moving through water. 
     In various embodiments of the method, the tent covering system can be assembled on a boat or skiff in open water, or in a marshy area, at a distance away from a boat launch or docking location. 
     In various embodiments of the method, the tent covering system is assembled after a boat or skiff is launched on water. 
     In various embodiments of the method, the tent covering system is assembled on a small boat or skiff at least about ¼, ½, ¾ or 1 mile from a launch location or docking station, or between about ¼ and 1 mile away from a launch location or docking station. 
     In various embodiments of the method and cockpit covering system, a tent covering system is provided wherein straps that can extend from an outer perimeter of a boat or skiff to the cockpit are attached at one end to a rail bracket and attached at another end to a cockpit hook. In various embodiments an end of a said strap can be threaded through an opening on the rail bracket and threaded through a tension buckle, and another end of the said strap can be thread through an opening on a cockpit hook and then sewn to itself, or otherwise coupled to itself (e.g, via a sewn connection or an adhesive) or also threaded through a tension buckle. 
     In various embodiments an end of a said webbing tension strap can be threaded through an opening on the rail bracket and then coupled to itself, e.g., via a sewn connection or adhesive, and another end of the said strap can be threaded through an opening on a cockpit hook and then threaded through a tension buckle. 
     In various embodiments, a said strap can be coupled to a rail bracket or a cockpit wall via other means known in the art. 
     In various embodiments, the method of assembling a cockpit covering system comprises the following steps:
         1. Attach corner rail brackets, preferably with tension straps coupled thereto, to a boat outer perimeter, and adjust the tension straps if necessary to release tension so that the other end of the tension strap, preferably with a gunnel or cockpit hook already coupled thereto, can reach the cockpit wall;   2. Open tent entrance/exits;   3. Place gunnel or cockpit hooks on cockpit walls, at cockpit gunwale corners;   4. Adjust tension in tension straps to create proper tension to achieve desired placement of tent base just outside of the cockpit opening, e.g., about 1 to 3 inches from the cockpit opening;   5. Attach any additional rail hooks, preferably with any additional straps attached thereto, to the boat outer perimeter;   6. If any additional straps are also attached to gunnel hooks, place gunnel hocks at cockpit gunwale and apply desired tension to the straps to secure placement of tent base on the deck near the cockpit opening;   7. Assemble poles by placing a selected pole end into a pole bracket housing and repeat until all poles are secured in a pole bracket housing; and   8. Adjust pole tension with pole foot adjustment to achieve desired tension on tent walls.       

     In various embodiments, preferably rail brackets with tension straps secured thereto are first attached to a windward side of the boat or skiff, then attached to the other side of the boat. 
     Preferably, after the rail brackets with tension straps connected thereto are positioned around the boat, the cockpit covering system is secured to the boat. 
     In various embodiments, the method includes further adjusting tension on tension straps until desired pressure and amount of seal of the bug and water proof seal around the cockpit is created. 
     In various embodiments of the method, a rain fly is assembled over the cockpit tent or cover. 
     In various embodiments of the method, assembling a rain fly comprises the following steps:
         1. Attaching a rain fly strap to a bow line, e.g., a zip tie;   2. Attaching additional rain fly straps to rail brackets;   3. Attaching additional rain fly straps to port and starboard eyelets;   4. Flexing a vestibule pole or stake into foot pockets on starboard and/or port sides and rotating to appropriately spaced clips.       

     Preferably 4 rain fly straps can be attached to 4 rail brackets at a location exterior of the boat and underneath a boat rail or side. 
     In other embodiments, couplers can also be provided on tension straps wherein rain fly ties can be coupled to said couplers on a tension strap on the deck of the boat. 
     In various embodiments, when the cockpit enclosure system is not needed or desired it may be disassembled and stored on the boat, e.g., in a hatch or cabinet. 
     In one or more embodiments, a method of attaching a tent covering system that provides a water proof seal around a cockpit of a boat comprises the following steps:
         a. providing a tent positionable around an outer perimeter of a cockpit, the tent for forming an enclosure around an interior, the tent comprising:
           a plurality of wall portions, each of the plurality of wall portions having a lower portion and wherein the tent is sized to extend over a recessed area of a cockpit;   a base layer attached to the lower portion of each of the plurality of walls and positionable on a boat deck around a perimeter of a cockpit;   a compressible layer below the base layer for resting on a deck of the small boat around the cockpit perimeter;   a plurality of straps, each of the plurality of straps comprising first and second ends;   the first end of each of the plurality of straps attachable to an outer perimeter of the boat;   the second end of each of the plurality of straps attached to the tent covering system and attachable at or near the cockpit perimeter;   
           b. attaching the first ends of the plurality of straps at the boat outer perimeter and the second ends of the plurality of straps at the cockpit outer perimeter;   c. applying tension to the plurality of straps to position the tent base layer and compressible layer on the deck near a cockpit perimeter; and   d. applying additional tension if necessary to compress the compressible layer and form a bug and/or water proof seal around the cockpit.       

     In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises providing a tent pole bracket housing on at least two of the plurality of straps. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises securing one or more tent poles to the tent and a tent pole bracket housing to provide support and to the tent. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent pole bracket housing is moveable or slidable between one or more positions to enable increasing or decreasing tension of a pole secured therein. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method includes operating the boat while the tent is attached to the boat and providing a water seal around the cockpit. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving the boat through water while the tent is attached to the boat and providing a water seal around the cockpit. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent is assembled a distance away from a boat launch point. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent is assembled on open water. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent covering system is assembled on a boat or skiff in a marsh area at least one mile away from a launch point or dock. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent covering system is assembled after a boat or skiff is launched on water. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent covering system is assembled on a boat or skiff at least one mile from a launch location. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, tension in the straps that forms the water and bug proof seal also secures a tent pole base at or near deck height with restricted or no movement on the deck. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, a boat occupant that is at least 5 feet tall can stand on a floor of the cockpit within the interior space. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the cover has a height at least 70 inches above a cock pit floor. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the cover has a height at least 60 inches above deck height. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the water and/or bug seal remains in place while an entrance or exit to the interior space is opened or closed. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the interior space extends below a height of the base layer. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, a person that is at least 5.5 feet tall can stand within the interior space. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the person can lie down on the cockpit floor within the interior space. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the amount of seal is adjustable based on the tension in the strap from 5% to 100%. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, a recessed area below a height of the base layer is at least 4 inches below the height of the base layer. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, a recessed area below a height of the base layer is about 4 inches to 40 inches below the height of the base layer. 
     In one or more embodiments, an enclosure system for a boat comprises:
         a) a cover comprising a plurality of wall portions and a base for resting on a deck of the boat, and wherein the cover is sized to enclose an interior space on the boat;   b) a plurality of straps coupled to the cover;   c) one or more exterior fittings, each attachable to the boat at a position that is exterior to said cover wall portions;   d) wherein at least some of the plurality of straps extend away from the cover to a said exterior fitting; and   e) wherein at least some of the plurality of straps extend interior to the cover to an interior fitting on the boat that is located in the interior space.       

     In one or more embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of poles, each of the plurality of poles having a pole end coupled in a housing on the base of the cover. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, at least one of the plurality of poles extends from one cover side to another cover side and crosses over another of the plurality of poles. 
     In one or more embodiments system includes a plurality of poles, each of the plurality of poles having a pole end coupled in a housing on one of the plurality of straps that extend exterior to the cover. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, at least one of the plurality of poles extends from one cover side to another cover side and crosses over another of the plurality of poles. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the base includes a compressible material for resting on the deck of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, applying tension to at least one of the plurality of straps that is exterior to the cover compresses at least a portion of the compressible material against the deck of the boat. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the compressible material pressed against the deck of the boat forms a seal. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the compressible material pressed against the deck of the boat forms a water and/or bug seal. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the cover encloses a cockpit of the boat and a floor of the cockpit defines a floor for the enclosure system. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, the compressible material is a neoprene gasket. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, at least some of the plurality of straps extending exterior to the cover include a tension buckle adapted for increasing or reducing tension of said straps. 
     In one or more embodiments of the system, said exterior fittings are c-clamps. 
     In one or more embodiments the system, includes a plurality of interior poles. 
     In one or more embodiments the system, the system does not include interior poles. 
     In one or more embodiments the system, at least a portion of the base is wrapped in a water proof or water resistant material. 
     In one or more embodiments the system, the base is a skirt extending exterior to the cover. 
     In one or more embodiments the system, the base is formed from a water proof material or a water resistant material. 
     In one or more embodiments, a tent covering system for a cockpit of a boat comprises:
         a) a tent including a plurality of side wall portions and a base attached to said side wall portions, wherein the tent is sized and shaped to cover an opening of the cockpit and an interior space;   b) the base including a compressible layer for resting on a deck surface of the boat at least along one of said side wall portions of the tent;   c) a plurality of straps attached to the cover, wherein at least some of the straps extend to the exterior of the tent to connect with an exterior fitting on the boat that is exterior to the tent;   d) wherein at least some of the plurality of straps extend from the tent to a fitting within the interior space; and   e) wherein tension applied to at least one of the straps and fittings compresses the compressible layer against at least a portion of the deck.       

     In one or more embodiments the system, one or more inserts can be included in the base on any side portion that does not include the compressible layer. 
     In one or more embodiments, a method of assembling a tent covering system adapted for providing a seal along at least a portion of a cockpit of a boat, the method comprising the following steps:
         a) providing a tent positionable on a deck at or near the cockpit, wherein the tent is sized to extend over the cockpit, the tent for forming an enclosure around an interior space, said tent having:
           i) a plurality of wall portions and a base for resting on the deck of the boat;   ii) a plurality of straps attached to said tent;   iii) a plurality of fittings including one or more exterior fittings and one or more interior fittings, each said fitting attachable to the boat and to a said strap;   iv) wherein at least some of the plurality of straps extend from the tent to a said exterior fitting on the boat that is exterior to the tent; and   v) wherein at least some of said straps extend from the tent to a said interior fitting on the boat within the interior space; and   
           b) applying tension to at least to one of said straps attached to a said fitting to compress at least a portion of the compressible layer against the deck.       

     In one or more embodiments of the method, one or more tent pole housings are included on the base. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the method further includes securing one or more tent poles to a tent pole housing. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the method further includes moving the boat through water while the tent is attached to the boat and providing a seal around at least some portions of the cockpit outer perimeter. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the seal is a water and/or bug seal. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent is assembled a distance away from a boat launch point. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent is assembled on open water. 
     In one or more embodiments of the method, the tent is assembled on the boat in a marsh area at least one mile away from a launch point or dock. 
     In one or more embodiments, a cockpit enclosure system for a boat, comprises:
         a) a cover comprising a plurality of wall portions and a base, and wherein the cover is adapted to enclose an interior space;   b) the base positionable on a deck of the boat around the cockpit;   c) a plurality of straps coupled to the cover;   d) a plurality of fittings, each said fitting attachable to the boat and to a said strap, one or more of said fittings being exterior fittings spaced away from said tent;   e) wherein at least some of the plurality of straps extend from the cover to a said exterior fitting; and   f) wherein tension applied to said straps extending from the cover to the exterior fitting causes at least a portion of the base to press against the deck of the boat.       

     In or more embodiments, a fitting for use in securing a tent covering system to a boat, the fitting comprising:
         a body having a c-shape adapted for coupling to an outer perimeter of a boat hull;   a clamp for loosening or tightening the fitting to the boat hull; and   a rotating member adapted to receive a strap of a tent, the rotating member having a rotating connection with the body.       

     In one or more embodiments of the fitting, the fitting includes a cushioning material in at least some areas that will make contact with boat surfaces. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base is a skirt. In various embodiments the skirt extends exterior to the cover. In various embodiments, the skirt extends interior and exterior to the cover. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base is made of the same material as the tent. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base is made of the same material as the tent and includes a compressible material. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base is made of a different material from the tent and includes a compressible material. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base is made of the same material as the tent and includes a material that can be pressed against the deck of a boat. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base is made of the same material as the tent and includes a layer of compressible material. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base can be pressed against the deck of a boat. 
     In various embodiments, a tent/cover base is made of a compressible material. 
     In preferred embodiments, boat fittings, e.g., brackets, c-clamps, and hooks are made of a plastic material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a first preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention assembled on a small boat or skiff that does not include seats at or near a cockpit edge; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a second preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention assembled on a small boat or skiff that includes seats at or near a cockpit edge; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a small boat or skiff on which the second preferred embodiment of the tent covering system of  FIG. 2  can be assembled: 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention assembled on a small boat or skiff and illustrating possible positioning of exterior poles for supporting the tent or cover: 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention including a rain fly; 
         FIG. 6A  is a cutaway view of a tent covering system taken along lines  6 A- 6 A of  FIG. 4 : 
         FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view of a gunnel or cockpit hook on an interior cockpit wall and coupled to the tent covering system as shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cutaway view illustrating a tent base portion on a sealable layer on a deck of a boat or skiff, near a cockpit edge in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, taken along lines  7 - 7  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a pole bracket housing assembly on a tension webbing strap that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of a tent covering system of the present invention: 
         FIG. 9A  is a side view of a pole in a pole bracket housing assembly that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of a tent covering system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates an end of a pole that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  is atop view of a first preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used with one or more preferred embodiments of a tent covering system of the present invention: 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates the first embodiment of a rail bracket positioned on a boat rail and taken along lines  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a front view of a first preferred embodiment of a cockpit wall hook that can be used with one or more preferred embodiments of a tent covering system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11B  is a side view of the first preferred embodiment of the cockpit wall hook taken along lines  11 B- 11 B of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a top view of the first preferred embodiment of the cockpit wall hook as shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  is top view of a second preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used with one or more preferred embodiments of a tent covering system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12B  is a side view of the second preferred embodiment of a rail bracket taken along lines  12 B- 12 B of  FIG. 12A : 
         FIGS. 13A-13B  illustrate how a flange portion of the second preferred embodiment of the tent covering system can be positioned under a boat or skiff seat; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are additional views showing how a flange portion of the second preferred embodiment of the tent covering system can be coupled to a cockpit side that has one or more seats near a cockpit edge; 
         FIGS. 15A-15B  illustrate a junction of a flange with tent base webbing and a compressible sealable layer in the second preferred embodiment of the tent covering system, which is positionable on a boat or skiff that includes one or more seats at or near a cockpit edge. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a tent base portion coupled to a boat or skiff taken along lines  16 - 16  of  FIG. 1 , and also illustrates possible locations where rail brackets can be coupled to a boat skiff outer rail and where hooks can be coupled at a cockpit in one or more preferred embodiments of the system and method of the present invention: 
         FIG. 17  is a cutaway top view of a tent base portion positioned on a deck of a boat or skiff illustrating possible locations of interior tent pole or stake clips or housing and corner sleeves or pockets in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a cutaway view illustrating an interior tent pole and clip or bracket taken along lines  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 : 
         FIG. 19  illustrates an interior pole bracket housing as shown in  FIG. 18 : 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a corner sleeve or pocket that can receive interior pole or stake end portions in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21A  illustrates prior art tent pole ends: 
         FIG. 21B  illustrates a prior art DAC Jake&#39;s foot: 
         FIG. 21C  illustrates a tent pole end coupled within a DAC Jake&#39;s foot: 
         FIG. 22A  illustrates a prior art swivel hub which can be used for connecting overlapping poles at a tent top portion exterior: 
         FIG. 22B  is an exploded view of a prior art swivel hub and poles as shown in  FIG. 22A ; 
         FIG. 22C  illustrates a prior art hook coupling a pole to a tent exterior. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating an exterior strap and pole housing on a tent base; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating an exterior strap and pole housing on a tent base; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating an exterior strap and pole housing on a tent base: 
         FIG. 27  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating an interior strap; 
         FIG. 28  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating an interior strap; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention: 
         FIG. 30  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention: 
         FIG. 32  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating a tent base seat insert portion; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating a tent base seat insert portion: 
         FIG. 34  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35A  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating one embodiment of a tent base portion; 
         FIG. 35B  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention illustrating another embodiment of a tent base portion; 
         FIG. 36A  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention: 
         FIG. 36B  is a top view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention: 
         FIG. 36C  is a side view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36D  is a side view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention: 
         FIG. 36E  is a bottom view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36F  is a side view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37A  is a bottom view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention, illustrating a first pivot assembly step; 
         FIG. 37B  is a bottom view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention, illustrating a second pivot assembly step; 
         FIG. 37C  is a bottom view of the third preferred embodiment of a rail bracket that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention, illustrating a third pivot assembly step: 
         FIG. 37D  is a bottom view of a pivot connection as shown in  FIG. 37A ; 
         FIG. 37E  is a bottom view of a pivot connection as shown in  FIG. 37B ; 
         FIG. 37F  is a bottom view of a pivot connection as shown in  FIG. 37C : 
         FIG. 38A  is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of a cockpit hook that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38B  is a top view of the second preferred embodiment of a cockpit hook that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38C  is a side view of the second preferred embodiment of a cockpit hook that can be used in one or more preferred embodiments of the apparatus, system and method of the present invention: 
         FIG. 38D  is a sectional view taken along lines A-A of  FIG. 38B ; 
         FIG. 39  is a partial perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of a tent covering system of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 40  is a partial cutaway view illustrating the third preferred embodiment of a covering system and another embodiment of a tent base portion. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a common small hunting and fishing boat or skiff  20  that can be used with various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention. The skiff in  FIGS. 1-3  for example, can be a Hell&#39;s Bay Boatworks® skiff (a registered trademark of Hells Bay Boat Works Co.). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , small boat or skiff  20  includes a deck  26  and a cockpit  21 , wherein cockpit  21  comprises a recessed area  15  with a floor  14 . Skiff  20  has a bow or forward portion  18 , an aft or rear portion  19 , and an outer perimeter  17 . A skiff outer rail or outer lip  27  can define an outer perimeter  17  of skiff  20 . A cockpit  21  typically is substantially rectangular in shape, but can also comprise other shapes. In various embodiments a tent covering system  10  of the present invention can be adapted or modified from the embodiment as shown and depicted herein to provide an enclosed interior around a cockpit of a boat, for other boats having cockpits of different sizes or shapes. For example, dimensions of rail brackets, cockpit hooks, tensions straps, tent walls, and the tent sealable layer and base layers can be modified to enclose a cockpit and fit a particular boat for which the tent covering system will be utilized. 
     In the embodiment as shown in the figures, a cockpit  21  includes a front or bow side  22 , a starboard side  23 , a rear or aft side  24  and a port side  25 . Cockpit  21  can be an irregular rectangle. Cockpit  21  also includes corners or bends  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38  which commonly have a radius of curvature. A cockpit  21  also generally has a deck lip portion  85  extending around an outer perimeter  110  of cockpit  21  (see  FIGS. 3, 6B, 7 ). A gunwale, gunnel or cockpit wall  39  typically extends a distance downwards from deck  26  at or near deck lip  85  on each side  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25  of cockpit  21  into recessed area  15  of cockpit  21 . Recessed area  15  of cockpit  21  typically can include a chair or seat  30  and a steering station  16  as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     One or more seats can be included on some boats or skiffs at or near a cockpit  21  edge. For examples, seats  31   a ,  31   b  and  31   c  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  can be included at or near a rear edge of cockpit and such seats  31   a ,  31   b  and/or  31   c  can commonly open to a storage area, e.g., hatch  262 . A guide seat  32  and pole  33  are also commonly included on a boat or skiff  20  and are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . A motor  13  is also commonly included on a rear or aft  19  portion of a boat or skiff  20 . 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate two different embodiments of a cockpit covering system.  FIG. 1  illustrates a cockpit covering system  10  that can be used with a boat that does not have seats located at or near a cockpit edge.  FIG. 2  illustrates a cockpit covering system  11  that can be used with a boat that has one or more seats at or near a cockpit edge, e.g., on a rear cockpit edge as shown. It is also possible that a cockpit covering system as shown in  FIGS. 1, 16  could also be utilized on a boat that has a seat at or near a cockpit edge, with a tent base portion and compressible sealing layer pushed under a seat and held in place with a plurality of tension webbing straps on the boat deck. 
     In the tent covering system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , a tent or cover  100  is positioned over and around cockpit  21  of boat or skiff  20  to enclose an interior  28 . Tent  100  can be made from a continuous piece of material, e.g., nylon or polyester. Tent  100  can also be made from a piece of material sewn together along at least one sew line, or made from more than one piece of material sewn or otherwise coupled together, e.g., with adhesive, to form a tent  100 . Tent  100  preferably is coupled to skiff or boat  20  via a plurality of tension webbing straps  60  that are coupled at one end to a plurality of brackets/exterior fittings/c-clamps  40  or  88  at outer rail or lip  27  of skiff  20 , and which tension straps are also coupled to a plurality of cockpit couplers/interior fittings/hooks  50  for coupling to a cockpit wall at the other end, said cockpit couplers/interior fittings/hooks  50  hooked under one or more cockpit walls  39 . 
     Tent  100  includes a base portion  34  that can rest on deck  26  around the cockpit perimeter  110 . One or more wall portions, e.g., a forward or bow wall portion  101 , starboard wall portion  102 , rear or aft wall portion  103 , and port wall portion  104 , extend from the base portion  34  to a height above deck  26  and form an enclosure above the cockpit recessed area  15 . Poles  90  can be coupled to the tent wall portions, e.g., coupled to wall portions  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104 , e.g., via twist hooks or clips  117 . Ends of poles  90  can be coupled in pole bracket housings on tension straps  60 . Poles  90  can support tent  100  and maintain tent  100  at a desired height above cockpit  21 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , tent base portion  34  preferably includes a tent base webbing layer  55 . Tent base webbing layer  55  can be of the same material as tension webbing strap  60 . Preferably a lower portion  150  of the tent wall or wall portions, e.g., of tent wall portions  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104 , is coupled to at least an upper side of the tent base webbing layer  55 , and wraps around a portion of the tent base webbing layer  55  (preferably towards exterior  180 ) and under the tent base webbing layer  55 . Lower portion  150  of a tent wall coupled to and wrapping around tent base layer  55  together can define tent base portion  34 . Tent base webbing layer  55  can be attached to tent wall portion  150  on each wall portion  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  around an entire perimeter of tent  100 , e.g., via sewing at sew line  98  (see  FIGS. 7, 16, 18 ). Alternatively an adhesive could be applied to couple lower tent wall portion  150  to tent base webbing layer  55 , and such an adhesive could be applied to the entire area where the lower tent wall portion  150  wraps around and under tent base webbing layer  55 , or to less than the entire area where the tent wall portion  150  wraps around and under tent base webbing layer  55 . 
     A sealable layer  80  is preferably coupled under tent base portion  34 , e.g. under the lower tent wall portion  150  coupled to the tent base webbing layer  55  as shown in  FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 7 . The sealable layer  80 , which preferably is a compressible water proofing and/or bug proofing layer can rest on deck  26  around an outer perimeter  110  of cockpit  21 . Sealable layer  80  can be a neoprene gasket or another type of compressible material, e.g., comprising foam that is preferably water proof, e.g., wherein water cannot be absorbed by or penetrate the sealable layer  80 . Sealable layer  80  can also be made of a material that is water resistant. 
     Sealable compressible layer  80  preferably is coupled to base portion  34 , e.g., via an adhesive or sewn connection. Sealable layer  80  can be connected to base portion  34  between lines  99  designating an attachment area as shown in  FIG. 7 . On an interior  181  tent side, a sewn connection at line  99  can be stitched through the base layer  55 , the lower tent wall portion  150  under base layer  55  and the sealable layer  55 . On an exterior  180  tent side, a sewn connection at line  99  can be stitched through the lower tent wall portion  150  on top of tent base webbing layer  55 , the tent base webbing layer  55 , the tent wall portion  150  below tent base webbing layer  55 , and sealable layer  55 . Alternatively, sealable layer  80  could be coupled to tent base portion  34  via an adhesive securing the sealable layer  80  to the lower tent wall portion  150  under layer  55 . The adhesive could extend between lines  99 , or extend across the entire width of the lower tent wall portion  150  under tent base webbing layer  55 . Tent base webbing layer  55  preferably is included in tent base portion  34  to promote a flat lie of tent or cover  100  on sealable layer  80 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , the figure is taken along lines  16 - 16  of  FIG. 1  and depicts a tent base portion  34  along with tension straps  60  secured to a boat  20  at or near deck level  26 . As shown, preferably at or near tent  100  corners  65 ,  66 ,  67 , and  68 , tension straps  60  are secured to tent or cover  100 . A tension strap  60  can be secured to tent or cover  100  in between tent base portion  34  and gasket layer  80  (see  FIG. 16 ), e.g., via an adhesive and/or sewing. In  FIG. 16 , base webbing layer  55  is depicted as having a shorter width than sealable layer  80 . The lower portion  150  of a tent wall  150  is also not shown in this view, for clarity. As previously mentioned, although base webbing layer  55  can have a shorter width than sealable layer  150 , preferably the width of base webbing layer  55  and sealable layer  80  are the same or similar. Also note that in the figure the tent base portion  34  and sealable layer  80  appear to be right at the edge of cockpit  21 . Although the tent base portion  34  and sealable layer  80  can be sized to be positioned at an edge of cockpit  21 , preferably the tent base portion  34  and sealable layer  80  are sized to be positioned on deck  26  a distance away from an edge of cockpit  21 , e.g., about 1 to 3 inches away from an edge of cockpit  21 . 
     Each tension strap  60  may also be threaded through a sealable opening at one or more tent corners  65 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68  above the location where lower tent portion  150  wraps around tent base webbing layer  55  (see  FIGS. 6A-6B ). If attached in the manner as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , the webbing strap can be threaded through an opening in wall portions at tent corners  65 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68  and then the opening around said strap  60  can be sealed or sewn or otherwise coupled to the strap  60  to preferably form a bug and/or water proof seal at the location where the strap  60  is threaded through the tent walls at corners  65 ,  66 ,  67 ,  68 . 
     Tension straps  60  can also be coupled to tent cover  100  in a manner as described above at locations other than tent corners, e.g., tension straps  60  coupled to brackets  88  as shown in  FIG. 1, 16 , wherein a webbing tension strap  60  can be coupled to tent  100  between lower portion  34  of tent  100  and sealable layer  80 , or wherein a webbing strap  60  at such locations can be coupled to tent  100  in the manner as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6B , wherein a tension strap  60  is threaded through an opening in a tent wall portion  102  or  104  and then preferably sealed to form a bug and/or water proof attachment at the location where the strap  60  is threaded through the tent wall  102  or  104 . 
     In various embodiments a sealable compressible layer  80  can be removably attachable to tent or cover  100 , e.g., via velcro. In various embodiments, a sealable compressible layer  80  is not removably attached to tent or cover  100 . In various embodiments a sealable compressible layer  80  can be a separate component of the tent system  10  for positioning on a deck  26 , around a cockpit  21  underneath a tent or cover  100  base portion  34 . 
     A sealable layer  80  may comprise one or more portions that are compressible and one or more portions that are not compressible. 
     Preferably, sealable layer  80  and tent base webbing layer  55  comprise the same width, although this is not required. In various embodiments the sealable layer  80 , and tent base webbing layer  55  are about 1 to 2 inches wide. 
     Preferably sealable layer  80  is sized to rest on deck  26  at or near perimeter  110  of cockpit  21 . Sealable layer  80  can be positioned on deck  26  a distance away from cockpit lip  85  around sides  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25  of cockpit  21 , e.g., about 0.5 to 2 or 3 inches away from cockpit lip  85  on each side  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25  of cockpit  21 . Preferably tent  100  base portion  34  is sized to be coupled to sealable layer  80 . As previously discussed, the dimensions and shape of sealable layer  80  can be selected based on the dimensions and shape of the cockpit. 
     Preferably the tent base webbing layer  55  and/or base portion  34  of tent  100  are also sized to be coupled to at least an upper portion  86  of sealable layer  80  (see  FIG. 7 ). As mentioned, the dimensions and shape of tent base webbing layer  55  and base portion  34  and of tent  100  can be selected based on the dimensions and shape of the cockpit and/or based on the dimensions and shape of a selected sealable layer  80 . 
     In  FIG. 7 , arrow  59  represents a location where a tent wall lower portion  150  of wall  102 , for example, can be attached at top portion  58  of webbing layer  55 , at line  98  which can be at or a near a center of tent base layer  55 . As shown, lower portion  150  of each wall portion  101 ,  102 ,  103  and  104  can be longitudinally and centrally attached to tent base layer  55 . 
     Tent base layer  55  promotes a flat lie of tent or cover  100  on sealable layer  80  on deck  26  of boat or skiff  20 , around a cockpit  21 . 
     For a tent covering system sized for use with a Hellsbay Boatworks Skiff, the width of a forward wall portion  101  extending along bow cockpit side  22  can be about 46.5 inches when the width of bow cockpit side  22  is about 42.5 inches, so that each end of forward wall portion  101  will extend across deck  26  about two inches further than cockpit side  22  on each side of cockpit side  22 . Rear or aft wall  103  can have a width of about 54.5 inches when the cockpit rear side  24  is about 48 and ¾ inches, so that each end of rear wall  103  extends across deck  26  about 2.88 inches further than cockpit side  24  on each side of cockpit side  24 . Tent walls  102  and  103  can have a width of about 84 inches when cockpit sides  23 ,  25  are about 78.5 inches long. The tent walls  102 ,  104  can extend across deck  26  about 2.75 inches more on each side of cockpit sides  23 ,  25 . As discussed, the dimensions of the tent walls can vary based on the dimensions of a cockpit  21  on a boat or skiff  20 , with tent base sides or corners preferably extending about 1 to 3 inches away from a cockpit outer lip  85 . 
     As discussed, a lower portion  150  of each tent wall portion  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  (see  FIGS. 7, 16 ) can be coupled to webbing layer  55 , e.g., about centrally, at a top  58  of tent base webbing layer  55 . Tent base webbing layer  55  preferably is generally rectangular and sized to rest on sealable layer  80 , positionable on deck  26  around a perimeter  110  of cockpit  21  at or near cockpit deck lip  85 . 
     Some of the webbing tension straps  60  preferably have a length that is sized to at least extend from a gunwale hook or cockpit interior wall hook  50  (which is preferably positionable on a cockpit wall  39  at a bend or corner  35 ,  36 ,  37 , or  38  (see  FIGS. 6A-6B, 16 ) of a cockpit  21 ) to a bracket  40  positionable on an outer rail or lip  27  of a boat or skiff  20 . 
     Some of the webbing tension straps  60  preferably have a length that is sized to at least extend from a hook  50  (which is preferably positioned on a cockpit wall  39  at a location between a bend or corners of cockpit  21  (see  FIGS. 6A-6B, 17 ), to a bracket  88  positioned on an outer rail or lip  27  of a boat or skiff  20 . 
     Preferably the length of a said webbing tension strap  60  is longer than the distance between a said boat gunwale hook  50  positionable at a cockpit wall  39  at a corner location and bracket  40  positionable on outer rail or lip  27 , or longer than the distance between a said hook  50  positionable at a cockpit wall  39  between cockpit corners and a bracket  88 , so that tension in the strap  60  can be increased or decreased as necessary to secure tent  100  in place on deck  26  and over cockpit  21 . Preferably the length of a tension strap  60  allows room for tension of the strap  60  to be adjusted, e.g. increased or decreased from 0.01% to 100%. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 16 , a tension webbing strap  60  can extend from a distance away from exterior side  180  of tent or cover  100  to a distance away from interior side  181  of tent or cover  100 . In various embodiments, a tension webbing strap  60  can extend from at or near a boat outer rail  27  to at or near cockpit lip  85 . In various embodiments, tension webbing strap  60  can extend from at or near a boat outer perimeter  17  to at or near a cockpit perimeter  110 . In various embodiments, a tension webbing strap  60  can extend from at or near the boat outer perimeter  17  to a distance interior of the cockpit perimeter  110 . 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a preferred embodiment of a bracket  40 , and example dimensions for a bracket  40 , for positioning on an outer rail or lip  27  of boat or skiff  20 , said rail or lip  27  generally having a radius of curvature  87 . A top view of bracket  40  is shown in  FIG. 10A .  FIG. 10B  is a view of bracket  40  taken along lines  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A , and depicts a side view of bracket  40  on an outer rail or lip  27  of boat  20 . 
     A rail or lip  27  at an outer perimeter  17  of a boat  20 , commonly extends about 2.5 inches beyond a boat outer wall  12  towards an exterior  115  of a boat or skiff  20 . A rail or lip  27  may also laterally extend about 2 to 3 inches towards boat exterior  115  off a deck  26  of a boat or skiff  20 . The height of a rail or lip for a rail top side  62  to a rail bottom side  63  commonly can be about 2 inches. The height of rail or lip  27  from top side  62  to bottom side  63  may also be about 1 to 3 inches, for example. 
     A side view of bracket  40  attached to a boat rail  27 , taken along lines  10 B- 10 B of  FIG. 10A  is illustrated in  FIG. 10B . As shown, bracket  40  can comprise a C-shape having upper and lower transverse members  46  and  47 , with center member  48  extending downward from upper transverse member  46  to lower transverse member  47 . Upper transverse member  46  preferably includes one or more openings  41 , wherein one of said openings can receive a tension webbing strap  60  extending from a cockpit corner  35 ,  36 ,  37 , or  38 . The other opening  41  can be left unused, or can potentially receive a tent pole tie down or other tent tie down. In the configuration of bracket  40  as shown in  FIG. 10A , preferably an opening  41  is positioned on bracket  40  at an angle, e.g., at or about a 45 degree angle, as indicated by arrow  64 , for receiving a tension webbing strap  60  extending at an angle from a corner  35 ,  36 ,  37 , or  38  of cockpit  21 . Alternatively, an opening on bracket  40  can be positioned laterally across a width of bracket  40 , similar to the opening shown in bracket  88  in  FIG. 12A , although this is not preferred for a bracket receiving a tension webbing strap  60  extending from a corner of cockpit  21  at an angle. 
     Opening or space  49  between lower transverse member  47  and upper transverse member  46  can receive a rail or lip  27  of boat or skiff  20 . The dimensions of bracket  40  can vary depending on the dimensions of a rail or lip  27  of a boat or skiff  20  and/or the shape of a rail or lip  27  of a boat or skiff  20 . As shown in  FIG. 10B , when bracket  40  is positioned on lip or rail  27  of boat or skiff  20 , center member  48  is positioned along exterior  115  side of boat or skiff  20 , along a radius of curvature of rail or lip  27 . Upper transverse member  46  with openings  41  can extend a distance onto deck  26 , preferably at deck level and with openings  41  sized to receive or accommodate a webbing strap  60  therethrough. Preferably a cushioning material, e.g., rubber  45  or a foam material, is provided on surfaces of members  46 ,  47 ,  48  of bracket  40  that will be in contact with rail or lip  27  or other boat surface, which commonly can be fiberglass. 
     Bracket  40  also preferably comprises an adjustable tightening means, e.g., bolt  44 , to enable a tight fit of bracket  40  on lip or rail  27 . Preferably any portion of the bolt  44  that will contact the rail or lip  27  or skiff  20  surface will have a cushioning layer, e.g. rubber  45 . 
     If a rain fly  130  is included, a rain fly tie down can be tied to bolt  44 . In other embodiments, a lower transverse member  47  can comprise another opening or a raised coupler, that can be coupled to a rain fly  130  tie down. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4, 6A , a webbing tension strap  60  is threaded through an opening  41  of a bracket  40  in a direction from the bottom of upper member  46  to the top of upper member  46 , and then tension strap  60  is threaded through a tension buckle  54  located on webbing strap  60 . In various embodiments, a covering system  10  or  11  will be provided with each tension strap  60  already through an opening  41  of a bracket  40  and/or bracket  88  and then through a tension buckle  54 . 
     As discussed a webbing tension strap  60  that is attachable to exterior fitting/bracket/c-clamp/rail brackets  40  on outer rail or lip  27  of boat or skiff  20  can also be attachable to a cockpit coupler/interior fitting/hook  50  at cockpit wall  39  (see  FIG. 6A ), preferably at corners or bends  35 ,  36 ,  37 , and  38  of cockpit  21  (see  FIGS. 6A-6B, 16 ). In various embodiments, covering system  10  will be provided with tension straps  60  already threaded through an opening  41  of rail bracket  40  and a tension buckle on the tension strap  60  and also threaded through an opening  51  of hook  50  and coupled to itself after being threaded through opening  51 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate a hook  50  and example dimensions for a hook  50 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-B , hook  50  can have a wider upper portion  57 , with a middle portion  52 , and a hook end  53  with hook lip  81 . As shown in  FIG. 11A , upper end  57  can taper down to a narrower lower hook end  53 . Lower hook end  53  can have bottom portion  29  and hook under the bottom of a cockpit wall  39  wherein hook lip  81  can extend along a backside  95  of a cockpit wall  39 , bottom side  61  of hook  50  can extend along a bottom side  89  of cockpit wall  39 , and front side  83  of hook  50  can extend along a front side  93  of cockpit interior wall  39 . 
     Hook  50  also preferably has an opening  51  that can extend laterally across a width of upper portion  57 , and which can receive an end of a tension strap  60  therethrough.  FIG. 11C  is a top view of a hook  50  and lines  82  designate a potential width for opening  51 , which preferably is sized to received a tension strap  60  and can be about 1 and ⅛ inches wide, for example. As shown in  FIG. 11A , preferably opening  51  is spaced a distance downwards from top side  84  of hook  50 . 
     Preferably hook  50  has rubber  45  or other cushioning material spaced at least along a portion of surfaces of hook end  53  and center portion  52  that can come into contact with surfaces of wall  39  to provide a cushion against wall  39  surfaces. 
     Hook  50  can be used to receive an end of a webbing tension strap  60  extending from either a bracket  40  or a bracket  88  for positioning on boat  20  outer rail  27  (see  FIG. 16 ). As discussed, at least one tension buckle  54  preferably is provided on a webbing tension strap  60  for increasing or decreasing tension of a webbing strap  60  extending from a bracket  40  or  88  on rail or lip  27  at outer perimeter  17  of boat or skiff  20  to the cockpit, e.g. to a hook  50  on cockpit wall  39 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , a tension buckle  54  can receive an end of tension strap  60  that has been threaded through an opening  41  of bracket  40 . Another tension buckle  54  can also receive the other end of a tension strap  60  after the other said end is threaded through opening  51  of a hook  50 . Alternatively, the other end of a tension strap  60  can be sewn or otherwise coupled to itself after being threaded through opening  51  of hook  50 . 
     A gunnel, gunwale or interior cockpit wall  39  may commonly extend down about 1 to 1.5 inches into cockpit interior  28 , recess  15  of cockpit  21 , and sometimes may extend down less than about 1 inch. A deck lip with a portion extending downwards towards cockpit recess  15  can also be about 1 to 1.5 inches, or in some cases under about 1 inch. A gunnel, gunwale or interior wall  39 , or a deck lip, may also extend down about 1 to 5 inches into recess  15  of cockpit  21 . A lateral width of wall  39  or a deck lip commonly can be about 3/16 inches. Dimensions of a hook  50  can vary based on the dimensions of cockpit wall  39  or of a deck lip extending into recess  15  of cockpit  21 . As shown in  FIG. 6A  a hook  50  can be sized to hook under a wall  39  of cockpit  21  with top  84  being positioned below a deck  26  height when hook  50  is hooked onto wall  39  and with a portion of webbing strap  60  extending a distance along front side  93  of cockpit wall  39 . In other embodiments, a hook  50  can be sized so that a top  84  of hook  50  is at or near deck  26  height when hook  50  is hooked under cockpit wall  39 . In various embodiments, a hook  50  can have a top portion that will extend onto deck  26 , similar to the top portion of brackets  40  or  88 . 
     As discussed, a hook  50  can be positioned onto a cockpit wall at or near corner junctions of cockpit walls  39 . A hook  50  can also be positioned onto a cockpit wall  39  at one or more locations between corner junctions of cockpit wall  39 . 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate an embodiment of rail bracket  88 , and example dimensions for a bracket  88 , which can comprise a general “C” shape as shown. Bracket  88  as shown has a top member  170 , lower member  172 , and center member  171  spaced longitudinally between top member  170  and lower member  172 . An opening  174  is spaced laterally across a width of top member  170  of bracket  88 . Bracket  88  can be positioned on a deck or rail lip  27  in manner similar to bracket  40 , wherein top member  170  can rest on rail or lip  27  and extend a distance onto deck  26 , wherein center member  171  can extend along an exterior surface of rail or lip  27  and lower member  172  can extend a distance under rail or lip  27 , with rail or lip  27  extending a distance within opening  173  between top member  170  and lower member  172 . Preferably rubber  45  or other cushioning material extends along surfaces of a bracket  88  that can come into contact with a boat rail  27  surface or other boat surface. Bracket  88  is shown without a tightening means or bolt  44  as illustrated in  FIG. 10B  for rail bracket  40 . If desired a tightening means, e.g., a bolt  44 , could also be provided on a rail bracket  88 . 
     As discussed, preferably at least four webbing straps  60  are provided, each attachable at one end to one of 4 rail brackets  40  and at the other end to one of four hooks  50 . Additional tension webbing straps  60 , can also be provided that can be coupled to a bracket  88  at one end and to a hook  50  at the other end. The bracket  88  as shown in  FIG. 12A  includes a laterally positioned opening  174  which can receive a tension webbing strap  60  extending from a location on a cockpit side, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 16 . The laterally positioned opening can easily receive a tension strap  60  extending in a substantially horizontal or lateral direction from a cockpit side. 
     In various embodiments the positioning of an opening  174  in a bracket  88  or the positioning of an opening  41  in a bracket  40  can be modified as desired based on the angle at which a strap  60  will extend from the cockpit. 
     In various embodiments a bracket  40  and a bracket  88  can comprise the same shape. In various embodiments a bracket  40  and a bracket  88  can comprise the same shape but with openings for receiving a tension strap  60  positioned at different angles. In various embodiments a bracket  40  and a bracket  88  can comprise a different shape. In various embodiments either a bracket  40  or a bracket  88  can include a tightening means. In various embodiments, a tightening means on a bracket  40  or  88  may not be needed when sufficient tension in tension straps  60  is provided to hold the brackets  40  and  88  in place at the boat rail or lip  27 . 
     A tension strap  60  for coupling to a rail bracket  88  and a hook  50  can be coupled to a tent base portion  34  in a similar manner as previously described when tension straps  60 , e.g., between tent base portion  34  and sealable layer  80 , or through a lower tent wall portion  150 . In some embodiments, a tension strap  60  extending from a hook  88  can be coupled to a tent base portion  34  and also to a hook  50 . In some embodiments, a tension strap  60  extending from a hook  88  can be coupled to a tent base portion  34 , end at or around tent base portion  34  and not be threaded through a hook  50 . Straps  60  can extend from at or near a tent lower portion  150 , for example, to a bracket or hook  88  on outer rail or lip  27 . Straps  60  can be sewn or glued, for example to a tent lower portion  150  on exterior side  180  of tent  100 . Straps  60  may also extend through a sealable or sealed opening in a tent wall portion and can be coupled at an interior side  181  of tent  100  when not threaded through an opening in a hook  50 . 
     In various embodiments at least one tension buckle  54  is provided on a webbing strap  60  to receive at least one end of a tension strap  60  after being threaded through a rail bracket  40  or  88 , and/or a hook  50  so that tension of strap  60  can be adjusted to secure tent  100  in place on boat  20 . An end of a tension strap  60  that is not threaded through a tension buckle can be coupled back to itself after being threaded through an opening on a bracket  40 , bracket  88  or hook  50 , e.g., by sewing or adhesive or heat sealing. 
     In various embodiments, a tension buckle is provided on both ends of a tension strap  60  for receiving an end portion of a tension strap  60  from an opening in a bracket  40  or  88  and for receiving an end portion of a tension strap  60  from an opening in a hook  50 . 
     In some embodiments, e.g., for tension straps  60  extending from a side of a cockpit  21  to a bracket  88  on a the deck rail  27 , a tension buckle does not need to be included on said tension webbing straps  60 . In said embodiments, tension can be applied based on the length of the tension strap  60  extending from the cockpit  21  side to bracket  88  and from tension applied to tension straps  60  that extend from the corners of the cockpit to a bracket  40 . 
     As discussed, preferably a plurality of 4 webbing tension straps  60  extend from a bracket  40  on rail or lip  27  of boat or skiff  20  to a hook  50  at a cockpit corner  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 . Other webbing straps  60  can also extend from a hook  50  positioned on a sidewall of a cockpit to a bracket  88  on the boat rail  27 . When the plurality of webbing straps  60  are secured to the plurality of hooks  50  and hooked onto a cockpit wall  39  and secured to the plurality of rail brackets  40  at or near deck  26  height, and tension is applied to straps  60 , e.g., via tightening of a strap  60  in buckle  54 , the force spreading the webbing straps  60  applies pressure to sealable compressible layer  80  under tent base portion  34  to compress sealable layer  80  against deck  26 , and form a water and/or bug proof seal around cockpit  21 , wherein water and/or bugs cannot enter a cockpit interior from under sealable layer  80 , through sealable layer  80 , or between the tent base portion  34  and sealable layer  80 . 
     Tension on webbing  60  can be applied through spreading the webbing from bracket  40  or bracket  88  to hook  50 . The amount of tension of tension strap  60  can be adjusted 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 percent, or at a percentage therebetween, to adjust the level of seal around cockpit  21 . The amount of tension of tension strap  60  can be adjusted between about 0.1% and 100% to adjust the level of seal around cockpit  21 . Tension of a webbing tension strap  60  and pressure on a sealable layer  80 , for example, can be increased or decreased via tension buckles  54 . With sealable layer  80  compressed against deck  26 , water and bugs will be unable to enter cockpit interior  28  at around the deck area. Lower tent wall portion  151  wrapped around webbing layer  55  from a distance away from exterior side  180  of tent  100  to a distance away from interior side  181  of tent or cover  100  provides an additional bug and water proofing feature. The tent material is also preferably at least water resistant. Where doors and/or windows are provided on a tent  100 , preferably a mesh layer or screen  206  that can be zipped or unzip is also provided to provide a barrier against bugs while also allowing wind to flow therethrough. 
     When a covering system  10  or  11  is in place on a boat  20 , an occupant  195  can preferably lie down on a cockpit floor  14  or sit on cockpit floor  14  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In an alternative embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 2, 4 , a compressible sealable layer  80 , e.g., a neoprene gasket, will only be provided on certain sides of a tent  100  and cockpit  21 , e.g. along three tent wall portions for positioning around 3 sides of a cockpit  21 , e.g. on sides  22 ,  23  and  25  of cockpit  21  but not on rear side  24 . 
     Some skiffs or boats  20 , include foldable or removable seats, e.g., seats  31   a ,  31   b , and  31   c , at or near a rear edge of side  24  of a cockpit  21 . Other skiffs or boats include seats that are permanent and may not be removed. When a cockpit covering system  10  is to be used on a boat with removable rear seats or without rear seats, a compressible sealable layer  80  can be provided to extend around an entire cockpit perimeter and form a closed perimeter, e.g., around all four cockpit sides  22 ,  23 ,  24  and  25  and wall portions  101 ,  102 ,  103  and  104 . 
       FIGS. 2, and 13A-15B  illustrate a tent covering system  11  that can be used with a boat that includes permanent seats along a side of a cockpit, or also potentially for a boat with removable seats along a side of a cockpit. In this embodiment, preferably a sealable layer  80  will not be included along a tent wall portion, e.g., along tent wall portion  103 , that will be positioned on the side of a cockpit  21  that includes a seat or seats at or near an edge of the cockpit  21 , e.g., at or near an edge of cockpit rear side  24 . A tent base portion  34  along such a wall portion, e.g., along wall portion  103 , preferably is modified to include a flange  126 . 
     A flange  126  preferably comprises an “L” shape with an at least substantially horizontal member/horizontal member  128  and an at least substantially vertical member/vertical member  129 . Vertical member  129  can be positioned perpendicular to horizontal member  128 . Vertical member  129  and horizontal member  128  can comprise the same or different dimensions. The junction of a horizontal member  128  and vertical member  129  can form a 90 degree angle. A lower portion  150  of wall  103  can be coupled to the vertical member  129 , e.g., via an adhesive. Horizontal member  128  preferably is sized to be pushed or slide in between a bottom of a seat or seats  31   a ,  31   b ,  3   c , and a surface of deck  26  with the vertical member  129  extending a distance along a longitudinal side of the seats  31   a ,  31   b ,  31   c . Preferably a flange  126  includes one or more spaces  109  that will allow a flange  126  to be folded when the tent system  11  is not in use. 
     As discussed, the tent  100  can be made from a continuous piece of fabric or from fabric pieces coupled together to form a continuous tent  100 . In an embodiment of system  11 , the majority of tent base portion  34  can include tent base webbing  55  with a portion of tent lower portion  150  sewn around a portion of tent base webbing  55  as previously described, and a sealable layer will be under the tent base webbing  55  and portion  150  wrapped around tent base webbing  55 , with sealable layer  80  for resting on a deck surface at least around 3 sides of a cockpit (or around sides of a cockpit that do not include seats located near an edge of the cockpit). 
     A portion of the tent base webbing layer  55  extending along side  23  of cockpit  21  can turn corner  37  from cockpit side  23  to cockpit rear side  24  and can be coupled to flange  126 . For example a portion of the tent base webbing layer can be threaded through an opening in flange  126 , e.g., on vertical side  129 , on vertical side  128  or at the junction of sides  129  and  128 . Webbing  55  can then be sewn back on itself as shown in  FIG. 15A , for example. A portion of the tent base webbing layer  55  extending along side  25  of cockpit  21  will also turn corner  38  from cockpit side  25  to cockpit side  24  and can be coupled to flange  126 , for example the webbing can be threaded through an opening in the vertical side  129  of flange  126 , in an opening on horizontal side  128 , or an opening at the junction of flange members  128  and  129  and sewn back on itself. The lower tent wall portion  150  of wall  103 , for example, can be coupled to the vertical member  129  after the tent base webbing layer  55  is coupled to flange  126 . 
     Sealable layer  80  on sides  23  and  25  that can turn corners  37  and  38  preferably can extend right up to a side edge of flange  126 , or possibly can extend a distance onto lower portion  128  of flange  126 , e.g., when there is enough space between a bottom of the seats  31   a ,  31   b , and  31   c  and deck  26  to accommodate both horizontal member  128  and the sealable layer  80 . 
     The weight of the seats  31   a ,  31   b , and  31   c  can hold flange  126  in place and tent wall portion  103  in place. Preferably when constructing tent system  11 , the tent wall portions at the junction of the flange, tent base webbing layer  55 , and sealable layer  80  will not include any spaces through which water or bugs can enter. If necessary an extra piece of tent material can be coupled around the junction area to promote a water and/or bug proof seal at the junction of a flange  126  with the rest of tent  100 . 
     On the side of a cockpit  21  with seats, the flange configuration  126  can provide a barrier or seal against water and bugs. In some embodiments flange configuration  126  can provide a water proof and/or bug proof seal for interior  28 . In such an embodiment, the compressible sealable material  80  and flange  126  together form a closed sealable layer around an entire cockpit perimeter. In some embodiments, a compressible layer can be placed under flange  126  and compressed under flange  126 . 
     In various embodiments, a tent lower portion  150  is not wrapped around a flange  126 , but a base of the wall is attached to at least vertical member  129  of flange  126 . In various embodiments, a base wall layer  150  is not wrapped around a flange  126 , but a base of the wall is attached to at least vertical member  129  and extends over the portion of tent base webbing layer  55  coupled to flange  126 . 
     Preferably a tent wall will be glued to flange  126  so there are no holes anywhere to form a solid water tight and/or bug proof seal. In some embodiments, tent base webbing layer  55  with the lower portion  150  wrapped around at least a portion of layer  55  and attached to sealable layer  80  can extend along an entire length of horizontal member  128  in embodiments where there is enough space between a seat bottom and the boat deck to accommodate the flange horizontal member  128 , sealable layer  80  and tent wall portion  34  including tent lower portion  150  wrapped around tent webbing base layer  55 . 
     In some embodiments a tent covering system as described with regard to  FIG. 1  can be utilized with a boat that comprises seats and without including a flange member, wherein a lower portion  34  of a tent and compressible sealable layer can be slid between the seat and the deck  26  on a cockpit side where seats are included. Tension applied to webbing straps  60  at various locations will hold the tent system in place on the deck. 
     In various embodiments, if seats are included at or near more than one cockpit side edge, a tent base portion can include more than one flange member. 
     When assembling a tent system  11  on a boat  20 , brackets  40 ,  88  and hooks  50  can be put into position prior to inserting flange  126  between a boat seat and deck  26 . If seat  31   a ,  31   b , or  31   c  comprises a hatch portion that can open and close, preferably a window, or a door  105 , is included on the wall portion  103 , for example, so that a person within the tent  100  interior  28  can open the window, e.g., unzip the window or door  105 , and/or mesh screen portion  206 , and access the hatch/hatch door  262  from an interior of the tent. 
     On some boats or skiffs  20 , three rear seats can be located on the boat  20 , e.g., a starboard rear seat  31   a  and port rear seat  31   c , and a rear seat located in the middle,  31   b  (see  FIGS. 2, 4 ). A common seat  31   a  or  31   c , can be about 13 inches measured from a seat bow side to seat aft side. The width of a common starboard seat  31   a , or port seat  31   c , can be about 12 inches, measured from a seat starboard side to a seat port side. A middle seat  31   b  positioned between a seat  31   a  and seat  31   c  generally can be wider, e.g., comprising a width of about 20 inches, extending from a seat port side to seat starboard side of a seat  31   b . Alternatively, a seat that is the same or similar to seat  210  as shown in  FIG. 29 , for example, can be included on boat or skiff  20  and used with a tent covering system  10  or  11 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8, 9A-9D and 23 , a pole bracket assembly system that can be used with tent systems  10 ,  11  or  201  will be described. A plurality of poles  90  can be used in tent systems  10 ,  11  or  201  for providing support and maintaining a desired height for a tent or cover  100 ,  200  (see  FIGS. 1-2, 23 ), which poles  90  may for example be attachable to an exterior of the tent or cover  100 ,  200  with twist clips or hooks  117  (e.g., DAC® twist clips  117 ) spaced around the tent/cover  100 ,  200  as desired, e.g., spaced about 1-foot apart. A swivel hub for example may also be utilized at a top portion of a tent  100 ,  200  for coupling two poles  90  together and a tent top portion at a location where the poles  90  overlap one another. 
       FIGS. 22A-22C  illustrate an example of a prior art swivel hub lock  118  and twist clip or hook  119  that can potentially be utilized with a tent cover system  10 ,  11  or  201  for coupling two poles  90  at one or more locations on an exterior of tent  100 ,  200  with hub  118  and for coupling the same or other poles  90  at a plurality of other spaced apart locations on a tent or cover  100 ,  200  with clips or hooks  119 . Twist clips or hooks  117  or  119 , and a hub  118  can be coupled to a tent  100 ,  200  via a plurality of straps or tie downs  166  in a similar manner to what is shown in  FIGS. 22A-22C . 
     A pole bracket assembly can comprise a pole bracket housing  91  coupled to a pole housing tension strap  55 , which is coupled to a webbing tension strap  60 . A plurality of poles  90  can be releasably coupled to a pole base housing  91 , e.g., wherein an end  96  of pole  90  can be pushed or inserted into a pole bracket housing  91 . Pole bracket housings  91  preferably are coupled to a pole housing tension strap  92  on tension straps  60 . A pole bracket housing  91  can be similar to a DAC® Jake&#39;s foot  132  (see  FIGS. 22B and 22C ), or other suitable pole housing, e.g., a grommet  215  as shown in  FIGS. 24-26 . 
     A pole bracket assembly can comprise a pole bracket housing  91  coupled to a pole housing tension strap  92  with tension buckles  94  on tension strap  92 , and with said tension strap  92  coupled to a webbing tension strap  60 . A plurality of poles  90  can be releasably coupled to a pole bracket housing  91 , e.g., wherein an end  96  of pole  90  can be pushed or inserted into an interior  97  of pole bracket housing  91  and coupled to a coupler  120  at a base of bracket housing  91  in interior  97 . Pole bracket housings  91  preferably are coupled to a tension strap  92  on tension straps  60 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a top view of a pole bracket housing  91 . As shown, a pole bracket housing  91  has an interior  97  that includes a coupler  120  therein, and can have an opening that has a shape with a wider end portion  107  that is continuous with a narrower end portion  108 . Preferably the wider end  107  of the opening is sized to accommodate a pole end  96  coupled within a coupler  120 , and the narrower portion  108  of the opening is sized to accommodate a pole  90  width. The pole end  96  can be pushed into interior  97  at the wider portion  107  of the opening into a coupler  120  on a bottom surface of housing  91 , and preferably removably coupled, or removably locked, within the coupler  120 . When the pole end  96  is locked within the housing coupler  120 , the pole  90  itself can slide or otherwise move into the narrower portion  108  of the opening and the pole  90  can extend at an angle from the bracket housing  91  to a tent twist clip  117  on tent  100 , e.g., as illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
     Generally, a pole end can have a different shape or width than the shape or width of a main portion  121  of pole  90 . The opening in the bracket housing  91 , can be modified based on dimensions of a main portion  121  of a pole  90  and a pole end  96 . In some embodiments for example, the opening may not have an irregular shape, but can be a substantially rectangular, or oval shape opening, for example, with room to accommodate a pole coupler and a pole end at least in a portion of the housing. Preferably, the housing will also have a portion, for example, sized to allow a pole to rest thereon, or therein, at an angle. An insert also potentially could be placed within a housing sized to have a pole rest thereon or therein at an angle, and/or sized to accommodate a pole coupler. 
       FIGS. 22B and 22C  illustrate a prior art DAC, Jake&#39;s foot  132 . The releasable coupler  120  of housing  91  can be the same or similar to the releasable coupler  120  of a Jake&#39;s foot  132  as shown in the figures. 
     A lower end  96  of a tent pole  90  preferably can be removably secured or removably locked within a pole bracket housing  91  positioned on tension strap  92  coupled to webbing straps  60  on deck  26  (see  FIGS. 6A, 8 ), and in this way can anchor the tent at or near the deck  26  surface. 
     In various embodiments, a pole bracket housing  91  can include an interior  97  for receiving lower end  96  of tent pole  90 , wherein end  96  preferably comprises a shape and size allowing it to mate with, and snugly nest within interior  97  when pushed, for example, into interior  97 , and to also be removed from housing  97  when desired, e.g., via pulling, or twisting of pole  90  or pulling or twisting of housing  91 . In various embodiments housing  91  may also have a lock and release mechanism enabling locking or release of a pole end  96  in housing  91  interior  97 . Interior  97  of housing  91  also preferably has a shape sized to mate with a pole  90  end  96 . 
     As discussed, a lower end  96  of a tent pole  90  preferably can be removably secured within a pole bracket housing  91  positioned on tension strap  92  coupled to a webbing straps  60  on deck  26  (see  FIGS. 6A, 8 ), and in this way can secure the tent to a boat  20  at or near the deck  26  height. A pole bracket housing  91  includes an interior  97  for receiving lower end  96  of tent pole  90 , wherein end  96  preferably comprises a shape and size allowing it to mate with, and snugly nest within interior  97  when pushed, for example, into interior  97 , and to also be removed from housing  97  when desired, e.g., via pulling, or twisting of pole  90  or pulling or twisting of housing  91 . In various embodiments housing  91  may also have a lock and release mechanism enabling locking or release of a pole end  96  in housing  91  interior  97 . Interior  97  of housing  91  also preferably has a shape sized to mate with a lower end  96  of a tent pole  90  so that a removable connection can be formed when end  96  is pushed or inserted in interior  97 . 
     As discussed a pole bracket housing assembly preferably includes a pole bracket housing  91  coupled to a tension strap  92 , which is attachable to webbing strap  60 , e.g., via an adhesive or sewn connection. When tension is applied to webbing or tension strap  60  extending from cockpit  21  to outer lip or rail  27 , webbing or tension strap  60  will have limited movement and can provide a secure base for a pole  90  nesting within a bracket housing  91  on strap  92 , to anchor a pole end  96  at or near deck  26  level on the boat or skiff  20 . Preferably bracket housing  91  is movable or slidable along tension strap  92 , e.g., via buckles  94  (see  FIG. 8 ). Movement of housing  91  along strap  92  when a tent pole  90  is coupled therein can increase or decrease tension of the tent  20  wall portions coupled to the poles  90 . It can be desired to adjust tension of the poles  90 , for example, because shrinking or stretching can occur in tent fabrics per changes in weather conditions. Pole bracket housing  91  preferably is movable along strap  92  in both directions, e.g., about 0.25 to 1 inches in both directions. 
     In some embodiments a pole end  96  releasably coupled within a housing  91  will be able to have limited movement, e.g., to move in a forward and backward direction. In such an embodiment buckles  94  or tension strap  92  do not need to be included. 
     In some embodiments, a pole housing  91  or  215  can be fixedly positioned on strap  60  and not moveable. 
     In the embodiments of systems  10  and  11  shown in  FIGS. 1-20 , a pole housing  91  is positioned on a strap  60 . Alternatively, a pole housing  91  can be positioned on a tent base portion  34  in a system  10  or  11 . A grommet/pole housing  215  can be used in system  10  and/or  11  and positioned on a strap  60  or on a tent base portion  34 . 
     In some embodiments, a tent tie down or a strap that is also connected to a pole  90  could be coupled to a boat  20  at the outer rail or lip  27  to a bracket  40  or  88 , e.g., by threading through an opening on a bracket  40  or  88  or by being tied around, or to, any suitable coupler on a bracket  40  or  88 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a tent rain fly  130  can also be provided as a removable or optional component of a tent covering system  10  or  11 . A rain fly  130  can be provided for covering tent  100  and extending across and above deck  26 , to a location exterior to rail or lip  27  of boat or skiff  20 , e.g., to be secured under rail or lip  27  on exterior side  115  of boat or skiff  20 . Preferably rain fly  130  tie downs  137  are provided which can be secured to a bracket  40  for example by tying it around or otherwise coupling tie down  137  to bolt  44  of bracket  40  under rail or lip  27 . In some embodiments of bracket  40  or  88 , an opening can be provided on bracket  40  or  88 , preferably on lower member  67  or  172  respectively, wherein a tie down  37  could be coupled thereto. 
     When the rain fly  130  tie downs  137  are secured to a bracket  40  or  88  under rail or lip  27  or to an exterior of rail or lip  27 , the rain fly can extend underneath or past rail or lip  27 , which allows rain or other water on rain fly  130  to slide off the boat  20  and which can help prevent any pooling of water on deck  26 . A rain fly  130  tie down  137 , may also be provided for securing rain fly  130  on a bow line (which can be used to anchor the boat) (see  FIG. 5 ), and tie down  137  can potentially be a zip tie. Additional rain fly  130  tie downs  137  can be provided to secure the rain fly at a stern eye  138  and/or at a port eye. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , preferably a rain fly base/rain fly bottom  131  is at an exterior of boat  20  below deck  26  height. A vestibule  106 , which can be supported by one or more stakes  140  can also be provided as part of a rain fly  130  system. 
     A rain fly  130  system can be included in a similar manner as described above in a system  201  as shown in  FIGS. 23-40 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 17-20 , in various embodiments, a plurality of interior base poles or stakes  111  can be provided as part of a tent covering system  10  or  11 . Said poles  111  can be coupled within a plurality of pole clips or housings  112  that are coupled via ties or straps  113  to an interior side  181  of lower tent portion  150  at a plurality of spaced apart locations. The interior base poles  111  preferably can be coupled within one or more housings or clips  112 , wherein a pole  111  extends from corner  65  to corner  66 , another pole  111  can extend from corner  66  to corner  67 , another pole  111  can extend for corner  67  to corner  68  and another pole  111  can extend from corner  68  to corner  65 , on an interior side  181  of tent  100 . Corner sleeves or pockets  114  can be provided at corners  65 ,  66 ,  67 , and  68  for receiving an end of two different poles  111  therein. 
     In an alternative embodiment, interior sleeves could be provided instead of clips  112  for receiving the base poles  111  that extend a distance along tent interior sides. 
     When poles  111  are coupled within housings  112  and corner sleeves  114  the poles can rest on an interior surface of tent base webbing layer  55  and also possibly a portion of the poles  111  can rest on a surface of deck  26  if a pole or stake width extends over tent base webbing  55 . 
     If desired, poles  111  can be included in a system  201  as well, in a similar manner as described above, e.g., if tent  200  has an inner skirt/flare portion  225 . 
     Tent or cover  100  can have a plurality of doors or windows.  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a door  105  on front side portion  101 , which can be part of tent  100  in various embodiments. Such a door preferably may open and close, e.g., via zipper. A door  105  can include a mesh/screen  206  layer which can serve as a screen and tent fabric layer, which can be nylon or polyester material for a door exterior. Preferably a mesh/screen layer  206  will have a separate zipper from the tent fabric layer for door  105 . A door  105  or a window is also preferably provided at an rear or aft wall  103 , for enabling access to a hatch  262  or cabinet that typically can be near rear side  24  of cockpit  21 , e.g., as part of a seat  31   a ,  31   b ,  31   c , or  210 . Preferably all doors  105  or windows on a tent  100 ,  200  includes a mesh layer and tent fabric layer, e.g., nylon or polyester material, and preferably the mesh and tent fabric do not allow bugs to enter the cockpit interior  28  through the mesh and/or tent fabric layers. 
     A door  105  or a window can provide an entrance/exit to interior  28  of the enclosure formed by the cockpit covering system. The entrance or exit can be unsealed and resealed while the sealable layer  80  continues to seal the cockpit interior  28  at or near the cockpit outer perimeter  110  at or around deck  26  height. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a vestibule  106  which can be provided on a rain fly  130 . Vestibule  106  can include a stake  140  for supporting vestibule  106 . Stake  140  can be secured within a pocket or sleeve on the rainfly  130 . Such a vestibule  106  can include a door that can be opened and closed by a zipper. A vestibule  106  can also be provided without a sealable door or closure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , some steps of the method are shown.  FIG. 16  illustrates locations where brackets  40  and  88  can be positioned on a boat rail or lip  27  when assembling a tent system  10 .  FIG. 16  also illustrates where hooks  50  can be positioned around the cockpit wall  30 . The figure also illustrates the brackets  40 ,  88  and hooks  50  in position on the boat  20  and with webbing straps  60  extending between a bracket  40  and hook  50 , or between a bracket  88  and hook  50 . Brackets  40  and  88  and hooks  50  included with a tent system  11  can also be positioned in similar locations to what is shown in  FIG. 16 , e.g. see  FIG. 4 . A tent system  201  including brackets  230  and cockpit couplers/interior fittings/hooks  247  can be assembled in a similar manner. 
     In various embodiments, the method of assembling a cockpit enclosure system comprises the following steps:
         1. Attach corner rail brackets  40 , with tension straps  60  connected thereto, to the boat outer perimeter;   2. Open at least one tent entrance/exit;   3. Place gunnel hooks, preferably connected to the other end of the tension straps  40 , at cockpit gunwale or interior wall corners;   4. Adjust tension in tension straps to create proper tension to achieve placement of tent base, preferably on the deck just outside of the cockpit opening, e.g., spaced about 1 to 3 inches from the cockpit opening;   5. Attach any additional rail hooks  88 , preferably with any additional straps  60  attached thereto, to the boat outer perimeter;   6. If any additional straps are also attached to gunnel hooks, place gunnel hooks at cockpit gunwale and apply desired tension to the straps to secure placement of tent base on the deck near the cockpit opening; and   7. Assemble poles by placing within hooks  117  and/or  119  on the tent  100  and also place a selected pole end into a selected pole bracket housing and repeat until all poles are secured in a pole bracket housing;   8. Adjust pole tension with pole foot adjustment to achieve desired tension on tent walls.       

     In embodiments of the method for system  11 , after step 3, a tent side including a flange can be pushed or slide under seats at or near a cockpit edge, e.g., at or near the rear cockpit edge. Then steps 4-8 can be performed to assemble a tent covering system  11 . 
     In various embodiments, preferably rail brackets with tension straps secured thereto are first attached to a windward side of the boat or skiff, then attached to the other side of the boat. 
     Preferably, after the rail brackets with tension straps connected thereto are positioned around the boat, and the poles are within the pole housings, the cockpit enclosure and covering system is secured to the boat. 
     In some embodiments, the rail brackets can be positioned on the boat prior to threading a tension strap therethrough. 
     In various embodiments, the method includes further adjusting tension on tension straps until a desired amount of seal on the sealable layer is achieved. 
     In various embodiments, the method includes further adjusting tension on tension straps until desired amount of pressure on the bug and/or water proof seal around the cockpit opening and enclosure interior is created to achieve the desired amount of seal. 
     In various embodiments of the method, a rain fly is assembled over the cockpit enclosure or cover. 
     In various embodiments of the method, assembling a rain fly comprises the following steps:
         1. Attaching a rain fly strap to a bow line, e.g., a zip tie;   2. Attaching additional rain fly straps to rail brackets;   3. Attaching additional rain fly straps to port and starboard eyelets;   4. Flexing a vestibule pole or stake into foot pockets on starboard and port sides and rotating to appropriately spaced clips.       

     Preferably 4 rain fly straps are attached to 4 rail brackets and are attached to a rail bracket loop positioned to the exterior of the boat and underneath a boat rail or side. 
     A covering system  10 ,  11  or  201  can be assembled on a boat  20  while in open water  197 , and not moving with anchor  196  working to maintain the boat  20  in place. A covering system  10 ,  11  or  201  can also be assembled on a boat  20  while in open water  197  near a marshy area  194 . 
       FIGS. 23-40  illustrate a third preferred embodiment of a cockpit covering system designated generally by the numeral  201 . Except as specifically designated below, system  201  can include the same or similar component parts as systems  10 ,  11  of  FIGS. 1-22  and can function and be assembled in a similar manner. A tent/cover  200  preferably includes four walls/wall portions  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  and is preferably sized so that a tent base/tent base portion/skirt  222  rests on a boat deck  26  at or near a cockpit  21  outer perimeter  110  and so that tent/cover  200  covers a cockpit recess  15  area and an interior  28 . Preferably tent/cover  200  does not have a bottom portion that completely covers recessed area  15  of cockpit  21 , although a portion of skirt  222 , e.g., part of an inner skirt/flare portion  225  can potentially extend past deck  26  a distance over or into recessed area  15 . A boat/skiff  20  can include a motor  211 , a steering column  216 , and standing rail/rails or seat  217 ,  218 . 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 35A and 35B , tent/cover  200  can include an alternative embodiment of a tent base/tent base portion/skirt which is designated generally by the numeral  222 .  FIG. 35A  shows a cutaway bottom view of a first alternate embodiment of a skirt  222 , and  FIG. 35B  shows a side cut away view of a second alternate embodiment of a skirt  222 . Preferably, an embodiment of a tent skirt  222  used in system  201  does not include tent base webbing layer  55 . A tent base webbing layer  55  is not needed in a skirt  222  to help promote a flat lie of skirt  222  on deck  26 . 
     A skirt  222  can be formed from the same material or fabric as a tent  200  wall  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104  and can be coupled to a tent  200  along tent walls  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104 , at a seam  226 . In  FIGS. 35A and 35B , skirt  222  is shown coupled to wall  102 . Material of tent wall  102  can be folded back on itself to form a skirt  222  having an outer flare/outer skirt portion  224  and an inner flare/inner skirt portion  225  (see  FIG. 35B ) or skirt  222  can be formed from a separate piece of material/fabric that is coupled to a tent wall, e.g., wall  102  at seam  226  (see  FIG. 35A ). Tent wall/wall portion  102  can extend upwards from skirt  222  at seam  226 , for example, which can be a sewn/stitched seam. A skirt  222  can also be attached to a tent wall portion  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104 , in other manners as are currently known in the art or to be developed in the future, e.g., via an adhesive. 
     In the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 35B , if desired, inner flare or skirt  225  can also be folded back on itself to form a double fabric layer inner flare or skirt  225 , at least in a portion of inner flare/skirt  225 . In the embodiments of both  FIGS. 35A and 35B , a compressible layer, e.g., gasket  80 , or a rubber, foam or other material that can be pressed against a deck surface, can be coupled to the bottom of outer flare portion  224  as shown, e.g., at stitches/sewn connections  223 . Gasket  80  can be about 4-5 millimeters thick. Compressible sealing layer/gasket  80  helps promote a flat lie of skirt  222  on deck  26 . If desired, a skirt  222  outer  224  and/or inner  225  flare/skirt portions can include 2 or more layers of fabric/material, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more layers of fabric/material. 
     In some embodiments, a compressible layer/gasket  80  can be included under both outer skirt/flare  224  and inner skirt/flare  225  of skirt  222 . 
       FIG. 40  shows a third alternative embodiment of a skirt  222  in which there is no inner skirt/inner flare  225 . In this embodiment, an outer strap  220  is coupled to a top surface of outer skirt/outer flare  224  of skirt  222  at stitches  223 . An inner strap  221  is coupled in between upper and lower layers of outer skirt/outer flare  224  of skirt  222  at stitches  223 . In the embodiment as shown, outer flare/outer skirt  224  is an extension of wall  102  fabric. An outer flare/outer skirt  224  could also be a separate piece of material sewn or otherwise coupled to a tent wall  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104 , if desired. Exterior  220  and interior  221  straps can also be coupled to skirt  222  outer flare/outer skirt  224  at other locations if desired, e.g., on top or bottom surfaces, or between fabric layers. Straps  220  and  221  can be stitched together at stitches  223 , or inner strap  221  can be stitched or otherwise coupled to flare/skirt  224  at a location before reaching strap  220 . A compressible layer/gasket  80 , e.g., at about 4-5 millimeters thick, can be coupled to a bottom of skirt  222  outer flare/outer skirt  224 . 
     A tent base layer  222  as shown in  FIGS. 35A-35B and 40  and described herein can also be used in the systems  10 ,  11  if desired. 
     As mentioned, in tent/cover  200  exterior  220  and interior  221  webbing/straps are included. A plurality of exterior straps/exterior webbing  220  can be coupled (e.g., sewn at sewn connection/stitches  223 ) to an upper surface of skirt  222  outer flare/skirt  224 , in the embodiments of skirt  222  as shown in  FIGS. 35A-35B and 40 . Preferably exterior straps  220  are coupled to skirt  222  at tent corners (see, for example,  FIG. 24 ). Exterior straps  220  can also be coupled to skirt  222  along sides of tent/cover  200  if desired (see for example,  FIG. 25 ). Straps  220  preferably are sized to extend between an outer rail bracket/exterior fitting  40 ,  88 , or  230  on boat  20  and the tent skirt  222  (e.g., at outer flare/skirt  224 ) and sized so that tension (e.g., applied via pulling) can be applied to straps  221 . Straps  220  can be coupled to a exterior fitting/outer rail bracket  40 ,  88 , or  230 . Interior straps  221  can be placed on skirt  222  so that they extend in a direction that is at least about opposite from the direction that exterior straps  220 . 
     A plurality of interior straps/interior webbing  221  can be coupled (e.g., sewn at sewn connection/stitches  223 ) to skirt  222  inner flare/skirt  225  on an upper surface of inner skirt/flare  225  at tent corners, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 27 . A plurality of interior straps/interior webbing  221  can also be coupled (e.g., sewn at sewn connection/stitches  223 ) to skirt  222  inner flare/skirt  225  on an upper surface of inner skirt/flare  225  along tent sides if desired, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 28 . Straps  221  can also be coupled to an outer flare/skirt  224 , e.g., as shown in  FIG. 40 . Strap  221  can also be coupled to a bottom surface of outer flare/skirt if desired, or to a top portion of outer flare/skirt  224 , if desired. Straps  221  preferably are sized to extend from skirt  222  (either at tent inner skirt  225  (if included as part of skirt  222 ) or from an outer skirt  224 ) to an interior cockpit fitting, e.g., hook  50 ,  247  and sized so that tension (e.g., applied via pulling) can be applied to straps  221 . 
     Exterior  220  and interior  221  straps can also be coupled to a skirt  222  in other ways as are known in the art or to be developed in the future, e.g., via an adhesive. 
     A tension buckle  54  can be provided on exterior webbing/exterior straps  220 , and can receive a free end of exterior webbing/exterior straps  220  after being coupled to (e.g., threaded through a rail bracket/exterior fitting/c-clamp  40 ,  88  or  230 , so that tension of strap  220  can be adjusted to secure tent  200  in place on boat  20  (see, for example,  FIGS. 23, 26, 40 ). Adjusting tension of strap  220  can also compress compressible layer/gasket  80 . A free end of a tension strap  220  can be coupled back to itself after being threaded through openings on a bracket/exterior fitting/c-clamp  40 ,  88  or  230  and tension buckle  54 , e.g., by sewing or adhesive or heat sealing. The amount of tension of tension strap  220  can be adjusted 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 percent, or at a percentage therebetween. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 23-40 , an individual tension buckle is not shown on interior straps/interior webbing  221  which are coupled to a buckle portion that is formed as part of hook  247 , as described further herein below. If an interior strap/interior webbing  221  is used with a hook  247 , a tension buckle  54  is not needed. If a hook  50  is to be used in a system that includes tent/cover  200 , a tension buckle can be provided on interior strap/interior webbing  221  if desired so that tension, e.g., applied via pulling, can also be adjusted for interior strap/interior webbing  221 . The amount of tension of tension strap  221  can be adjusted 0.01, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100 percent, or at a percentage therebetween, 
     Tent/cover  200  includes a plurality of pole housings, e.g., grommets  215 , sewn onto outer flare portion  224  of a skirt  222  (see  FIGS. 24-26, 40 ). A grommet  215  can receive an end  96  of a pole  90 . Preferably a pole end  96  can be releasably coupled, or locked, within grommet  215 . Preferably a pole end  96  comprises a shape and size allowing it to mate with, and snugly nest within grommet  215  when pushed, for example, into opening  209  of grommet  215 , and to also be removed from grommet  215  when desired, e.g., via pulling, or twisting of pole  90  and/or pulling or twisting of grommet  215 . A tent/cover  100  of systems  10 ,  11 , can also include a grommet  215  on an outer flare portion of tent base  34  for example, instead of, or in addition to one or more tent pole bracket housings  91  on webbing straps  60 , if desired. 
     Tent/cover  200  of system  201  also includes an alternative embodiment of a flange portion/base insert/skirt insert, which is designated generally by the numeral  205  in the figures. In the embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 23, 29-34 , flange portion/base insert/skirt insert  205  is a portion of skirt  222  that includes inserts  227  inside outer flare/outer skirt  224  along a side of skirt  222 . A skirt insert  205  can be included in a skirt  222  of  FIGS. 35A-35B and 40 . Inserts  227  are preferably made of a material that provides some rigidity but which is also flexible. Inserts  227  preferably are made of a plastic material. Inserts  227  can also be made of metal if desired, but plastic is a preferred material to help prevent tearing or wearing of the fabric. Inserts  227  can be sewn within skirt  222  outer flare  224  along any tent side that will be positioned at or near a cockpit side wherein a boat seat is located at or near the cockpit outer perimeter on that cockpit side. Skirt insert  205  can be inserted under a seat  210 , for example, in between a deck  26  surface and seat  210 , as shown in  FIGS. 29-30 . Seat  210  helps to hold skirt insert  205  in place on deck  26  of boat  20 . Tension applied to straps  220  also help to hold skirt insert  205  in place on deck  26  of boat  20 . A seat insert  205  can also be used with a boat that has seats similar to seats  31   a ,  31   b , and  31   c.    
     Inserts  227  can be about 15 inches long, for example, if three inserts  227  will be used on a tent side. A seat insert  205  can be about ⅛ inch high, when a gasket  80  is not included. About 3 and ¼ inches of fabric can extend between a tent corner and a first insert of a seat insert  205 . A space  228  between inserts can be about 1 centimeter to 1 inch. 
     In some embodiments, inserts  227  can be coupled or adhered to an upper or bottom surface of outer flare portion  224  of a skirt  222  as shown in  FIGS. 29-31, 34 , e.g., instead of sewn within outer flare portion  224 , to form a seat insert  205 . A seat insert  205  can be included on any tent  200  side that will be positioned on a cockpit side that has a seat at or near the cockpit outer perimeter. A flange portion/skirt insert  205  can also be included in a tent  100  of system  11  instead of flange  126  if desired. A compressible sealing layer/gasket  80  does not have to be included under a skirt insert  222 , but can be included under a skirt insert  205  if desired and if there is room for compressible layer/gasket  80  to fit under seat  210 . If a compressible layer/gasket  80  is not included under skirt insert portion  205 , compressible layer/gasket  80  provided on other tent sides can end at respective tent corners where skirt insert  205  begins, or can be sized to end at or near edges of a seat  210 . 
     Preferably a plurality of spaced apart inserts  227 , e.g.,  3  as shown in the figures, are included in a flange portion/base insert/skirt insert  205 . Leaving spacing (designated by the numeral  228 ) between inserts  227  allows flange portion/base insert  205  to be folded as shown in  FIG. 33 , for example, at a fold  207 . Space  228  allows tent/cover  200  to be folded, e.g., for storage. Any desired number of inserts  227  can be included in a flange portion/base insert/skirt insert  205 , however, preferably at least 2 inserts  227  are included to enable more compact folding of tent/cover  200 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 34 , a plurality of hatches/hatch doors  262  are shown, and seat  210  is on a hatch door  262 . The hatches  262  can open to an interior  208 . Door  105  on rear/aft wall  103  can be unzipped from an interior  28  of tent  200  to access hatches  262  when tent  200  is installed on boat  20 . In this manner, access to boat hatches  262  is allowable while a user is under shelter of tent  200 . 
       FIGS. 36A-37F  illustrate an alternative embodiment of a boat fitting/outer rail bracket/c-clamp/c-bracket, designated generally by the numeral  230 . Boat fitting  230  as shown comprises a c-shape having lower and upper transverse portions  231 ,  233 , with longitudinal portion  239  extending downward from upper transverse portion  233  to lower transverse portion  231 . Boat fitting  230  includes a movable buckle portion/strap coupler/pivot member  232 . Exterior webbing/exterior strap  220 , or a webbing strap  60  can be threaded through opening  251  of movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  for coupling exterior webbing/exterior strap  220 , or a webbing strap  60  to rail bracket  230 . Movable buckle/strap coupler  232  can move along rotational axis  256  in the direction of arrows  252 . Preferably movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  can move a total of about 90 to 180 degrees along rotational axis  256 , or about 45 to 90 degrees in either direction along rotational axis  256 . Stop  261  can stop movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  from moving more than 90 degrees in either direction, for example, if desired. Movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  can move along rotational axis  256  while attaching a strap  220  or  60  thereto, when positioning a tent  200 ,  100  in place on a boat  20 , and/or when applying tension to exterior webbing/exterior strap  220 , or a webbing strap  60 , e.g., via a tension buckle  54 . Movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  can move based on the angle of a strap  60 ,  220  extending from a tent  200 ,  100 . 
     Opening/space  259  between lower transverse portion  23  land upper transverse portion  233  can receive a rail or lip  27  of boat or skiff  20 , in a similar manner as described with regards to brackets  40 ,  88 . The dimensions of bracket/fitting  230  can vary depending on the dimensions of a rail or lip  27  of a boat or skiff  20  and/or the shape of a rail or lip  27  of a boat or skiff  20 . Dimensions of a bracket/fitting  230  can be similar to dimensions of brackets  40 ,  88 . Movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  can rest on boat deck  26  when bracket  230  is coupled to a boat  20  (see, for example,  FIG. 40 ). Preferably a cushioning material, e.g., rubber  237 , is provided on surfaces of portions  231 ,  233 ,  236  and  239  of bracket  230  that will be in contact with rail or lip  27  or another boat surface, which commonly can be fiberglass. Preferably a bracket/fitting  230  is made of a plastic material. Other suitable materials as desired can also be used for bracket/fitting  230 . 
     Bracket/fitting  230  also preferably comprises an adjustable tightening means, e.g., bolt  234  having a top portion/head  236 , preferably with cushioning layer  237  thereon, and an end/handle  235  which can be rotated to enable a tight fit of bracket  230  on lip or rail  27 . Bolt  234  can be a swivel bolt. Preferably any portion of bolt  234  that will contact the rail or lip  27  of a boat or skiff  20  surface will have a cushioning layer, e.g. rubber  237 , at a top surface as shown in  FIGS. 36A, 36C, 36D . Rubber  237  can be about ⅛ inch thick, for example. 
       FIGS. 37A-37F  illustrate how a movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  can be coupled to bracket/fitting  230 . Bracket/fitting  230  as shown in  FIG. 36F  includes button/pin/disc  238  having a wider top portion  254  and an narrower longitudinal portion  255  that is attached to rail bracket  230 . Larger portion  254  of button/pin/disc  238  can be positioned through larger opening  240  of movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232 . Movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  can be moved so that narrow longitudinal portion  255  of button/pin/disc  238  slides into smaller opening  241  to lock movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  in place on button/pin/disc  238 . When applying tension to exterior webbing/exterior strap  220 , or a webbing strap  60 , movable buckle/strap coupler/pivot member  232  can pivot or move along rotational axis  256  of button  238  based on the angle of a webbing strap  60 ,  220  extending from a tent/cover  100 , or  200 . 
       FIGS. 38A-38D  illustrate a second preferred embodiment of hook or cockpit coupler or interior fitting, designated generally by the numeral  247  which can be used with a tent/cover  100 , or  200  in systems  10 ,  11  and  201 . Hook/cockpit coupler/interior fitting  247  includes a buckle or strap coupler portion  246 , which is adapted for applying tension to a strap  221  or  60  that extends from a tent/cover  100  or  200  to a cockpit or deck lip  85  at or near a cockpit recessed area  15 . Interior webbing/interior strap  221 , or webbing strap  60 , can be threaded through buckle or strap coupler portion  246  of hook/interior fitting/cockpit coupler  247  on longitudinal portion  249  in the direction of arrows  263  as shown in  FIG. 38D . Bottom hook portion  245  can be hooked under or onto a cockpit wall or deck lip  85 . Opening  248  can be provided if desired but can also be eliminated in a hook  247 .  FIGS. 27 and 40  illustrate a strap  221  coupled to a hook  247 . A webbing strap  60  free end portion in a system  10 ,  11  can also be coupled to a hook  247  in a similar manner, if desired. 
     A longitudinal length of a hook  247  can vary based on the dimension of a cockpit wall or deck lip  85 , and can be about 1 inch, 1 and ⅛ inch, 1 and ¼ inch, or about 1 and ½ inches long, or a length there inbetween. A cockpit wall or deck lip  85  can commonly be about 0.5 to 2 inches long. A hook  247  preferably is made of a plastic material. A hook  247  can also be made of other suitable matters, if desired. 
     Although not shown, in one or more embodiments a boat fitting/outer rail bracket  40 ,  88 ,  230  can include a buckle portion similar to what is included in hook  247 , formed as an integral part of the boat fitting/outer rail bracket for applying tension to a strap  220  or  60 . However, preferably tension buckles  54  are included at a location between a fitting  40 ,  88 , or  230  and tent  100  or  200  so that tension can be applied via pulling on strap  220  or  50  from two directions to more easily achieve the desired tension in strap  220  or  50  to hold tent  100  or  200  in place on the boat and/or to compress gasket  80 . Preferably a tension buckle  54  is placed closer to a tent  100 ,  200  than to a boat fitting/bracket  40 ,  88  or  230 . 
     In one or more embodiments of system  10 ,  11 , and/or  201 , a compressible layer/gasket  80  does not have to be included, e.g., if a user is not concerned about providing a barrier to water and bugs for the system. In such embodiments, a tent  100 ,  200  can be positioned on a boat deck and secured in place by applying tension to straps connected to fittings on the boat that are exterior to the tent. A tent  100 ,  200  can also be positioned on a boat deck and secured in place by applying tension to straps connected to fittings on the boated positioned within the tent  100 ,  200  interior  28 . 
     PARTS LIST 
     The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Parts Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                 10 
                 cockpit covering system 
               
               
                 11 
                 cockpit covering system 
               
               
                 12 
                 boat outer wall 
               
               
                 13 
                 motor 
               
               
                 14 
                 floor 
               
               
                 15 
                 recessed area 
               
               
                 16 
                 steering station 
               
               
                 17 
                 outer perimeter 
               
               
                 18 
                 bow/front of skiff 
               
               
                 19 
                 stem/rear of skiff 
               
               
                 20 
                 skiff&#39; small boat 
               
               
                 21 
                 cockpit 
               
               
                 22 
                 bow/front side 
               
               
                 73 
                 starboard side 
               
               
                 24 
                 aft/rear side 
               
               
                 25 
                 port side 
               
               
                 26 
                 deck 
               
               
                 27 
                 skiff rail/lip 
               
               
                 28 
                 interior 
               
               
                 29 
                 bottom 
               
               
                 30 
                 cockpit seat 
               
               
                 31a 
                 starboard rear seat 
               
               
                 31b 
                 middle rear seat 
               
               
                 31c 
                 port rear seat 
               
               
                 32 
                 guide seat 
               
               
                 33 
                 pole 
               
               
                 34 
                 tent base portion 
               
               
                 35 
                 corner/bend 
               
               
                 36 
                 corner/bend 
               
               
                 37 
                 corner/bend 
               
               
                 38 
                 corner/bend 
               
               
                 39 
                 gunwale/gunnel/cockpit interior 
               
               
                   
                 wall 
               
               
                 40 
                 exterior fitting/bracket/c-clamp/ 
               
               
                   
                 rail bracket 
               
               
                 41 
                 webbing loop/opening 
               
               
                 44. 
                 boll 
               
               
                 45 
                 rubber 
               
               
                 46 
                 upper transverse member 
               
               
                 47 
                 lower transverse member 
               
               
                 48 
                 center member 
               
               
                 49 
                 opening 
               
               
                 50 
                 cockpit coupler/hook/ 
               
               
                   
                 interior fitting 
               
               
                 51 
                 webbing loop 
               
               
                 52 
                 center/middle portion 
               
               
                 53 
                 lower portion/hook end 
               
               
                 54 
                 buckle/tension buckle 
               
               
                 55 
                 tent base webbing layer 
               
               
                 57 
                 upper portion hook 
               
               
                 58 
                 top portion 
               
               
                 59 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 60 
                 webbing strap 
               
               
                 61 
                 hook bottom 
               
               
                 62 
                 rail top side 
               
               
                 63 
                 rail bottom side 
               
               
                 64 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 65 
                 tent comer 
               
               
                 66 
                 tent corner 
               
               
                 67 
                 tent comer 
               
               
                 68 
                 tent corner 
               
               
                 80 
                 compressible sealing 
               
               
                   
                 layer/compressible layer/gasket 
               
               
                 81 
                 hook lip 
               
               
                 82 
                 line 
               
               
                 83 
                 front side hook 
               
               
                 84 
                 hook top side 
               
               
                 85 
                 cockpit deck lip 
               
               
                 87 
                 radius of curvature 
               
               
                 88 
                 exterior fitting/bracketic-clamp/rail 
               
               
                   
                 bracket 
               
               
                 90 
                 tent pole 
               
               
                 91 
                 pole bracket/housing 
               
               
                 92 
                 tension strap 
               
               
                 93 
                 front side cockpit wall 
               
               
                 94 
                 buckle 
               
               
                 95 
                 backside cockpit wall 
               
               
                 96 
                 lower end 
               
               
                 97 
                 housing interior 
               
               
                 98 
                 sew line 
               
               
                 99 
                 attachment area 
               
               
                 100 
                 tent 
               
               
                 101 
                 forward wall 
               
               
                 102 
                 starboard wall 
               
               
                 103 
                 rear wall 
               
               
                 104 
                 port wall 
               
               
                 105 
                 door 
               
               
                 106 
                 window/opening/vestibule 
               
               
                 107 
                 wider portion 
               
               
                 108 
                 narrow portion 
               
               
                 109 
                 flange space/fold area 
               
               
                 110 
                 cockpit outer perimeter 
               
               
                 111 
                 interior base pole 
               
               
                 112 
                 interior base pole housing 
               
               
                 113 
                 tie or strap 
               
               
                 114 
                 corner sleeve or pocket 
               
               
                 115 
                 exterior 
               
               
                 117 
                 twist clip/hook 
               
               
                 118 
                 swivel hub 
               
               
                 119 
                 twist clip/hook 
               
               
                 120 
                 bracket housing coupler 
               
               
                 121 
                 main pole portion 
               
               
                 126 
                 flange 
               
               
                 128 
                 flange side/horizontal member 
               
               
                 129 
                 flange side/vertical 
               
               
                 130 
                 rain fly 
               
               
                 131 
                 rain fly base/rain fly bottom 
               
               
                 132 
                 DAC ® Jake&#39;s foot 
               
               
                 137 
                 tie down 
               
               
                 138 
                 stern eye 
               
               
                 140 
                 vestibule pole/support stake 
               
               
                 150 
                 tent lower portion 
               
               
                 166 
                 pole/tent tie down 
               
               
                 170 
                 top member 
               
               
                 171 
                 center member 
               
               
                 172 
                 lower member 
               
               
                 173 
                 opening 
               
               
                 174 
                 opening 
               
               
                 180 
                 exterior 
               
               
                 181 
                 interior 
               
               
                 194 
                 marsh/land 
               
               
                 195 
                 boat occupant 
               
               
                 196 
                 anchor 
               
               
                 197 
                 water 
               
               
                 200 
                 tent 
               
               
                 201 
                 cockpit covering system 
               
               
                 205 
                 flange portion/bottom insert/seat 
               
               
                   
                 insert/skirt insert 
               
               
                 206 
                 screen/mesh 
               
               
                 207 
                 fold 
               
               
                 208 
                 hatch interior 
               
               
                 209 
                 opening grommet/pole 
               
               
                   
                 coupler/pole housing 
               
               
                 210 
                 seat 
               
               
                 211 
                 motor 
               
               
                 215 
                 grommet/pole coupler/pole 
               
               
                   
                 housing 
               
               
                 216 
                 steering column 
               
               
                 217 
                 standing rail/seat 
               
               
                 218 
                 rail 
               
               
                 220 
                 exterior webbing/strap 
               
               
                 221 
                 interior webbing/strap 
               
               
                 222 
                 tent base/tent base portion/skirt 
               
               
                 223 
                 stitch/connection 
               
               
                 224 
                 exterior skirt/tent base outer flare 
               
               
                 225 
                 interior skirt/tent base inner flare 
               
               
                 226 
                 tent wall seam/connection area 
               
               
                 227 
                 insert 
               
               
                 228 
                 space/area between inserts 
               
               
                 230 
                 exterior fitting/outer rail 
               
               
                   
                 bracket/c-clamp/c-bracket 
               
               
                 231 
                 lower transverse portion 
               
               
                 232 
                 movable buckle/movable strap 
               
               
                   
                 coupler/pivot member 
               
               
                 233 
                 upper transverse portion 
               
               
                 234 
                 bolt 
               
               
                 235 
                 bolt end/handle 
               
               
                 236 
                 top/head bolt 
               
               
                 237 
                 rubber/cushioning layer 
               
               
                 238 
                 locking member/pin/disc/button 
               
               
                 239 
                 longitudinal portion 
               
               
                 240 
                 larger opening 
               
               
                 241 
                 smaller opening 
               
               
                 245 
                 bottom hook portion 
               
               
                 246 
                 buckle/tension buckle/strap 
               
               
                   
                 coupler portion 
               
               
                 247 
                 hook/cockpit coupler/interior fitting 
               
               
                 248 
                 opening 
               
               
                 249 
                 longitudinal portion 
               
               
                 251 
                 opening/slot 
               
               
                 252 
                 arrows 
               
               
                 254 
                 wider top portion/larger portion 
               
               
                   
                 locking member 
               
               
                 256 
                 rotational axis 
               
               
                 255 
                 narrower longitudinal of portion 
               
               
                   
                 locking member 
               
               
                 259 
                 opening/space 
               
               
                 261 
                 stop 
               
               
                 262 
                 hatch/hatch door 
               
               
                 263 
                 arrow 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the claims.