Patent Publication Number: US-11649015-B2

Title: Anchor rail for personal watercraft

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application, which is a continuation application of a co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/327,408 filed on May 21, 2021 and entitled, “DECK EXTENDER FOR WATERCRAFT”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the U.S. provisional patent application, Application No. 63/032,059, filed on May 29, 2020, and entitled “DECK EXTENDER FOR WATERCRAFT”, which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS 
     Field of the Inventions 
     The present inventions relate to personal watercraft, and more specifically, accessories such as deck extenders for personal watercraft. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     A conventional personal watercraft accessory platform is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,577,057. This personal watercraft platform is modular and removable for providing storage and a workspace above the rear deck of a PWC. The modular watercraft platform includes a generally flat upper and lower surface supported by a plurality of vertical struts spacing the lower surface of the platform above the original rear deck of the watercraft. 
     Another conventional personal watercraft accessory is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,517,824. This personal watercraft accessory includes a removable rear extension for the aft end of the watercraft which includes a longitudinal channel that receives a portion of the propulsion system and through which a stream of water is directed for purposes of propulsion for the associated watercraft. This deck extension includes numerous surfaces and wall portions meant to conform to portions of the lower hull of the watercraft that sit below the waterline. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
     An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that a deck extender for a watercraft can be supported in a cantilevered configuration. Such a deck extender can have an upper support surface that extends beyond an edge of an original watercraft deck with attachment and support surfaces of the deck above the water line providing a substantial portion or all of the structural support for the deck extender. For example, a deck extender for a watercraft can include sleeve members fixed to the upper deck and a deck portion having tabs that extend into the sleeves, wherein the sleeves resist uplift of the tabs. A further outboard portion of the deck extender can contact a portion of the deck of the watercraft so as to provide a support with sufficient strength such that an outboard portion of the deck can extend beyond an edge of the watercraft in a cantilevered fashion. Further, such a configuration lends itself to a low profile configuration, thereby avoiding separate vertical struts for spacing the removable deck away from the upper deck of the watercraft. As such, a deck extender can have a low profile and the cantilevered configuration can effectively extend an upper deck surface of the watercraft for example, but without limitation, four inches or more beyond an edge of the watercraft. 
     In some embodiments, the upper surface of the deck extender, when installed in use, is generally parallel or substantially parallel to a surface of the water when the watercraft is at rest in a body of water. This can be advantageous because some watercraft include sloped rear deck areas, for example, behind the rearmost seat, that slope gently towards the waterline and rearwardly away from the rear seat. This configuration is common and more optimized for watersports and weight reduction of the watercraft. However, some users prefer to have additional, relatively level and flat space at the rear of a watercraft for facilitating other activities according to their preference. Thus, providing an extended flat surface, generally parallel to the waterline of the watercraft, can provide further conveniences for some users. 
     Thus, in some embodiments, a deck extender for a watercraft can comprise a deck member comprising an upper support surface, a lower surface, and first and second mounting tabs configured with sufficient strength to support the deck member in a cantilevered configuration on a rear portion of an upper deck of a personal watercraft. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a side elevational view of a personal watercraft at rest in a body of water and including a deck extender according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a schematic illustration of the personal watercraft having the deck extender and operating in a transition mode. 
         FIG.  1 C  is a schematic illustration of the personal watercraft with the deck extender operating in a planing condition. 
         FIG.  2    is a top plan view of the personal watercraft having the deck extender. 
         FIG.  3    is an enlarged side elevational view of a rear portion of the personal watercraft having the deck extender and illustrating a movement of a lid of a storage bin. 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged perspective view of the rear of the personal watercraft having mounting members installed and with the deck extender removed. 
         FIG.  5    is a rear perspective and partially exploded view of the deck extender, illustrating mounting tabs separated from mounting sleeves of the deck extender assembly. 
         FIG.  6    is a rear elevational view of a mounting sleeve of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a rear, bottom, and right-side perspective, exploded view of a mounting sleeve and a mounting tab of the deck extender. 
         FIG.  8 A  is an enlarged, exploded, side elevational view of a mounting sleeve and mounting tab. 
         FIG.  8 B  is a side elevational view of the mounting sleeve and deck extender moved together in an assembled state. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a top, rear, and left-side perspective view of the deck extender and sleeves, removed from the watercraft. 
         FIG.  9 B  is an enlarged, side elevational view of an optional mounting channel included on the deck extender. 
         FIG.  10    is a top plan view of the deck extender and sleeves of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a bottom plan view of the deck extender and sleeves of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  12    is a front, bottom, and right-side perspective view of the deck extender and sleeves of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  13    is a bottom, rear, and left-side perspective view of a modification of the embodiment of the deck extender with optional mounting hardware. 
         FIG.  14    is a left-side elevational view of the deck extender of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  15    is an enlarged bottom plan view of the deck extender of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  16    is a rear elevational view of the deck extender of  FIG.  13   . 
         FIG.  17    is a top, rear, and left-side perspective view of another modification of the removable deck with an optional integrated telescoping boarding ladder in a deployed position. 
         FIG.  18    is an enlarged top, rear, and left-side perspective view of an area of the removable deck including four mounting assemblies. 
         FIG.  19    is an enlarged, perspective, and exploded view of a mounting mechanism of the removable deck of  FIG.  18   . 
         FIG.  20    is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting assembly of  FIG.  19    in an open state. 
         FIG.  21    is an enlarged perspective view of the mounting assembly of  FIG.  19    in a closed state. 
         FIG.  22    is a sectional view of the mounting assembly of  FIG.  19    as viewed along the cross section  22 .- 22 . of  FIG.  20    in an open state. 
         FIG.  23    is a sectional view of the mounting assembly in  FIG.  22    with a support leg partially inserted into the mounting assembly. 
         FIG.  24    is a sectional view of the mounting assembly with a mounting leg fully inserted. 
         FIG.  25    is a rear elevational view illustrating an optional over-center clasp mechanism securing a mounting leg to the mounting mechanism of  FIGS.  18 - 21   , in an open state. 
         FIG.  26    is a rear elevational view of the over-center clasp of  FIG.  25    in a closed state. 
         FIG.  27    is a side elevational view of a mounting leg secured by the over-center clasp, and illustrating additional clearance between the over-center clasp mechanism and the ends of a cleat portion of the mounting mechanism. 
         FIG.  28    is a top, rear, and left-side perspective view of an optional rack assembly connected to the removable deck. 
         FIG.  29    is a top, rear, and left-side perspective view of the rack of  FIG.  28    removed from the watercraft. 
         FIG.  30    is a bottom, front, and right-side perspective view of the rack of  FIG.  28   . 
         FIG.  31    is a top, rear, and left-side perspective view and left-side perspective exploded view of the rack of  FIG.  28   . 
         FIG.  32    is a side elevational view of the rack partially engaged with the removable deck during an installation procedure. 
         FIG.  33    is a side elevational view of the rack fully seated to the removable deck. 
         FIG.  34    is a top, front, and right-side perspective view of an optional aesthetically pleasing design for the removable deck. 
         FIG.  35    is a top, rear, and right-side perspective view of the removable deck of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a top plan view of the removable deck of the embodiment of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  37    is a bottom, front, and right-side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  35   . 
         FIG.  38    is a bottom, rear, right-side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  39    is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  40    is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  41    is a left-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  42    is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  43    is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  44    is a top, rear, and left-side perspective view of an aesthetically pleasing embodiment of a rack. 
         FIG.  45    is a front elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  44   . 
         FIG.  46    is a left-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  44   . 
         FIG.  47    is a rear elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  44   . 
         FIG.  48    is a right-side elevational view of the embodiment of  FIG.  44   . 
         FIG.  49    is a top plan view of the embodiment of  FIG.  44   . 
         FIG.  50    is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of  FIG.  44   . 
         FIG.  51    is a bottom, front, and right-side perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG.  44   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The inventions disclosed herein are described below in the context of accessories for personal watercraft because the inventions disclosed herein have particular utility in this context. However, the inventions disclosed herein are applicable to other contexts as well. Further, the personal watercraft described below are illustrated in several different orientations including a static orientation, in which the watercraft floats in still water in a displacement mode of buoyancy, a transition orientation in which the watercraft, during acceleration, moves from a displacement mode of buoyancy to a planing mode, and a planing orientation in which a watercraft is moving at a speed sufficient to support the watercraft on the surface of the water with a minimal amount of the hull being wetted and in contact with the water. 
       FIG.  1 A  is a side view of a personal watercraft  1  with a deck extender  100  according to an embodiment wherein the personal watercraft  1  is at rest floating in a body of water,  FIG.  1 B  illustrating the personal watercraft  1  being in a state of transition between displacement mode and planing, and  FIG.  1 C  illustrating the personal watercraft  1  in a planing mode.  FIG.  2    is a plan view of the personal watercraft  1  including the deck extender  100 .  FIG.  3    is an enlarged side elevational view of a rear portion of the personal watercraft  1  with the deck extender  100  and illustrating a movement of a lid over a rear storage portion on the personal watercraft  1 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the personal watercraft  1  includes a hull  2 , a deck  3 , a seat  4 , and a steering handle  5 . The deck  3 , which can be referred to as an upper deck, can be attached to the hull along a bond flange. The deck  3  can include a seat pedestal  3 A. The seat  4  and the steering handle  5  are disposed above the deck  3 . The seat  4  and the steering handle  5  are supported on the deck  3 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the seat  4  and the steering handle  5  are disposed at a central portion of the personal watercraft  1  in the right-left direction. The seat  4  is disposed at the rear of the steering handle  5  and is supported by the seat pedestal  3 A. The seat  4  extends in the front-rear direction in a plan view. The seat  4  has, for example, a three-seater configuration. The seat  4  is not limited to a three-seater configuration, and may have a two-seater configuration or a single-seater configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the personal watercraft  1  further includes an engine  6  and a jet pump  7 . The engine  6  is disposed inside the hull  2 . The jet pump  7  is disposed at the rear portion of the hull  2 . The engine  6  is disposed forward relative to the jet pump  7 . The seat  4  is disposed above the engine  6 . The deck  3  includes a platform  8  disposed at the stern of the personal watercraft  1 . The platform  8  slopes gently downwardly, away from the seat  4  and toward the waterline. The jet pump  7  is disposed below the platform  8 . The jet pump  7  is driven by the engine  6 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the personal watercraft  1  is illustrated in a stationary state floating in water, and due to its buoyancy, to a depth shown relative to the waterline. The depth at which the personal watercraft  1  reaches beneath the waterline depends on the total weight and the volume of water displaced by the hull of the personal watercraft  1 . As noted above, the platform  8  which forms a rear deck of the personal watercraft  1 , slopes gently away from the seat  4  and toward the waterline W. In accordance with some embodiments, the deck extender  100  can be configured such that its upper surface  120  extends generally parallel to the waterline when the personal watercraft  1  is at rest and floating in water. In some embodiments, the upper support surface  120  of the deck extender  100  is not perfectly parallel with the waterline, however, may be closer to parallel with the waterline than the surface of the platform  8 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  1 B , when the personal watercraft  1  is accelerated from stationary or slow movement within water, towards a planing state, the personal watercraft  1  moves through a transition orientation in which the front end of the personal watercraft rises out of the water. In some embodiments, the deck extender  100  can be configured such that it does not make contact with a surface of the water when the personal watercraft  1  is in transition. 
     After further acceleration, the personal watercraft  1  will reach a planing state, such as that illustrated in  FIG.  1 C . For a watercraft such as the personal watercraft illustrated in  FIG.  1   , a planing state may be reached at speeds above 15-20 miles per hour. In a planing state, as illustrated in  FIG.  1 C , a much smaller area of the bottom surface of the hull  2  remains in contact with the water thus and as such, a smaller amount of the hull  2  is wetted during forward movement, thereby significantly reducing the hydrodynamic drag between the hull  2  and the water. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , while a small portion of the platform  8  can be substantially the horizontal below the rear end  4 A of the seat  4 , the rearward-most portion of a platform  8  slopes gently downwardly towards the waterline W. As shown in  FIG.  2   , the platform  8  preferably has a quadrilateral shape in a plan view. The right and left sides and the rear side of the platform  8  are open. In a state in which the personal watercraft  1  floats in water, the platform  8  is higher than the waterline W. Therefore, when the deck extender  100  is removed, a passenger can climb down into water from a position on the platform  8  through the lateral side or rear side of the platform  8 . Further, a passenger can move from a position in water onto the platform  8  through the lateral side or rear side of the platform  8 . 
     The jet pump  7  is arranged to generate a propulsive force by jetting water suctioned from below, rearwardly. In detail, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the jet pump  7  includes an impeller  9  joined to the engine  6  and a steering nozzle  10  disposed at the rear of the impeller  9 . The impeller  9  is disposed in a flow passage  11  provided inside the personal watercraft  1 . A first end portion of the flow passage  11  defines an intake  12  open at the bottom surface of the hull  2 , and a second end portion of the flow passage  11  defines an outlet  13  opened at the steering nozzle  10 . The steering nozzle  10  is arranged to turn to the right or left according to an operation of the steering handle  5 . 
     When the impeller  9  is driven to rotate by the engine  6 , water is suctioned from the intake  12  into the flow passage  11 . A such, the portion of the flow passage  11  downstream from the impeller  9  can be considered as the high-pressure side of the jet pump  7 . Water suctioned from the intake  12 , pumped into the flow passage  11  by the impeller  9 , and is then jetted from the outlet through the steering nozzle  10 . Accordingly, a propulsive force is generated to propel the personal watercraft  1 . When the steering handle  5  is operated, the direction of the steering nozzle  10  changes, and the jetting direction of water from the steering nozzle  10  changes. Therefore, the steering handle  5  is arranged to change the jetting direction of water from the jet pump  7 . The personal watercraft  1  is steered by operation of the steering handle  5 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , the personal watercraft  1  further includes a cooling water passage  14  and a washing water passage  15  disposed inside the personal watercraft  1 . The cooling water passage  14  connects the engine  6  with the high pressure side of the jet pump  7 . A portion of water pumped into the flow passage  11  by the jet pump  7  is supplied into the cooling water passage  14 . Water supplied into the cooling water passage  14  is thereby supplied to a water jacket provided in the engine  6 . Accordingly, the engine  6  is cooled. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the deck  3  includes a seat support portion  50  which supports the seat  4 , and a cover  60  covering the seat support portion  50  at a height between the rear end  4   a  of the seat  4  and the platform  8  from the rear side. The cover  60  includes an outer wall  19 , and the seat support portion  50  includes an inner wall  20 . The platform  8  and the inner wall  20  preferably are integral with each other, and the outer wall  19  is separate from the platform  8  and the inner wall  20 . 
     The washing water passage  15  includes a first end portion  16  connected to the cooling water passage  14 , a second end portion  17  connected to an article storage space S 1 , described in greater detail below. A check valve  18  is arranged such that water flows in only a direction from the second end portion  17  to the first end portion  16 . Therefore, even if water flows into the washing water passage  15  from the cooling water passage  14 , this water is checked by the check valve  18 . On the other hand, water supplied into the washing water passage  15  from the second end portion  17  flows into the cooling water passage  14  through the check valve  18 . The cooling water passage  14  and the water jacket can be washed with water supplied from the washing water passage  15 . 
     Optionally, the personal watercraft  1  can include a visibility nozzle  8 A disposed on the platform  8 . A passage  8 B can connect the nozzle  8 A with the high-pressure side of the jet pump  7 . The passage  8 B can feed water from the high-pressure side of the jet pump  7  to the nozzle  8 A which can eject water upwardly into the air during use. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 A , the article storage space S 1  is disposed rearward relative to the engine  6 . The article storage space S 1  is disposed at a height between the rear end  4   a  of the seat  4  and the platform  8 . The article storage space S 1  is disposed forward relative to the rear end of the platform  8 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the outer wall  19  defines an opening O 1  accessible to the article storage space S 1 . The opening O 1  penetrates through the outer wall  19  in the front-rear direction. The opening O 1  is disposed at the rear of the article storage space S 1 . The article storage space S 1  is accessible from the rear side through the opening O 1 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the outer wall  19  includes a lid  21  arranged to open and close the opening O 1 . The deck  3  further includes a hinge  22  which joins the lid  21  and the deck  3 . The hinge  22  is provided on the lower portion  21   a  of the lid  21 . The lid  21  is rotatable around the hinge  22  between a closed position at which the lid  21  closes the opening O 1  and an opened position at which the lid  21  opens the opening O 1 . The hinge  22  is arranged to function as a grip. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the personal watercraft  1  further includes a mount grip  23  having a U shape in a plan view disposed along the rear portion of the seat  4 . The mount grip  23  extends forward along the rear portion of the seat  4  from the rear end  4   a  of the seat  4 . The mount grip  23  includes a grip portion  23   a  provided at the rear end portion of the mount grip  23 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , the hinge  22  is disposed rearward relative to the grip portion  23   a  and lower than the grip portion  23   a . Further, the hinge  22  is disposed lower than the seat  4 . The hinge  22  is closer to the platform  8  than the grip portion  23   a.    
     By opening the lid  21 , the passenger can take articles out of and put articles into the article storage space S 1  through the opening O 1  while remaining on the platform  8  or the deck extender  100 . Further, the opening O 1  is disposed near the rear end  4   a  of the seat  4 , so that the passenger can take articles out of and put articles into the article storage space S 1  through the opening O 1  while sitting on the seat  4 . Further, the outer wall  19  is inclined such that the upper end  19   a  of the outer wall  19  is positioned forward relative to the lower end  19   b  of the outer wall  19 , so that the passenger sitting on the seat  4  easily accesses the article storage space S 1  as compared with, for example, a case where the outer wall  19  extends vertically. Therefore, the passenger can easily access the article storage space S 1  from a position on either the deck  3  or the seat  4 . 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, the deck extender  100  can include a generally U-shaped removable deck member that includes a bite portion that provides clearance around the lower end of the lid  21  and thus allows the lid  21  to be moved easily between the closed and open states illustrated in  FIG.  3   . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , the deck extender  100  can include a mounting portion  102  and a deck member  104 . The mounting portion  102  can include one or more mounting sleeve portions  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion  102  includes a right-side mounting sleeve  106  and a left-side mounting sleeve  108 . 
     The mounting sleeves  106  and  108  can be generally channel-shaped, in cross-section. The mounting sleeve  106 , and  108  are configured to be mounted at a forward portion of the platform  8  on either side of the seat pedestal  3 A. In some embodiments, the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108  are configured to be mounted just rearward from an apex of the deck  3  that forms the foot wells of the watercraft  1 , which reaches a maximum depth portion along lateral sides of the seat pedestal  3 A, and reaches an apex just forward of the illustrated position of the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108 . The surface on either side of the seat pedestal  3   a  extends rearward from the apex and into the platform  8  which may extend generally horizontally in an area just rearward from the seat pedestal, and then gently slopes towards the waterline. 
     Positioned as such, the mounting sleeve  106 ,  108  form a generally low profile superstructure of the deck and thus do not present an excessive obstruction of access to the foot wells. For example, water can enter the foot wells during use of the personal watercraft  1 . When a watercraft accelerates through a transition speed ( FIG.  1 B ), water in the foot wells can drain rearwardly flowing over the apex of the deck  3  at the rear of the foot wells. Because the mounting sleeve  106 ,  108  are generally low profile, they do not substantially obstruct all of the water from draining from the foot wells during transition speed operation. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108  include first and second lateral rail portions  110 ,  112  and a central channel  114 . An upper connecting wall  116  connects the lateral rail portions  110 ,  112  and extends over the channel  114 . The upper connecting wall  116  has an inwardly-facing surface  115 , that can serve as a support surface for supporting the deck  104  in a cantilevered manner by contacting portions of the deck  104 . 
     The lateral rail portions  110 ,  112  can include apertures for receiving fasteners for securing the rails  110 ,  112  to the platform  8 . For example, threaded fasteners such as lag screws, optionally with tapered heads, can be inserted through the lateral rail portions  110 ,  112  and into the platform  8 . Additionally, the rails  110 ,  112  can include counter-sunk upper orifices for receiving the tapered head, threaded fasteners. The threaded fasteners can extend into and/or through the platform  8  to secure the sleeves  106 ,  108  to the platform  8 . Optionally, the fasteners used to secure the mounting sleeves  106 ,  108  can be further secured with an adhesive to enhance a watertight seal with the platform  8 . With the mounting sleeves  106 ,  108  attached to the platform, their respective channels  114  face downwardly, i.e., toward the deck. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  6 - 8   , with the sleeves  106 ,  108  mounted to the deck  8 , the channel  114  is configured to receive a portion of the removable deck member  104  and for resistance against uplift forces of the received portion. Additionally, in this orientation, the support surface  115  is spaced away from the deck  8  and also faces downwardly toward the deck  8 , and thus can resist support the deck  104  in a cantilevered orientation. 
     For example, with reference to  FIG.  5   , the removable deck member  104  can include at least one tab member  122 . In the illustrated embodiment, the removable deck member  104  includes a right-side tab member  122  and a left-side tab member  124 . The right and left tab members  122 ,  124  are configured to be received into the channels  114  of the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108  respectively. 
     For example, with reference to  FIGS.  6  and  8 A , with the sleeves  106 ,  108  mounted to the deck  8 , the channels  114  form rearwardly facing apertures  117 , into which the tabs  122 ,  124  can be inserted. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8 A , the channel  114  of the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108  can have a variable depth. For example, a forward portion of the channel  114  can have a first depth  130  and a rearward portion of the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108  can have a second depth  132  that is larger than the first depth  130 . In some configurations, this varying depth can be provided by forming the upper wall  116  with a generally uniform thickness with the rails  110 ,  112  having a varying height being shorter towards the front portion and the first depth  130  and the rearward portions being taller forming the second depth  132  at the rearward portion of the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108 . Further, in some embodiments, the bottom surfaces  111 ,  113  of the rails  110 ,  112  can be slanted or curved to match a curvature of the corresponding portions of the platform  8 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  8   , the tabs  122 ,  124  can be configured to extend into the channels  114  of the respective mounting sleeves  106 ,  108 . In some embodiments, the tabs  122 ,  124  include an upper surface  140  configured to rest against the inwardly facing surface  115  of the channel  114 . 
     With the Optionally, a lower surface  142  of the tabs  122 ,  124  can be spaced away from the platform  8  or curved or shaped to complement and rest against the upper surface of the platform  8 . For example, the lower surface  142  of the tabs  122 ,  124 , can include a flat and/or generally curving configuration to conform with the upper surface of the platform  8  in the vicinity of the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108 . Depending on the watercraft, that portion of the platform  8  can be flat, horizontal, or gently curving. Other shapes can also be used. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  9 A- 12   , the deck member  104  can have a generally rectilinear shape with a U-shaped portion  150 . The U-shaped portion  150  can comprise a right-side arm portion  152 , a left-side arm portion  154  and a bite portion  156  connecting the right and left arm portions  152 ,  154 . The bite portion  156  can include a recess  157  configured to allow the deck member  104  to straddle a rear part of the seat pedestal  3 A when the tabs  122 ,  124  are received within the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108 , respectively. Additionally, the bite portion  156  can include a further recess  157  shaped to allow the lid  21  to be moved from the closed position to the open position ( FIG.  3   ). 
     In some embodiments, the deck member  104  can include an aperture at a rearward edge thereof, which can form a handle. In other embodiments, the rear portion of the removable deck member  104  can be solid with a separate handle  160  attached to an upper surface. Other variations of handle configurations can also be used. In use, any such handle be used by a user when reboarding the deck member  104  from the water and also can be used when carrying the deck member  104  during installation or removal. 
     The upper surface  120  of the deck member  104  can be generally flat. Additionally, the removable deck member  104  can be configured such that when the tabs  122 ,  124  are received within the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108 , the upper surface  120  is generally horizontal when the personal watercraft  1  is at rest, floating in a body of water. As such, the upper surface  120  can be considered as being generally parallel to a waterline of the personal watercraft  1 . 
     Further, in some embodiments, the personal watercraft  1  to which the removable deck member  104  is attached includes a gently curving platform  8 , which can be convex and curve gently downwardly toward the waterline and away from the seat pedestal  3 A. Thus, in some embodiments, the lower surface  125  of the deck member  104  can include a gently curved lower surface portion, for example concave when viewed in a side elevational view, and can be configured to rest against the gently curved convex upper surface of the platform  8 . 
     In some embodiments, the lower surface  125  can be segmented with grooves, partitions, and discontinuities such that not the entire lower portion of the deck member  104  rests against the upper surface of the platform  8 . Rather, the gaps, recesses, and discontinuities leave a substantial amount of the surface  125  in contact between the lower surface  125  and the platform  8  so as to reduce stress concentrations that would be caused by the use of a plurality of individual struts extending between a platform  8  and the member  104 . 
     For example, the lower surface  125  can be configured to generate contact patches having an approximate total surface area of 20% or more of the footprint area of the lower surface  125  over the platform  8 . Such contact patches can help spread the load supported by the deck member  104 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  11   , the lower support surface  125  of the removable deck member  104  can be considered as defining a footprint identified by the triple-thick line  161  which encompasses the outer periphery of the portions of the support surface  125  that make contact with the upper surface of the platform  8 . Within the footprint  161 , a contact patch  162 , represented by light hatching in  FIG.  11   , is the portion of the support surface  125  that makes contact with the upper surface of the platform  8 . As illustrated in  FIG.  11   , in some embodiments, the contact patch  162  includes portions that extend near or at the foremost portions of the footprint  161 , the lateral most portions of the footprint  161 , and rearward most portions of the footprint  161 . Additionally, there are gaps, spaces, and discontinuities within the contact patch  162 . However, in some embodiments, a contact patch  162  can be greater than 10% of the footprint. As noted above, the contact patch  162  can be 20% or more of the footprint  161 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , the deck member  104  can also include one or more accessory mounting rails  165 . The rails  165  can be configured for adjustably mounting accessories to the deck member  104 . Such accessories can be mountable to the rails  165  with various different kinds of mechanisms. 
     In some embodiments, the rails  165  can include a lower channel portion  166  defining a recessed channel for receiving mounting fasteners. Additionally, the rail members  165  can include a lower support surface  167  extending to either side of the central channel  166 . The rails  165  can also include upper side walls  168  and top wall portions  169 , partially enclosing a central passage  165 A. As such, the central passage  165 A can capture a portion of a fastener used for securing an accessory to the rails  165 . 
     For example, an accessory including a lug portion (not shown) that is wider than the space between top walls  169  can be inserted through an end of the rail  165  and slide to a desired location. Thereafter, a clamping mechanism can be used to press the lug within the passage  165 A against lower surfaces of the top walls  169  and thereby clamp an accessory in place. Various different types of well-known clamping mechanisms can be used. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 A and  10   , the deck member  104  can include a plurality of rails  165  arranged in various locations and orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, the rails  165  are arranged in a rearwardly raked orientation such that the rails extend generally outwardly from the centerline of the deck member  104  and rearwardly when the deck member  104  is attached to a watercraft. As such, such an orientation of the rails  165  can help drain water that may have splashed into the rails  165 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  5  and  9 A , in some embodiments, the rails  165  can be recessed into channels formed in the upper surface  120  of the deck member  104 . For example, the upper surface  120  of the deck extender can include one or more channels  121  configured to receive the rails  165 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 A,  9 B, and  10   , the deck member  104  can include matting  171  attached to the upper surface  120 . For example, the matting  171  can be in the form of marine mat which is commonly used in the industry, for providing a comfortable padded surface that can withstand a marine environment. The matting  171  can be disposed adjacent to channels  121  and mounted so as to extend above the upper surfaces of the end walls  169  of the rails  165 . Additionally, the marine mat can be cut to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance having grooves and gaps between various pieces. Additionally, the grooves between pieces of marine mat can be oriented to enhance drainage of water that may be splashed onto the deck member  104 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 A,  10 ,  11 , and  12   , the deck member  104  can include a water conduit  174  mounted thereto. The water conduit can include a water inlet end  175  and a water outlet end  176 . The water conduit  174  can be mounted to the deck member  104  with the water outlet end  176  disposed near an outer edge of the deck member. In the illustrated embodiment, the water outlet end  176  is disposed adjacent to the rear edge of the deck member. The water conduit  174  can be configured for producing an aesthetically pleasing spout of water during use. For example, the water inlet end  175  can be connected to the water passage  8 B ( FIG.  1   ) so as to receive pressurized water from the jet pump  7  during use. As such, the water conduit  174  can be used to bypass an original OEM water spout  8 A that might be included on a personal watercraft to which the deck member  104  may be connected. 
     With reference to  FIG.  8 B , with the tabs  122 ,  124  received with in the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108 , the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108  can resist uplift forces generated as a reaction to loads supported by the upper support surface  120 . For example, when the deck member  104  is mounted as noted above, the lower surface  125  rests upon a portion of the upper surface of the platform  8 . When a load L is applied to a portion of the upper surface  120  extending beyond the rear edge of the platform  8 , the surface of the platform  8  can act as a fulcrum F, thereby causing an upward force F U  to act on the tabs  120 ,  124 . The upward force F U  on the tabs is counteracted by the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108 , and more specifically, the threaded fasteners holding the mounting sleeve portions  106 ,  108  to the platform  8 . 
     As such, the rear portion  105  of the deck member  104  can extend out beyond the rear edge of the platform  8  by a cantilevered length  170 . The cantilevered length  170  can be referred to as a cantilevered length of the rear portion  105 . In some embodiments, the cantilevered length  170  can be at least 4 inches or more. In some embodiments, the cantilevered length is 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, or 12 inches or more. As such, the upper surface  120  can provide a significant amount of additional, generally horizontal support surface for use by a user during various recreational activities with the structural, cantilevered support provided by the mounting sleeves that are attached only to portions of the watercraft  1  that are above the waterline. 
     In some embodiments, the deck member  104  is designed with sufficient strength to allow at least one human user to stand on the upper surface  120 . For example, the deck member  104  can include tabs  122 ,  124  with sufficient strength and integrated into the deck member  104  such that an adult human weighing for example 200-300 pounds can stand at the rear edge of the deck member  104 , approximately at the location of the load L ( FIG.  8 B ) thereby causing a torque about the fulcrum F and thereby creating an upward force F U  at the tabs  122 ,  124 . As such, the mounting sleeves  106 ,  108  being secured to the platform  8 , provide a downward force F D  ( FIG.  8 B ) resisting the torque created by the load L. The deck extender  103  can be formed with sufficient strength to withstand the torque generated by the load L. As such, the deck member  104  can provide an effective extension of the platform  8  of the watercraft, extending beyond the rear edge of the platform  8  by the cantilever distance  170  ( FIG.  8 B ) without the need for additional, below the water line holes to be added to the watercraft  1 . 
     In some embodiments, the deck member  104  can be made from lightweight materials, such as blow molded or spin casted plastic. In some embodiments, the deck member  104  can made from lighter-than-water material and/or can include internal voids and optionally be filled with foam so as to have a positive buoyancy. 
       FIGS.  13 - 16    illustrate a modification of the deck extender  100 , identified by the reference numeral  100 A, which includes an optional strut arrangement  180  configured to provide additional support for the cantilevered portion  105  of the deck extender  100 A. For example, with reference to  FIG.  19   , the rear strut assembly  180  can include at least one strut assembly  182  extending from a portion of the personal watercraft  1  to a portion of the cantilevered length  170  of the removable deck member  104 . In some embodiments the rear strut assembly  180  includes a right-side strut assembly  182  and a left-side strut assembly  184 . 
     In some embodiments, each strut assembly  182 ,  184  includes a lower mount portion  186  configured to attach to a portion of the lower hull of the personal watercraft  1  and an upper mount portion  188  configured to engage the lower surface  125  of the removable deck member  104 . For example, the upper mount portions  188  can be received within mounting recesses  191  provided in the lower surface  125 . The mounting portions  188  can be fastened to the recesses  191  with threaded fasteners, or other types of fasteners. 
     The lower mounting portions  186  can be configured to be attached to the hull  2  of the personal watercraft  1 . For example, in some embodiments, the lower mounting portions  186  can be secured to original-equipment mounting brackets  190  disposed on either side of the tunnel on the lower hull of the personal watercraft. 
     In some personal watercraft  1 , mounting brackets  190  are provided as original equipment with factory-installed through-hull fittings for securing the brackets  190  to the hull  2 . In some personal watercraft, the brackets  190  are used to secure a folding boarding step  8 C ( FIG.  1   ) for assisting a user in re-mounting the personal watercraft  1  from the water. Thus, when using the removable deck extender  100 , the factory-included folding boarding step  8 C can be removed while leaving the mounting brackets  190  and securing the struts  182 ,  184  to the existing brackets  190 . As such, the strut assembly  180  can provide additional support for the cantilevered portion  105  of the removable member  104 , without the need of any additional below-the-water-line, through-hull fittings. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  13 - 17   , the removable deck extender  100 ,  100 A can further include an optional retractable ladder assembly  200 . In some embodiments, the retractable ladder assembly can include a telescoping side tube assembly  202  with a plurality of cross bars  204  that act as rungs of the ladder when extended. 
     Optionally, the removable deck member  104  can include a ladder channel  210  ( FIGS.  12  and  15   ) configured to receive the telescoping ladder assembly  200 . For example, the channel  210  can be a generally rectilinear channel provided in the lower surface  125  of the deck member  104 . As such, the channel  210  forms a pocket with the upper surface of the platform  8  when the deck member  104  is installed onto a personal watercraft  1 . Thus, in the stowed state ( FIGS.  12  and  15   ) the ladder assembly  200  is largely enclosed by the lower surface  125  and the upper surface of the platform  8 . The configuration and structure of telescoping ladder assemblies, such as the ladder assembly  200  illustrated in  FIGS.  20 - 22    are well known in the art. Other types of ladder assemblies can also be used. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  18 - 21   , the removable deck member  104  can optionally include mounting mechanisms configured to provide mounting locations for additional cargo or accessories. In the illustrated embodiment, the removable deck member  104  includes four mounting mechanisms  300  arranged in a spaced apart orientation with two mechanisms  300  being disposed towards the front end of the removable deck member  104  and two mounting mechanisms  300  disposed towards a rear end of the removable deck member  104 . Other arrangements of mounting mechanisms and number of mounting mechanisms can also be used. 
     With reference to  FIG.  19   , the mounting mechanism  300  can include a frame member  302  and an anchor member  304 . The anchor member  304  can be mounted for movement between a stowed position ( FIG.  21   ) and a deployed position ( FIGS.  19  and  20   ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the frame member  302  extends generally circumferentially around a center aperture  306 . Additionally, the frame member  302  includes a plurality of fastener apertures  308  configured to received threaded fasteners  310  for securing the frame member  302  to the removable frame member  104 . 
     The anchor member  304  can have any shape and optionally is shaped for engaging with securement devices, such as ropes, bungee cords, bungee cord hooks, straps, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the anchor member  304  is in the shape of a cleat. 
     The cleat  304  can include a central stem portion  310  having a lower end  312  connected to the frame member  302  and an upper end  314 . The upper end  314  can include a pair of extension arms  316  extending laterally away from the central stem  310 . The arms  316  can be configured to provide engagement surfaces for the securement devices noted above. Additionally, optionally, the arms  316  can include lateral ends  318 , with downturned tips, which can be configured to provide further engagement with securement devices. 
     Optionally, the stem member  310  can include a central aperture  320 . The central aperture  320  can be sized to receive securement devices, such as bungee hooks, ropes, etc. A hinge pin mechanism (not shown) can connect the lower end  312  of the anchor member  304  to the frame member  302 . 
     Optionally, the anchor member  304  can include a detent mechanism  322  configured to bias the anchor member  304  in the stowed position ( FIG.  21   ) and the deployed position ( FIG.  20   ). For example, the detent mechanism  322  can include a detent member and a spring biasing the detent member to a position projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the lower end  312 , at a location offset from the bottom surface of the lower end  312  thereby creating an over-center interaction with another surface, in a well-known manner. 
     Optionally, the mounting mechanism  300  can be secured over a mounting recess  330  defined in the removable deck member  104 . For example, optionally, the recess  330  can be smaller, in at least one dimension, than the bottom surface of the frame member  302  and extend under at least a portion of the bottom surface of the frame member  302 . For example in the illustrated embodiment, the recess  330  is generally channel-shaped, defining a concave channel disposed adjacent to support surfaces  332 ,  334 . The two support surfaces  332 ,  334  can be sized so as to support the bottom surface with portions of the frame member  302  and can include apertures  336  aligned with the apertures  308  of the frame member  302 , and thereby configured to receive the threaded fasteners  310 , when assembled. 
     With the recess  330  positioned as such, a portion of the frame member  302  overlies an open upper end of the recess  330 , thereby creating a receptacle  340  beneath the frame member  302  and within the channel  330 . For example, with reference to  FIG.  20   , when assembled, the frame member  302  and the recess  330  form a receptacle  340 , therebetween. The receptacle  340  can be used for optional modes of operation for securing accessories to the mounting mechanism  300 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  20  and  21   , when the anchor member  304  is in the stowed position, the stem  310  and arms  316  fit within the aperture  306 . As such, the anchor member  304  can be oriented in a position in which it is essentially flush with the frame member  302  when in a stowed position. 
     Additionally, optionally, the recess  330  and surfaces  332 ,  334 , can be further recessed from the upper surface  120  of the removable deck member  104 . For example, with reference to  FIG.  19   , the recess  330  and surfaces  332 ,  334  can be disposed within a further recess  338  which can have a depth approximately equal to a height of the frame member  302 . Thus, when mounted in the orientation illustrated in  FIG.  21   , the upper surface of the frame member  302  is substantially flush with the surrounding upper surface  120  of the removable deck member  104 . 
     Further, optionally, as noted above, the deck member  104  can include matting  171  disposed around the recess  330  and/or the recess  338 . In some embodiments, the recess  338  is sized such that the upper surface of the frame member  302  is flush or substantially flush, or recessed from the upper surface of the matting  171  surrounding the mounting mechanism  300 . 
       FIGS.  22 - 24    illustrate an optional use of the receptacle  340 . As shown in  FIG.  22   , the frame member  302  is mounted over the recess  330 , forming a receptacle  340 . As noted above, the receptacle  340  can be used in optional configurations for mounting an accessory. For example,  FIG.  23    includes an illustration of an optional structure for an accessory, including a leg  350  and a mounting toe  352  extending from a lower end of the leg  350 . The mounting leg  350  can be provided on the lower end of any of a variety of different kinds of accessories, an example of which is described below with reference to  FIGS.  28 - 33   . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting leg  350  comprises a cross-section that is smaller than the aperture  306  of the frame member  302 . Thus, the lower end of the mounting leg  350  can fit within the aperture  306 . 
     Additionally, the mounting leg  350  includes a foot portion  360  extending from a lower end of the mounting leg  350 . In some embodiments, the foot  360  can have a longitudinally extending shape generally complementary to the recess  330 . For example, in some embodiments, the foot  360  can have a width approximately equal to and/or slightly smaller than the width of the recess  330 . As such, the fit between the foot  360  and the recess  330  can provide for a more positive registration therebetween, in use. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  23   , in use, the support leg  350  can be inserted through the aperture  306  and then the toe portion  352  can be tucked under a portion of the frame member  302 , into the receptacle  340 . Then, the support leg  350  can be pivoted downwardly in the direction of arrow P to the position illustrated in  FIG.  24   . As shown in  FIG.  24   , the toe portion is captured within the receptacle  340  by portion of the frame member  302 . As such, any upward movement of the support leg  350  would be limited by the frame member  302 . Additionally, with a close fit between the outer surfaces of the foot and the recess  330  movements in other directions would also be limited. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  25 - 27   , additional anchoring devices can be used for preventing upward or pivoting movement of a support leg  350  relative to the mounting mechanism  300 . For example, a clasp mechanism  400  can be used to secure the anchor member  304  to a portion of the support leg  350 . In some embodiments, the clasp mechanism  400  can be configured to provide resistance against pivoting of the support leg  350  relative to the mounting mechanism  300 . In some embodiments, the clasp  400  can be configured to provide securement with additional bias or tension holding the leg or foot  360  seated against the lower surface of the recess  330 . In some embodiments, the clasp mechanism can be configured to operate according to the over-center principle of operation. 
     For example, in some embodiments, the clasp mechanism  400  can include a draw hook portion  402  with one or more hook members  403 , a lever member  404  and a base portion  406 . The draw hook portion is connected to the lever member  404  at a drop hook pivot  408 . The lever member  404  can be connected directly to the base  406  at a base pivot  410 . Optionally, one of the draw hook portion  420  or the lever member  404  can be slightly elastic. As such, the clasp mechanism  400  can be configured to deform the elastic one of the draw hook portion  420  or the lever member  404  so as to cause stretching or compression to thereby provide a biasing force. The structure and operation of such over-center clasp mechanisms are well known in the art. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  25   , the clasp mechanism  400  can be configured to, in an open position illustrated in  FIG.  25   , have sufficient slack such that the draw hook portion can engage the arms  316  of the anchor member  304 . In this position, the distance between the end of the draw hook  402  and the pivot  410  is a first distance. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  25  and  26   , as the draw hook  402  is pushed in the direction of arrow C, the draw hook pivot passes  408  over the base pivot  410 , thereby pulling the end of the draw hook  402  upwardly against the arm  316  of the anchor member and compressing the lever member  404 . Because the base pivot  408  is now on the other side of the draw hook axis, the clasp  400  is in the over-centered, locked position with the lever member  404  pressing downwardly on the base  406  and thereby pushing the bottom of the foot  360  against the bottom of the recess  330 . 
     In some embodiments, with reference to  FIG.  27   , the draw hook  402  can be configured with sufficiently narrow hook members  403  that additional clearance  405  is left at the outer lateral ends of the arms  316  so as to provide additional clearance for securing additional rope or hooks when the clasp member  400  is in use. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  28 - 31   , the deck extender  100  can be used for supporting a variety of different devices. One example of an accessory that can be connected to the deck extender  100  is a rack assembly  500 . The rack assembly  500  can include a support frame assembly  502 , a support surface assembly  504 , and optionally, a side wall assembly  506 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  30   , the support frame assembly  502  can include one or more support legs  510 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame assembly includes a pair of front legs  512  and a pair of rear legs  510 . In some embodiments, the rear leg members  510  can be formed from a rear leg member  514  having a generally U-shaped configuration with the ends of the leg member  514  forming the leg portions  510 . A central portion  516  of the leg member  514  connects the leg portions  510 . 
     Similarly, the front legs  512  can be formed as the ends of a front leg member  518  with a central portion  520  thereof connecting the leg portions  512 . In some embodiments, the front leg portions  512  can include foot portions  360  described above with reference to  FIGS.  23  and  24   . The frame assembly  502  can also include side members  522 ,  524  connecting the rear and front leg members  514  and  518 . 
     The support platform  504  can include a support member  530  and can optionally include an arrangement of one or more pieces of matting  532  which can be in the form of marine mat and can optionally include borders, spaces, or gaps defining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The support member  530  can be connected to the leg members  514 ,  518  and/or the lateral frame members  522 ,  524  so as to rigidly support the support member  530  relative to the legs  510 ,  512 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  31   , the side wall assembly  506  can be formed of one or side wall portions  540 . Optionally, the side wall assembly  506  can include a first side wall portion  540  and a second side wall portion  542 . Optionally, in some embodiments, one or both of the side wall portions  540 ,  542  are configured to be adjustably mounted relative to the support assembly  504 , for example to be laterally adjustable relative to the support portion  504 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the support portions include a base member  544 . The base member  544  can be a structural member having any cross section or design. Additionally, the side wall portions  540 ,  542  can include one or more super structure members  546  extending upwardly from the base member  544 . In the illustrated embodiment, the super structure member  546  is a generally U-shaped member having a tubular cross section. 
     First and second ends  548 ,  550  of the super structure member  546  are attached to the base member  544 . Additionally, the super structure member  546  extends upwardly from the first and second ends  548 ,  550  to a longitudinally extending portion  552  which connects the first and second end portions  548 ,  550 . The super structure member  546  extends upwardly and generally perpendicular to the support surface portion  504 , so as to define a side wall relative to the support portion  504 . 
     Optionally an accessory mounting plate  552  can be attached to the super structure portion  546 . The accessory mounting plate  552  can include a plurality of apertures, different sizes of apertures, different arrangements of apertures, so as to provide a variety of different kinds of mounting options for mounting other accessories, tools, or devices thereto. Additionally, the super structure member  546  can include an optional mat  554  attached to an upper surface thereof, for example, for providing a comfortable gripping surface for a user. 
     The base member  544  can be fixed to or slidably engaged with the frame assembly  502 . For example, in some embodiments, the side wall portion  540  includes one or more laterally extending support members  560 ,  562 . The members  560 ,  562  can include first ends  564 ,  566  secured to the base member  544 . Additionally, the members  560 ,  562  can have a length sufficient for permanent, fixed connection to the support frame assembly  502  or for sliding or adjustable engagement with the frame portion  502 . 
     For example, in some embodiments, the rack assembly  500  can include one or more receiver tubes  570 ,  572  fixed to the frame assembly  502  and configured to receive the members  560 ,  562  for sliding engagement therein. The lengths of the members  560 ,  562  and receiver tubes  570 ,  572  can be set to provide the desired amount of lateral adjustability of the side wall portions  540 ,  542 . Optionally, the rack  500  can include hand operable clamps (not shown) for allowing the side wall portions  540 ,  542  to be adjusted laterally, and locked into desired positions. Additionally, the rack assembly  500  can include a limiter assembly including a mechanism configured to prevent the wall portions  540 ,  542  from being pulled completely out of the receiver tubes  570 ,  572  without unlocking a locking mechanism or limiter mechanism with tools. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  32  and  33   , as noted above, the front legs can include feet  360  described above with reference to  FIGS.  23  and  24   . Thus, the rack assembly  500  can be secured to the deck extender  100  by first moving the rack assembly  500  into the orientation illustrated in  FIG.  32   , with the toes  352  of the feet  360  inserted into the receptacles  340  ( FIGS.  23 - 24   ), then the rack assembly can be pivoted downwardly in the direction of arrow P until the rear legs  510  move through the apertures  306  of the rearward mounting assemblies  300 , as illustrated in the orientation illustrated in  FIG.  33   . 
     Optionally, the clasp mechanisms  400  can be used to secure the rear legs  510  to the rear mounting assemblies  300 , thereby preventing upward movement of the rear legs  300  relative to the deck extender  100 . Thus, with the rear legs  510  secured against upward movement by way of the clasp mechanisms  400 , the front legs  512  are secured against upward movement by the movement of the toes  352  in the receptacles  340 . In some embodiments, clasp mechanisms  400  can be provided on the front legs  512  as well. 
     In some embodiments, the deck member  104  and mounting sleeves  106 ,  108  can be packaged together and sold as kit for adding the deck extender  100  to a personal watercraft. 
       FIG.  34    illustrates optional, aesthetically pleasing features of the deck extender  100 . 
       FIGS.  44 - 51    illustrate optional, aesthetically pleasing aspects of the rack assembly  500 . 
     Although embodiments of the present inventions have been described above, the present inventions are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the inventions. It is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing the scope and spirit of the present inventions.