Patent Publication Number: US-2023150618-A1

Title: Pontoon or hull adjustment system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/494,330 filed Oct. 5, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/198,305 filed Oct. 9, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/246,893 filed Sep. 22, 2021, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Pontoon boats are a type of multi-hull watercraft that rely on pontoons (“toons”) or air cylinders for providing buoyancy. Generally, pontoon boats are of a rectangular shape and have twin lengthwise hulls or toons along the longer sides of the boat (i.e., a dual toon pontoon boat), and some pontoon boats further include a third, middle lengthwise hull or toon positioned in the middle between the two side toons. Pontoon boats are less costly to purchase and maintain than performance boats, but are useful and popular for carrying larger groups of passengers. However, when carrying large groups of passengers and/or loads, the weight might not be evenly distributed on the boat&#39;s deck, causing it list or tilt to either the port or starboard side, or to trim (or tip) forward or rearward in the water. Not only is such listing or trimming uncomfortable for the passengers riding on the boat, but it may adversely impact performance. Accordingly, a need exists for a system for overcoming these shortcomings. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments herein are directed towards a pontoon or hull adjustment mechanism. Embodiments herein are also directed towards leveling systems for pontoon or multihull watercraft. 
     In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-hull boat, ship, or watercraft is described. A boat may have a deck supported by a port side toon and a starboard side toon, and the boat may comprise: (i) a starboard side pontoon positioning assembly comprising: a link assembly coupling the deck to the starboard side toon, wherein the link assembly is configured to permit movement of the starboard side toon relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the starboard side toon is proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the starboard side toon is moved further from the underside, and an actuator provided to position the starboard side toon between the retracted position and the extended position; (ii) a port side pontoon positioning assembly comprising: a link assembly coupling the deck to the port side toon, wherein the link assembly is configured to permit movement of the port side toon relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the port side toon is proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the port side toon is moved further from the underside, and an actuator provided to position the port side toon between the retracted position and the extended position; and (iii) a leveling control system having a controller and a level sensor configured to detect an attitude of the deck, the controller in communication with the actuators and cause actuation of either or both of the actuators to extend or retract the port side toon and/or the starboard side toon based on data received from the level sensor indicative of the deck attitude. In another embodiment, the boat may further include a middle toon arranged between the port side toon and the starboard side toon, and a middle pontoon positioning assembly comprising: a link assembly coupling the deck to the middle toon, wherein the link assembly is configured to permit movement of the middle toon relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the middle toon is proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the middle toon is moved further from the underside, and an actuator provided to position the middle toon between the retracted position and the extended position; and wherein the controller is in communication with the actuator of the middle pontoon positioning assembly and configured to cause actuation of the actuator thereof to extend or retract the middle toon based on data received from the level sensor indicative of the deck attitude. In another further embodiment, the controller is configured to adjust position of the port side toon and/or the starboard side toon to thereby orient the deck in a desired attitude. In another further embodiment, the link assemblies are scissor link assemblies configured to permit vertical extension or retraction of the associated toons. In another further embodiment, the link assemblies are scissor link assemblies configured to permit vertical extension or retraction of the associated toons. In another further embodiment, the middle toon is shorter than the port side toon and the starboard side toon. 
     In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a pontoon positioning assembly is described. The pontoon positioning assembly may include at least one toon supporting a deck; a link assembly coupling the deck to the at least one toon, wherein the link assembly is configured to permit movement of the at least one toon relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the at least one proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the at least one toon is moved further from the underside; and an actuator provided to position the at least one toon between the retracted position and the extended position. In another embodiment, the link assembly comprises two or more discrete linkage segments. In another further embodiment, the actuator drives a first of the two or more discrete linkage segments. In another further embodiment, the pontoon positioning assembly further comprises a coupling member connecting the two or more discrete linkage segments together and transmitting power from the first of the two or more discrete linkage segments to one or more remaining discrete linkage segments. In another further embodiment, the actuator comprises two or more actuators, wherein a first of the two or more actuators drives a first of the two or more discrete linkage segments and a second of the two or more actuators drives a second of the two or more discrete linkage segments. In another further embodiment, two or more actuators are electronically synchronized. In another further embodiment, the two or more discrete linkage segments includes a bow end linkage segment, a stern end linkage segment, and a middle linkage segment between the bow end and stern end linkage segment. In another further embodiment, the actuator drives the bow end linkage segment; or the actuator drives the stern end linkage segment; or the actuator comprises two or more actuators, wherein a first of the two or more actuators drives the bow end linkage segment and a second of the two or more actuators drives the stern end linkage segment. In another further embodiment, the actuator is positioned proximate to a stern end of the deck. In another further embodiment, the actuator applies drive force to either a stern end of the linkage assembly or a bow end of the toon. In another further embodiment, the actuator causes extension or retraction of the toon based on data indicative of an attitude of the deck. In another further embodiment, the data is captured via a sensor configured to monitor the attitude of the deck. In another further embodiment, the sensor transmits the data to a controller, and the controller is configured to cause extension or retraction of the toon based on the data. In another further embodiment, the link assembly is a scissor link assembly configured to permit vertical extension or retraction of the associated toon. In another further embodiment, the associated toon is pivotally attached to the deck at a stern end and the scissor link assembly couples the associated toon to the deck at a bow end, such that the associated toon may pivot about an axis upon actuation of the actuator. In another further embodiment, the pontoon positioning assembly further comprises a switch configured to control activation of the actuator, wherein activation of the switch extends or retracts the at least one toon associated with the actuator. 
     In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a leveling control system for adjusting an attitude of a boat deck supported by at least a starboard side toon and a port side toon is described. The leveling system may comprise a starboard side actuator operable to move the starboard side toon relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the starboard side toon is proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the starboard side toon is moved further from the underside; a port side actuator operable to move the port side toon relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the port side toon is proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the port side toon is moved further from the underside; a level sensor providing readings indicative of the attitude of the boat deck; a control means for activating the starboard side actuator and/or the port side actuator to thereby cause extension or retraction of the starboard side toon and/or the port side toon, respectively. In another further embodiment, the control mean is a pair of switches, where a first of the pair of switches is configured to activate the port side actuator and thereby extend or retract the port side toon, and a second of the pair of switches is configured to activate the starboard side actuator and thereby extend or retract the starboard side toon. In another further embodiment, the level sensor is a bubble level or visual level indicator providing visual readings indicative of the attitude. In another further embodiment, the control mean is a controller configured to receive the readings from level sensor and communicate control signals to the starboard side actuator and the port side actuator to extend and retract the starboard side toon and the port side toon based on the readings to position the deck into a desired attitude. In another further embodiment, the boat deck is further supported by a middle toon arranged between the port side toon and the starboard side toon, the leveling control system further comprising: a middle actuator operable to move the middle toon relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the middle toon is proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the middle toon is moved further from the underside, and wherein the control means is configured to activate the middle actuator to thereby cause extension or retraction of the middle toon. In another further embodiment, the controller is in communication with the middle actuator and configured to cause actuation thereof to extend or retract the middle toon based on data received from the level sensor indicative of the deck attitude. In another further embodiment, the desired attitude is a level attitude as indicated by the level sensor. In another further embodiment, the leveling control system further comprises an actuator operable to adjust vertical positioning of a boat motor, the controller configured to control vertical position of the boat motor relative to the deck based on extension and retraction of the starboard side and port side toons. 
     In accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure, a hull adjustment mechanism for a multi hull boat having a deck, a starboard side hull fixed to the deck, a port side hull fixed to the deck, and a middle hull between the port side and starboard side hulls is described. The hull adjustment mechanism may comprise a link assembly coupling the deck to the middle hull, wherein the link assembly is configured to permit movement of the middle hull relative to the deck from a retracted position, where the middle hull is proximate to an underside of the deck, to an extended position, where the middle hull is moved further from the underside, an actuator provided to position the middle hull between the retracted position and the extended position, and a control means configured to activate the actuator to thereby cause extension or retraction of the middle hull. In another embodiment, the middle hull is shorter than the port side hull and the starboard side hull. In another further embodiment, the control mean is a switch configured to activate the actuator and thereby extend or retract the middle hull. In another further embodiment, the hull adjustment mechanism further comprises a bubble level or visual level indicator providing visual readings indicative of the attitude. In another further embodiment, the leveling control system further comprises a level sensor providing readings indicative of the an attitude of the deck, wherein the control mean is a controller configured to receive the readings from level sensor and communicate control signals to the actuator to extend and retract the middle hull based on the readings to position the deck into a desired attitude. In another further embodiment, the link assembly includes a scissor linkage assembly coupling a bow end of the middle hull to the deck and a stern end of the middle hull is rotatably connected to the deck such that the middle hull may pivot about an axis upon actuation of the actuator. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a pontoon boat that may incorporate the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of a pontoon positioning assembly/mechanism utilizable to extend or retract a toon of the pontoon boat or otherwise adjust position of the toon within the water. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  are detailed view of the pontoon positioning assembly/mechanism of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a side view of a pontoon boat incorporating the pontoon drive mechanism of  FIG.  2    wherein the middle pontoon has been extended. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a partial bottom perspective view of the front end of the pontoon boat of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a partial bottom perspective view of the front end of the pontoon boat where the starboard side pontoon has been extended. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  illustrate an alternate pontoon positioning assembly/mechanism utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  illustrate an alternate linkage assembly and example operation thereof utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate example operation of a segmented linkage assembly utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  illustrate an alternate example operation of a segmented linkage assembly utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 E  illustrate yet another alternate example operation of a segmented linkage assembly utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1     
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  illustrate an engine height adjustment mechanism utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  12 A- 12 B  illustrate alternate view of the engine height adjustment mechanism of  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B . 
         FIG.  13    is schematic of a level system utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 D  illustrate an exemplary deck assembly utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 E  illustrate another alternate pontoon positioning assembly/mechanism utilizable with the boat of  FIG.  1   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is related to pontoon and multi-hull watercraft and, more particularly, to systems for adjusting position of a pontoon or hull within the water relative to a deck or floor of the watercraft. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an example pontoon boat  100  that may incorporate the principles of the present disclosure. The depicted pontoon boat  100  is just one example pontoon boat that can suitably incorporate the principles of the present disclosure. Indeed, many alternative designs and configurations of the pontoon boat  100  may be employed, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, while the illustrated pontoon boat  100  incorporates a triple toon/hull design (i.e., a triton), aspects of the present disclosure may instead be incorporated on a pontoon boat having a double toon/hull design or a watercraft having more than three (3) toons. Moreover, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated on various other multi-hull watercraft, including but not limited to catamarans or trimarans, etc. 
     As illustrated, the pontoon boat  100  comprises a plurality of pontoons, including an outer pair of toons  102 ,  104  and a middle toon  106 . The toons  102 ,  104 ,  106  are longitudinally extending buoyant members or cylinders upon which pontoon boat  100  floats and rides in a body of water (not depicted). The pontoon boat  100  also includes a deck  100  above (on top of) the pontoons  102 ,  104 ,  106 . Here, the deck  110  extends in a generally horizontal plane and an upper or top surface thereof defines a floor of the pontoon boat  100 . The deck  110  is mounted on and supported by the plurality of pontoons  102 ,  104 ,  106 . The pontoon boat  100  also includes a railing  112  extending around deck  110 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the railing  112  encircles an inner portion of deck  110  and extends from a front or bow end  114  of deck  110  to a rear or stern end  116  of the deck  110 . In some embodiments, the railing  112  may be spaced rearward of the front end  114  of the deck  110  to provide a forward deck portion without a railing. In some embodiments, the railing  112  may be spaced forward of the rear end  116  of the deck  110  to provide a rearward deck portion without a railing. In the illustrated example, the toons  102 ,  104 ,  106  are all of equal length. However, in some examples one or more of the toons  102 ,  104 ,  106  are of different size than the others, for example, the middle toon  106  is a “half toon” meaning it is shorter than the starboard and port side toons  102 , 104 . 
     The pontoon boat  100  also includes a power source, engine, or motor  118 . In the illustrated example, the motor  118  is an outboard engine, operably coupled at the rear end  116  of the deck  110 . However, in other examples, the motor  118  may be mounted to the middle toon  106 . Also, in other embodiments, power source  28  may comprise an inboard/outboard drive or a multi-engine configuration. 
     Seating areas may be provided on the deck  110  of the boat, such as a rearward seating area  120  and/or a forward seating area  122 . The forward seating area  122  includes a plurality of seats  124  for passengers of the pontoon boat  100 . Similarly, the rearward seating area  120  may include a plurality of seats in which occupants may be seated while riding on the pontoon boat  100 . The rearward seating area  120  also includes an operator area  126  having at least one actuatable operator input for operating the engine  118  and the pontoon boat  100 . The pontoon boat  100  also includes a collapsible canopy  128  pivotally coupled to the railing  112 . The canopy  128  is pivotable between a stored configuration (shown in  FIG.  1   ) and a deployed configuration in which the canopy  128  covers at least a portion of the rearward seating area  120  and/or the forward seating area  122 . In some embodiments, the canopy  128  may comprise an upper frame fixedly coupled to the railing  112 . In other embodiments, the canopy  128  may comprise a hard-shell cover or superstructure for the deck  110 . 
     As described herein, the boat  100  may include a control system for adjusting the position of one or more of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  relative to the deck  110 . Also as described herein, the boat  100  may include a control system for adjusting the position of motor  118  relative to the deck  110 . For example,  FIG.  1    illustrates the toons  102 , 104 , 104  in a default position relative to the deck  110  where the toons  102 , 104 , 106  are retracted towards the deck  110 , and the control system may be utilized to extend one or more of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  (individually or in groups of two or more together) further away from the deck  110 . 
     When the boat  100  of  FIG.  1    is floating in a body of water (not illustrated), with the toons  102 , 104 , 106  fully retracted, the deck  110  will be oriented at a default distance above the surface of the body of water. The motor  118  is mounted on the deck  110  here, and a propeller (not illustrated) of that motor  118  is sufficiently positioned in the water to apply sufficient propulsion to drive the boat  100  when the deck  110  is resting at the default distance above the surface of the water. However, when a load is applied on the top surface of the deck  110 , for example, by passengers and coolers, etc., the boat  100  may displace more water such that the deck  110  rests closer to the surface of the water than is the case when no load is on the boat  100  such that the deck  110  rests at the default distance above the water. Moreover, when the load applied on the deck  110  is not uniformly applied to the deck  110 , the boat  110  may not sit level within water. For example, if all of the load (e.g., passengers) is positioned proximate to the starboard side of the deck boat  100 , that side of the boat  100  may displace more water and sit further down in the water such that the deck  110  at the starboard edge of the boat  100  is closer to the surface of the water than the port side of the deck  110  (and closer than the default distance); and in this example, the control system may be utilized to extend the starboard side toon  102  further into the water to enhance buoyancy (create additional buoyant force) on the starboard side of the boat  100  to raise the starboard side of the deck  110  and thereby level the deck  110 . Also, where the boat  100  in  FIG.  1    is sitting in the water with the deck  110  being generally level at the default distance above the water surface, all of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  may be extended to uniformly enhance buoyancy on the entirety of the deck  110  thereby raising the height at which the deck  110  sits above water (i.e., lifting the deck  110  above the water surface to a distance greater than the default distance); and this feature may be beneficial, for example, when the boat  110  is pulling up to a pier or dock that is higher than the deck  110  surface such that deck  110  is raised up out of the water to a height that is closer to that of the pier or dock such that passengers need not encounter danger when disembarking the boat  100 . 
     The toons  102 , 104 , 106  are movably attached or coupled to the deck  110 . In the illustrated examples, the toons  102 , 104 , 106  are movably attached or coupled to the deck  110  via linkage assemblies (obscured from view in  FIG.  1   ). Any one or more of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  may be movably attached or coupled to the deck  110 . Thus, in some examples, just the middle toon  104  is movably attached or coupled to the deck  110 ; whereas, in other examples, just the outer toons  102 , 106  are movably attached or coupled to the deck  110 ; and whereas, in other examples, all of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  are movably attached or coupled to the deck  110 . Thus, it should be appreciated that the following description of the linkage assemblies is applicable for movably coupling any one or more of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck  110 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an exemplary pontoon actuation mechanism  200  utilizable with the pontoon boat  100  of  FIG.  1   , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the pontoon actuation mechanism  200  comprises a linkage assembly  202  and an actuator  204 . The linkage assembly  202  movably attaches or couples one of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck  110  of the boat  100 , and the actuator  204  is operable to cause actuation of (or driving) the linkage assembly  202  to move (extend or retract) the respective toon  102 , 104 , 106  associated with such actuation mechanism  200 . It will be appreciated that while  FIG.  2    illustrates a single toon, the actuation mechanism  200  could be provided on any one or more of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  and, in some examples, each of toons  102 , 104 , 106  is movable (extendable and retractable) as described herein. Also, the illustrated linkage assemblies  202  are just one type of linkage assembly, and other types of linkage assemblies may be utilized without departing from the present disclosure, such as a scissor linkage assembly which would permit vertical translation/movement of the toons. 
     In the illustrated example, the link assembly  202  includes an upper frame  210 , a lower frame  212 , and a plurality of links  214  extending between and rotatably interconnecting the upper and lower frames  210 ,  212 . Here, the upper and lower frames  210 ,  212  extend substantially the entire length of the toon  102 , 104 , 106 , between the front and rear ends  114 , 116 , such that an individual one of the illustrated link assemblies  202  may be utilized to couple the toon  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck  110 ; however, as described below, the toon  102 , 104 , 106  may be coupled to the deck  110  via a plurality of independent link assemblies. 
     Each of the links  216  includes an upper end that is rotatably connected to the upper frame  210  (e.g., at an upper pin or rivet), such that the link  214  may rotate relative to the upper frame  210  (e.g., about the upper pin or rivet), and each of the links  216  includes a lower end that is rotatably connected to the lower frame  212  (e.g., at a lower pin or rivet), such that the link  214  may rotate relative to the lower frame  212  (e.g., about the lower pin or rivet). 
     The pontoon positioning assembly/mechanism  200  is utilizable to move the toon  102 , 104 , 106 , for example, between a fully extended position illustrated in  FIG.  2   , and a fully retracted position. By coupling any one or more of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck  110  via the linkage assembly  200 , the toon  102 , 104 , 106  may move (e.g., swing or pivot, translate, or rotate) relative to the deck  110  of the boat  100 . When moved into the fully extended position, the toon  102 , 104 , 106  may be oriented lower/deeper into the water than it would normally be oriented, to thereby enhance or increase buoyant force and thereby exert increase the upward force buoyant force on the deck  110  of the boat  100 . 
     An actuator  204  is utilized to articulate the linkage assembly  202  and thereby move (or pivot, translate, or rotate) the toon  102 , 104 , 106  between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position ( FIG.  2   ) and to various positions there-between. An example of the actuator  204  is further illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . In the illustrated example, the actuator  204  comprises an actuation portion  302  (e.g., a linear actuator, pneumatic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder, etc.) and a drive rod  304  configured to extend from and retract within actuation portion  302  of the actuator  204 . The drive rod  304  may be rotatably attached to a rear wall/member  306  of the lower frame  212 . Similarly, the actuation portion  302  may be rotatably to an underneath surface of the deck  110 . It should be appreciated that, while the actuator  204  is illustrated and described as being a linear actuator or pneumatic cylinder, various other types of actuators or devices may be utilized for swinging/moving the toon  102 , 104 , 106  as described herein. In addition, it should be appreciated that, while the deck  100  illustrated herein is depicted as a simple planar surface member, the deck may comprise an assembly of materials/members. Thus, in some example, the deck  110  may be a deck assembly comprising top layer of decking material defining the top surface of the boat  100 , one or more supportive cross members on an underside of the decking material. In these examples, the actuator(s)  204  may be connected to either the decking material&#39;s underside or to one or more of the supportive cross members. Also, in these embodiments, one or more plates may be attached on the supportive cross members and thereby span between one or more supportive cross members to define a mounting surface, and the actuator(s)  204  may be attached on such mounting surface defined by the plates. 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  also further illustrate the pontoon positioning assembly/mechanism  200 . Here, the lower frame  212  generally comprises a rectangular sidewall permanently attached on a surface of the toon  102 , 104 , 106 , and such rectangular sidewall includes the a pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls  308   a , 308   b  (extending the length of the toon  102 , 104 , 106 ), and a rear wall  306  and a front wall (not illustrated) that extend between the sidewalls are contoured with a radius matching that of the toon  102 , 104 , 106 , such that the lower frame  212  conforms to the surface of the toon  102 , 104 , 106  for secure attachment thereon. The upper frame  210  is a rectangular sidewall structure permanently attached on a underside of the deck  110 , and such rectangular sidewall includes the a pair of longitudinally extending sidewalls  310   a , 310   b  (extending the length of the toon  102 , 104 , 106 ), and a rear wall  312  and a front wall (not illustrated) that extend between the sidewalls are contoured with a radius matching that of the toon  102 , 104 , 106 . The links  214  are rotatably attached to the lower sidewalls  308   a , 308   b  and the upper sidewalls  310   a , 310   b,  with a first set of the links  308  interconnecting and rotatably coupling the sidewalls  308   a , 310   a  and a second set of the links  308  interconnecting and rotatably coupling the opposite sidewalls  308   b , 310   b.  Also, in some examples and as illustrated in  FIG.  3 B , as to each set of the links  308 , some of the links  308  are attached on an outer face of the sidewalls and some are attached on the inner face of the sidewalls so that they don&#39;t interfere/contact each other when articulated into a fully retracted position. For example, regarding the first set of the links  308  interconnecting and rotatably coupling the sidewalls  308   a , 310   a,  a first link  308  may be connected on an outer face of the sidewalls  308   a , 310   a,  and then the next link  308  would be connected on an inner face of the sidewalls  308   a , 310   a,  and then the next link  308  would be connected on the outer face of the sidewalls  308   a , 310   a,  and then the next link  308  would be connected on the inner face of the sidewalls  308   a , 310   a,  etc. 
       FIG.  4    is a side view of the pontoon boat  100  incorporating the pontoon actuation mechanism  200  of  FIGS.  2 ,  3 A and  3 B , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, pontoon actuation mechanisms  200  are provided on each of the toons  102 , 104 , 106 , such that each of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  is movably connected to the deck  110  via one of the linkage assemblies  202 . Here, the pontoon actuation mechanism  200  provided on the middle toon  106  has been activated to move or swing the middle toon  106  into an (at least partially) extended position. Also in this example, the pontoon actuation mechanism  200  provided on the port side toon  104  is un-activated such that the port side toon  104  is in a fully retracted position where such toon  104  is pulled up proximate to the under-side of the deck  114 ; whereas, the starboard side toon  104  and the pontoon actuation mechanism  200  associated therewith are obscured from view. In this example, the operator of the boat  100  may utilize a control (e.g., in the operator area  126 ) to control position or orientation of any or all of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  in the water. Here, for example, the operator utilized the control to actuate the pontoon actuation mechanism  200  associated with the middle toon  106  and thereby actuate the linkage assembly  202  via the actuator  204  and thereby swing the middle toon  106  downward and forward (relative to the other toons  104 , 102 ) towards the front end  114 , as shown in  FIG.  4   . This feature may be useful for maintaining the deck  110  in a level state or orientation, or raising (or lowering) the level/height above water of the deck  110  to make it more accessible to a dock or other watercraft. 
       FIG.  5 A  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the front end  114  of the pontoon boat  100  of  FIG.  4   . Here, the middle toon  106  is shown in an extended position relative to the deck  110 , whereas the side toons  102 , 104  are shown in retracted positions where they are pulled up proximate to the under-side of the deck  110 .  FIG.  5 B  illustrates an example where both the port side tune  104  and the middle toon  106  are in retracted positions relative to the deck  110 , whereas the starboard side tune  102  has been swung into the extended position. 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  illustrate an alternate pontoon actuation mechanism  600  utilizable with the pontoon boat  100  of  FIG.  1   , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The pontoon actuation mechanism  600  is similar to the pontoon actuation mechanism  200  described above, except that the pontoon actuation mechanism  600  is provided at a middle (or interior) position relative to the toon  102 , 104 , 106  so as to drive such toon from such middle (or interior) position, as opposed to the above described pontoon actuation mechanism  200  which drives the toon  102 , 104 , 106  proximate the rear end  116 . Thus, as illustrated, the pontoon actuation mechanism  600  includes the linkage assembly  202  and the actuator  204 , which may be similar to that described above except configured to utilization at a midpoint or interior location along the toon  102 , 14 , 106 . As illustrated, a gap  602  is defined within the linkage assembly  202 , and the gap  602  is designed to fit the actuator  204  and permit the extension and retraction of the drive rod  304  of the actuator  204  as described above to move (or swing or drive) the toon  102 , 104 , 106  as described herein. In the illustrated example, the drive rod  304  is rotatably coupled to a bracket  604  that is mounted on the toon  102 , 104 , 106 , rather than on a rear wall of the lower frame  212  as described above. In the illustrated example, the sidewalls  310   a , 310   b  of the upper frame  210  and the sidewalls  308   a , 308   b  of the lower frame  212  extend along the lateral sides of the gap  602 , such that the gap  602  is defined within the linkage assembly  202 . Also, while a portion of the upper sidewalls  310   a  has been removed from the illustrations in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  for ease of illustration, in some examples, segments of the sidewalls  308   a , 308   b  and/or the sidewalls  310   a , 310   b  may be removed such that linkage assembly  202  is discontinuous or segmented. Also in the illustrated example, the actuator  204  is rotatably attached to the deck  110 , but may instead be attached to a portion of the upper frame  210  (or lower frame  212 ) and similarly, the distal end of the drive rod  304  may be rotatably attached to a portion of the lower frame  212  (or upper frame 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  illustrate an alternate linkage assembly  700  for movably attaching the toons  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck  110  of the boat  100 , according to one or more alternate embodiments. In the illustrated example, the the middle toon  106  is movably attached to the deck  110  of the boat via the linkage assembly  700 . In other embodiments, either or both of the side toons  102 , 104  are also (or instead) movably attached to the deck  110  of the boat via the linkage assembly  700  (or via the linkage assembly  202  described above). In the illustrated example, the linkage assembly  700  includes a plurality of linkage assembly segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c . While the illustrated example illustrates the linkage assembly  700  as comprising three (3) such linkage assembly segments, it may include more or less than three (3) such linkage assembly segments. In particular,  FIG.  7 B  illustrates the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b  (the linkage segment  702   c  is obscured from view) of linkage assembly  700  when articulated out (uncollapsed) so as to position the middle toon  106  in the extended position, whereas  FIG.  7 C  illustrates the linkage segment  702   a  (the linkage segments  702   b , 702   c  are obscured from view) of linkage assembly  700  when articulated in (collapsed) so as to position the middle toon  106  in the retracted position. 
     One or more of the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c  may be powered or actuated. For example, an actuator may be provided to drive one or more of the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c.    FIGS.  8 A- 8 C  illustrate an example where the rear most linkage segment  702   c  is independently powered via the actuator  204  but where the other two (2) linkage segments  702   a , 702   b  are unpowered (slave) linkages. In other examples, either of the other two (2) linkage segments  702   a , 702   b  may be the powered linkage, instead of the linkage segment  702   c.    FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  illustrate an example where a pair of the linkage segments are powered, according to one or more embodiments. Here, one of the actuators  204  is provided on the front linkage segment  702   a  and the rear linkage segment  702   c  (i.e., linage segments  702   a , 702   b  are powered) whereas the middle linkage segment  702   b  is unpowered (i.e., a slave linkage segment). In these embodiments, the front actuator  204   a  and the rear actuator  204   c  may be timed such that they operate in unison to evenly extend or retract the toon  102 , 104 , 106 . In even other examples, the middle linkage segment  702   b  is provided with an actuator (i.e., a middle actuator  204   b ) such that the middle linkage segment  702   b  is powered, and, in these examples, the actuators  204   a , 204   b , 204   c  may be timed such that they operate in unison. In even other examples, instead of the front and rear linkage segments  702   a , 702   c  being powered, the middle linkage segment  702   b  and either the front linkage segment  702   a  or the rear linkage segment  702   c  are powered. The front and rear actuators  204   a , 204   c  may be synchronized with a motor control, e.g., via a hall effect sensor, or the pair of actuators may be physically wired together, or communicate wirelessly with each other. However, the fore and aft actuators need not be timed, such that they can operate independently such that a fore/aft portion of the toon is extended more or less than the aft/fore portion of the toon (i.e., to vary the rake of the toon). 
     In some examples, the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c  may be coupled together (timed) such that the power applied by the actuator  204  to one of the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c  is transmitted to the other non-powered linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c.  For example,  FIGS.  10 A- 10 E  illustrate an example where a mechanical coupling is utilized to transmit power from a single actuator  204  to all of the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c,  according to one or more embodiments. In the illustrated example, the actuator  204  is provided on the front linkage segment  702   a , to thereby power the front linkage segment  702   a , and the mechanical coupling mechanically transmits power of the actuator  204  from the front linkage segment  702   a  to the middle and rearward linkage segments  702   b , 702   c . As shown in  FIG.  10 D , the mechanical coupling includes a first pair of coupling members  1002   a , 1002   b  coupling the links  214  of the front linkage segment  702   a  to the links  214  of the middle linkage segment  702   b  and, as shown in  FIGS.  10 D- 10 E , the mechanical coupling also includes a second pair of coupling members  1004   a , 1004   b  coupling the links  214  of the middle linkage segment  702   b  to the links  214  of the rear linkage segment  702   c.  In particular, the first coupling member  1002   a  couples the port side link  214  of the front linkage segment  702   a  to the port side link  214  of the middle linkage segment  702   b , the first coupling member  1002   b  couples the starboard side link  214  of the front linkage segment  702   a  to the starboard side link  214  of the middle linkage segment  702   b , the second coupling member  1004   a  couples the port side link  214  of the middle linkage segment  702   b  to the port side link  214  of the rear linkage segment  702   c,  and the second coupling member  1004   b  couples the starboard side link  214  of the middle linkage segment  702   b  to the starboard side link  214  of the rear linkage segment  702   c.    
     Here, each of the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c  includes a brace  1006   a , 1006   b , 1006   c  extending between the port and starboard links  214  of the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c.  In particular, the first brace  1006   a  is provide between the links  214  of the front linkage segment  702   a , the second brace  1006   b  is provide between the links  214  of the middle linkage segment  702   b , and the third brace  1006   c  is provide between the links  214  of the rear linkage segment  702   c.  In the illustrated example, a pair of first coupling brackets  1008   a , 1008   b  are provided on the first brace  1006   a , a pair of second coupling brackets  1010   a , 1010   b  are provided on the second brace  1006   b , and a pair of third coupling brackets  1012   a , 1012   b  are provided on the third brace  1006   c.  A first end of the coupling member  1002   a  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the first coupling bracket  1008   a  and a second end of the coupling member  1002   a  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the second coupling bracket  1010   a.  Similarly, a first end of the coupling member  1002   b  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the first coupling bracket  1008   b  and a second end of the coupling member  1002   b  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the second coupling bracket  1010   b.  In the illustrated example, the second coupling brackets  1010   a , 1010   b  are each double brackets meaning each of the coupling brackets  1010   a , 1010   b  may receive a pair of coupling members. Thus, as illustrated, a first end of the coupling member  1004   a  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the second coupling bracket  1010   a  and a second end of the coupling member  1004   a  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the third coupling bracket  1012   a;  and, similarly, a first end of the coupling member  1004   b  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the second coupling bracket  1010   b  and a second end of the coupling member  1004   b  is rotationally attached (e.g., pinned) within the third coupling bracket  1012   b.  In other examples, either or both end of any one or more of the mechanical coupling  1002   a , 1002   b , 1004   a , 1004   b  shafts are rotatably mounted directly to the the links  214  (e.g., on an inner and/or outer face of the links  214 ). 
     In this example, the lower frame  212  is comprised of a pair of formed square corner segments  1018  that may be secured to the sides of the round toon  102 , 104 , 106  and thereby provide a flat surface onto which to mount the linkage assembly  700 . In addition, the lower frame comprises a pair of right angle brackets  1010   a , 1010   b  on to which ends of the links may be rotatably attached (e.g., pinned). Here, the square corner segments extend substantially the length of the toon  102 , 104 , 106  such that two (2) lengths of such corner segment are provided on each of the toons  102 , 104 , 106 . However, in other examples, the corner segments  1018  may be provided as a single component that are attached to each other at a top surface of the toon. Also, in some examples, the corner segments  1018  may be provided in shorter discrete lengths that are attached to the toons at locations thereon at which the linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c  are attached. 
     Also disclosed herein are systems and mechanisms for adjusting position of the motor  118  relative to the deck  110 , and thereby control positon of the propeller within the water and thereby ensure that the propeller is sufficiently below water to provide propulsion.  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B and  12 A- 12 B  illustrate an exemplary motor position system  1100 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the motor position system  1100  is utilizable to raise or lower the motor  118  relative to the deck  110  of the boat  100  to thereby adjust position of a propeller  1102  of the motor  118  within the water. In the illustrated example, the motor position system  1100  is utilizable to vertically move the propeller  1102  in an upward or downward direction as indicated by arrow  1104 . The motor position system  1100  may be controlled independently of the systems for controlling the above described pontoon actuation mechanisms, or such above described pontoon adjustment systems and the motor position system  1100  may be tied together such that the motor position system  1100  is automatically activated upon activation of the pontoon adjustment systems to raise or lower the motor  118  and thereby ensure the propeller  1102  is adequately/sufficiently positioned in the water for sufficient or ideal propulsion.  FIGS.  11 A and  12 A  illustrate the motor  118  and propeller  1102  in an upward most or retracted position, whereas  FIGS.  11 B and  12 B  illustrate the motor  118  and propeller  1102  in a downward most or extended position. 
     In the illustrated example, the motor position system  1100  is attached a transom  1106  of the boat  100 . Here, the transom  1106  is the vertical member positioned at the stern of deck  110 . In some examples, the transom  1106  may be raked at an angle, for example, at an angle extending rearward and downward from the deck  110 . 
     The motor position system  1100  includes a base or bracket  1110  and a motor-side portion  1112  slidably coupled within the bracket  1110 . As illustrated, the bracket  1110  is mounted on the transom  1106  of the boat  100 , and the motor  118  is mounted on the motor-side portion  1112  of the motor position system  1100 . Here, the motor-side portion  1112  includes an actuator  1114 . The actuator  1114  has a drive rod  1116  extending therefrom and which may extend or retract upon activation of the actuator  1114 . For example, when the actuator  1114  is activated to fully retract the drive rod  1116 , the motor-side portion  1112  may be in a fully raised position within the bracket  1110  such that the motor  118  and propeller  1102  are at a fully retracted position relative to the deck  110 . However, when the actuator  1114  is activated to fully extend the drive rod  1116 , the motor-side portion  1112  may be in a fully lowered position within the bracket  1110  such that the motor  118  and propeller  1102  are at a fully extended position relative to the deck  110 . The actuator  1114  may be various types of actuators, such as an electric actuator or a hydraulic actuator. 
     A leveling system and method for analyzing and correcting the attitude of the deck  110  of the boat is also disclosed herein. Thus, the above described pontoon adjustment assemblies described herein may be integrated within such a leveling system; and, in some embodiments, the motor position system  1100  may also be integrated within the leveling system.  FIG.  13    is a schematic of an exemplary leveling control system  1300  according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The leveling control system  1300  includes a controller  1302  and a level sensor  1304  that senses an attitude of the deck  110 . The level sensor  1304  may comprise various types of sensors. The leveling control system  1300  may further include a processor  1306 , a memory  1308 , and a user interface. In some examples, the controller  1302  and the level sensor  1304  are integrated within a Microelectromechanical systems (“MEMS”) chip, which senses temperature, altitude, speed, level state, gravity, etc. 
     The level sensor  1304  is connected to the controller  1302  and sends signals to the controller  1302  indicative of the attitude of the deck  110 . The level sensor  1304  may communicate with the controller  1302  via a wire or wirelessly. In some examples, a visual level indicator is provided on the boat  100 , e.g., in the operator area  126  or elsewhere on the deck  110 , to provide a visual indication of an attitude of the deck (i.e., whether it is level). In some examples, the visual level indicator is a bubble level. 
     The controller  1302  actuates the actuators  204  connected to the toons  102 , 104 , 106  in response to data or signals received from the level sensor  1304 . The controller  1302  may be configured to control any or all of the actuators  204  on the boat. For example, if the starboard side toon  102  has one or more actuators  204 , the controller  1302  may be connected to those one or more actuators  204  of the starboard toon  102 ; if the port side toon  104  has one or more actuators  204 , the controller  1302  may be connected to those one or more actuators  204  of the port side toon  104 ; and/or if the middle toon  106  has one or more actuators  204 , the controller  1302  may be connected to those one or more actuators  204  of the middle toon  106 . In the illustrated example, each of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  is powered by a single actuator  204  and the controller  1302  is configured to control activation of each of the three actuators  204 . However, it should be appreciated that each toon  102 , 104 , 106  may be powered by two or more actuators (e.g., actuators  204   a  and  204   c  or  204   a , 204   b , 204   c,  etc.), as described above, and in such embodiments the each of the plurality of actuators of each toon may be connected to the controller  1302 , and the controller  1302  may further be configured to time or synchronize operation of the actuators as to each toon. Thus, the controller  1302  may time or synchronize each actuator that powers the starboard side toon  102 , the controller  1302  may time or synchronize each actuator that powers the port side toon  104 , and the controller  1302  may time or synchronize each actuator that powers the middle toon  106 . 
     In some examples, the user interface is integrated within existing control leveling control system  1300 . The user interface  1310  may include a touch screen display and/or a plurality of toggle switches. In some examples, a toggle switch is operable to extend or retract each of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  such that the operator may activate the toggle switch corresponding with the toon that they would like to extend/retract. In some examples, the controller  1302  is programmed to monitor/sense amps drawn from the actuators to determine if the associated toon is fully extended or retracted. In some examples, the controller  1302  is programmed to constantly monitor attitude of the deck  110  and automatically extend or retract the appropriate toon to level the deck  110  as sensed by the sensor  1302 ; and in these embodiments, the controller  1302  may further control the speed at which the toons are extended or retracted to rapidly level the deck  110  and facilitate a smooth and constant level state of the deck  110  depending on the open water conditions with which the boat  100  is experiencing. In addition, where a MEMS chip is utilized, the controller  1302  may pull the various data sensed and captured by the MEMS ship to control leveling of the deck  110 . In addition, the system controller  1302  may be configured to control the actuator  1114  which adjusts the height of the boat motor  118  such that the system  1300  may be programmed to maintain the propeller  1102  sufficiently within the water as the deck  110  height is adjusted. For example, if the system  1300  is utilized to raise the height of the deck, or if the system  1300  performs a deck  110  leveling sequence the substantially raises the vertical height of the deck  110 , the controller  1302  may command the actuator  1114  to raise or lower the motor  118  such that the propeller  1102  is at sufficient depth within the water for ideal propulsion as the boat is banking in the water via raising or lower of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  as described herein. The controller  1302  may be programmed to activate actuators for a predetermined/known amount of time that will position the toons into a known position corresponding with the amount of actuation time. The controller  1302  may be programmed to sense/detect velocity of the boat in the water, and the program may cause controller to adjust toons to a predetermined position based on boat velocity (e.g., as the boat slows down, the controller causes the toons to extend or retract). 
     In this manner, if there is uneven weight distribution on the deck  110  such that there is a downward slope or slant on one side of the deck  110 , the level sensor  1306  will be able to measure that imbalance and the controller  1302  will send signals to the appropriate actuators  204  to extend or retract the associated toons to balance/level the deck  110 . For example, if the sensor  1304  measures that the deck  110  is sloped from the port to the starboard side, the controller  1302  may cause activate the actuator  204  on the starboard side toon  102  to extend the starboard side toon  102  further into the water and create additional buoyant force to raise the starboard side of the deck  110  (and/or the controller  1302  may cause activate the actuator  204  on the port side toon  104  to retract the port side toon  102 ); and in these examples, the controller  1302  may cause the actuator  1114  to raise or lower the motor  118  to ensure the propeller  1102  is sufficiently within the water for adequate propulsion. The controller  1302  may run in an automatic mode where it automatically actuates the actuators  204  to extend and/or retract the various toons until the deck is level, or the operator may manually actuate the actuators  204  to extend/retract the toons until the deck  110  is level. For example, a visual level sensor may be provided such that the operator knows when the deck  110  is substantially level, and/or the system  1300  may provide an indication (e.g., audible and/or visual) to the operator that the deck  110  is substantially level. 
     The sensor  1304  may be a multi-axis digital sensor that reads orientation of the planar deck  110  data in two or more axes. In some embodiments, the multi-axis digital sensor reads orientation data in three or more axes. In some embodiments, the sensor  1304  can be one of a 3-axis gyroscope or a 3-axis accelerometer. In some embodiments, the sensor  1304  can be a 6-axis digital sensor. The 6-axis digital sensor can include a 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer and a processor for interpreting motion data from the gyroscope and accelerometer. Using data from the gyroscope and accelerometer, the attitude (e.g., pitch, roll, or other relative metrics) of the structure can be calculated, and the accelerometer can be used to determine the rate of change of the attitude. Attitude and rate of change can be measured in reference to any point, line, or plane pre-defined or selected while in progress. 
     With these arrangements, the leveling controller  1302  and associated systems can be programmable to allow for customization. Included in such leveling systems are memory, temperature adjustments, and directional inputs. The accelerometer can be programmable, and in embodiments includes ranges of, for example, ±2 g, ±4 g, ±8 g, and ±16 g. The 6-axis digital sensor can further include on-chip 16-bit. ADCs, programmable digital filters, a precision clock with small drift (e.g., 1% or less across a temperature range such as −40° C. to 85° C.), an embedded temperature sensor, and programmable interrupts. The sensor can further include I2C and SPI serial interfaces, a VDD operating range of 1.71 to 3.6V, and a separate digital IO supply, VDDIO from 1.7V to 3.6V. Sensor communication can occur with registers using, e.g, I2C at 400 kHz or SPI at 1 MHz. In alternative or complementary embodiments, the sensor and interrupt registers may be read using SPI at 20 MHz. Due to the mobile application, the sensor can also be shock-resistant (e.g., supporting 10,000 g shock reliability). 
     Systems and methods herein can also include security features. Such features can include security codes having lock-out functionality that lock the system down in a level position (in a fully static position or allowing automatic re-leveling but no other activity) to prevent tampering with the watercraft level, theft, et cetera. 
     The controller  1302  may have various communication ports (wired and/or wireless), one or more processors  1306 , memory  1308  (RAM and/or storage), clocks or timers, motors, display devices, and other components and systems typically provided in the operator area  126  of the boat  100 . While embodiments described herein relate at times to leveling assemblies or techniques in a pontoon boat, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize such are readily adaptable to other water based leveling applications and may be utilized with any suitable water craft for the purpose of leveling the deck thereof when floating in the water. 
     Using information from the level sensor  1304 , the controller  1302  modifies the extension/retraction distances of the toons  102 , 104 , 106  and rates of extension/retraction to respond to boat  100  dynamics and deck  110  attitude. The rate may either increase or decrease speeds based upon a rate of change of boat dynamics or deck attitude. Still further, the rate of extension/retraction may increase or decrease speeds, or even pause, based upon additional factors such as noise or scale factor. Additional modifications may include retracting an actuator to re-balance or redistribute a load or load component in a more desirable manner. The sensitivity of the level sensor  1304  and controller  1302  can be calibrated. The sample rate of the sensor  1302  can be constant or dynamic depending on user input (e.g., user dictates rate or rates) or operational context (e.g., initial leveling versus re-leveling, amount of tilt). The controller  1302  can limit the speed at which toons  102 , 104 , 106  extend/retract, in order to control the amount of angular adjustment in a time period. In alternative or complementary embodiments, the controller  1302  can cause one or more actuators to accelerate faster than the standard limited rate to correct for a possible error in operation (e.g., causing too steep of a slope on the deck  110 ). 
     The controller  1302  can additionally estimate noise at the sensor  1304 . In an embodiment, noise can be estimated after toon movement has ceased and the system has settled. In further embodiments, the controller  1302  can pause or delay any later actuator actuation until a static period has passed permitting multiple sensor measurements with the deck  110  and controller  1302  constantly oriented. In this fashion, noise estimates can be developed from the variance of successive sensor  1304  readings during the static period. 
     The controller  1302  can also change actuator drive rates dynamically to control the tilt rate based upon inputs other than tilt angle. For example, if the amount of over or undershoot measured is beyond a specific threshold the drive rate will be decreased. “Level Stop” readings can be part of the adaptive process that indicates whether further changes are necessary for the next level cycle (e.g., whether stop point accuracy can be further improved). The controller  1302  can employ adaptive filtering to maximize signal stability based on rate of angular change and estimated signal noise. Through adaptive filtering, controller response to sensor data can be automatically changed depending on at least conditions observed. 
     As mentioned above, the deck  100  may comprise an assembly of materials/members.  FIGS.  14 A- 14 D  illustrate an exemplary deck assembly  1400  utilizable with pontoon actuation mechanisms described herein, according to on or more embodiments. In the illustrated examples, the deck assembly  1400  includes a layer of decking material  1402  and a frame  1404  attached to a bottom surface  1406  of the deck material  1402 . The deck material  1402  defines an upper surface (of shown) of the boat  100 . The frame  1404  may comprise a plurality of structural members. Here, for example, the frame  1404  includes a plurality of laterally extending cross-members  1410  extending a width of the deck and a plurality of longitudinally extending members  1412 . Here, there are three longitudinally extending members  14012  positioned at an interior (or central) region of the bottom surface  1406 , but additional longitudinally extending members  1412  may be provided outward therefrom along the sides and/or more or less than three longitudinally extending members  14012  maybe provided in the central region. Also in the illustrated example, the frame  1404  includes a peripheral extending support  1414  extending around the peripheral edge of the deck material  1402 . 
     In  FIG.  14 A , the linkage assembly  202  is utilized to movably couple the toon  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck assembly  1400 , and the linkage assembly  202  is an individual assembly for each toon and extends a substantial longitudinal length of its respective toon. Here, the actuator  204  is attached to the frame  1404 , for example, to cross-members  1410 , longitudinal members  1412 , and/or peripheral members  1414 ; however, it may be attached elsewhere relative to the linkage assembly as described herein. In  FIG.  14 B , discrete linkage segments  702   a , 702   b , 702   c  are utilized to movably couple the toon  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck assembly  1400 . Here, the actuator  204  is attached to the frame  1404 , for example, to cross-members  1410 , longitudinal members  1412 , and/or peripheral members  1414 ; however, it may be attached elsewhere relative to the linkage assembly segments as described herein. In  FIGS.  14 C and  14 D , a plurality of discrete swing arm link pairs  1420   a , 1420   b , 1420   c,  as described above, are utilized to movably couple the toon  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck assembly  1400 . In  FIG.  14 C , the actuator  204  is provided at the stern end of the deck assembly  1400  to power the stern end swing arm assembly  1420   c;  however, the actuator  204  may instead be provided at either or both of the other swing arm assemblies  1420   a , 1420   b  in addition to or instead of as illustrated. In  FIG.  14 D , the actuator  204  is provide at the aft end swing arm assembly  1420   a  and coupling members/rods  1002 , 1004  are utilized to transmit power (i.e., “time”) the other two swing arm link pairs  1420   b , 1420   c  with the powered swing arm link pair  1420   a.  However, the actuator  204  may be provided to power either of the other two swing arm link pairs  1420   b , 1420   c  , with a mechanical and/or electrical timing provided to “time” that powered swing arm link pair to the remaining unpowered swing arm link pairs. 
       FIGS.  14 A- 14 D  illustrate different exemplary pontoon positioning assemblies/systems configured to move the toons  102 , 104 , 104  between extended and retracted positions. While the illustrated pontoon positioning assemblies/systems have different link assembly configurations, they are each configured to swing the toon in the fore and aft direction. In particular, the pontoon positioning assemblies/systems may swing the toon  102 , 104 , 104  towards the stern of the boat and upward, into a retracted position where the toon  102 , 104 , 104  is tucked up next to the bottom surface  1406  of the deck material  1402 , and the pontoon positioning assemblies/systems may swing the toon  102 , 104 , 104  downward and towards the bow of the boat, into an extended position where the toon  102 , 104 , 104  relatively more distant from the bottom surface  1406  of the deck material  1402 . However, the pontoon positioning assemblies/systems may be differently configured, for example, to swing the toon  102 , 104 , 104  towards the bow of the boat and upward, into a retracted position where the toon  102 , 104 , 104  is tucked up next to the bottom surface  1406  of the deck material  1402 , and the pontoon positioning assemblies/systems may swing the toon  102 , 104 , 104  downward and towards the stern of the boat, into an extended position where the toon  102 , 104 , 104  relatively more distant from the bottom surface  1406  of the deck material  1402 . 
     As disclosed herein are pontoon positioning assemblies/systems configured to pivot or rotate the toons and/or vertically translate at least a portion of the toon.  FIGS.  15 A- 15 D  illustrate another exemplary pontoon positioning system  1500 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In the illustrated example, the pontoon positioning system  1500  includes a pivot assembly  1502  and an actuator assembly  1504 . The pivot and actuator assemblies  1502 , 1504  are each attached to the frame  1404  of the deck assembly  1400  (e.g., on cross-members  1410 , longitudinal members  1412 , and/or peripheral members  1414 ). In some examples, a plate (not shown) is mounted on the frame  1404  and the pivot and actuator assemblies  1502 , 1504  are each mounted on the same or separate plates. Accordingly, the pivot and actuator assemblies  1502 , 1504  movably couple the toon  102 , 104 , 106  to the deck  110 . However, while other embodiments of the pontoon positioning assemblies/systems described herein are configured to swing the toon  102 , 104 , 106 , the pontoon positioning system  1500  is configured to rotate or pivot the toon  102 , 104 , 106  about an axis. 
       FIG.  15 B  illustrates an exemplary pivot assembly  1502 , according to one or more examples. In the illustrated example, the pivot assembly  1502  includes a pair of upper members  1510   a , 1510   b  and a pair of lower members  1512   a , 1512   b .  The upper members  1510   a , 1510   b  are mounted to the frame  1404  of the deck assembly  1400 , for example, the upper members  1510   a , 1510   b  may have a bracket/flange end configured to be mounted/joined on the longitudinal members  1412  (or a plate provided on the frame  1404 ). The lower members  1512   a , 1512   b  are mounted to the frame  212  of the toons  102 , 104 , 106 , for example, the lower members  1512   a , 1512   b  may have a bracket/flange end configured to be mounted/joined on the corner segments  1018  secured to the sides of the round toon  102 , 104 , 10 . The upper members  1510   a , 1510  and the lower members  1512   a , 1512   b  are rotatably coupled together so as to be rotatable relative to each other about an axis  1514 . For example, the upper members  1510   a , 1510  and the lower members  1512   a , 1512   b  may be pinned together so as to be rotatable about a pin extending along the axis  1514 . In this manner, when the pivot assembly  1502  is joined to the deck  110  and the toon  102 , 104 , 106 , the toon  102 , 104 , 106  will be movable relative to the deck  110  about the axis  1514 . 
       FIGS.  15 C- 15 E  illustrate an exemplary actuator assembly  1504 , according to one or more examples. In the illustrated example, the actuator assembly  1504  is provided at the bow end of the boat  100 , with the pivot assembly  1502  provided at the stern end; however, in other embodiments, the actuator assembly  1504  may be provided at the stern end of the boat  100  and the pivot assembly  1502  may be provided at the bow end, or a pair of the actuator assemblies  1504  may be provided at the both the bow end and the stern end of the boat  100 . 
     In the illustrated example, the actuator assembly  1504  is configured as a scissor linkage assembly comprising a top bracket  1520 , a bottom bracket  1522 , a pair of first upper arms  1524 , a pair of second upper arms  1526 , a pair of first lower arms  1528 , and a pair of second lower arms  1530 . The top bracket  1520  is attached to the frame  1404  of the deck  110 , for example, on the cross-members  1410  and/or the longitudinal members  1412 . In addition, the bottom bracket  1522  is pivotly attached to the toon  102 , 104 , 106  as described below. 
     The first and second upper arms  1524 , 1526  are rotatably connected to the top bracket  1520 , and the first and second lower arms  1528 , 1530  are rotatably connected to the lower bracket  1522 . In particular, the first pair of upper arms  1524  are coupled to the top bracket  1520  via a first pin  1532 , such that the first pair of upper arms  1524  may rotate relative to the top bracket  1520  about an axis defined by the first pin  1532 ; the second pair of upper arms  1526  are coupled to the top bracket  1520  via a second pin  1534 , such that the second pair of upper arms  1526  may rotate relative to the top bracket  1520  about an axis defined by the second pin  1534 ; the first pair of lower arms  1528  are coupled to the bottom bracket  1522  via a first pin  1536 , such that the first pair of lower arms  1528  may rotate relative to the lower bracket  1522  about an axis defined by the first pin  1536 ; and the second pair of lower arms  1530  are coupled to the bottom bracket  1522  via a second pin  1538 , such that the second pair of lower arms  1530  may rotate relative to the lower bracket  1522  about an axis defined by the second pin  1538 . 
     The pair of first upper arms  1524  are rotatably connected to the pair of first lower arms  1528  via a first pin  1540  and the pair of second upper arms  1526  are rotatably connected to the pair of second lower arms  1530  via a second pin  1542 . Thus, the pair of first upper arms  1524  and the pair of first lower arms  1528  may rotate relative to each other about an axis defined by the first pin  1540 . Also, the pair of second upper arms  1526  and the pair of second lower arms  1530  may rotate relative to each other about an axis defined by the second pin  1542 . In the illustrated example, a sleeve  1544  is provided over the pins  1540 , 1542 . 
     The actuator  214  is provided to actuate the scissor linkage and thereby increase or decrease the distance between the top and bottom brackets  1520 , 1522  (i.e., vertically extend or retract). In particular, the actuator  214  may be provided within the scissor linkage to expand the upper and lower arms outwards, to thereby decrease the distance between the upper and lower brackets  1520 , 1522  (i.e., and vertically retract the toon), or to pull the upper and lower arms inward towards each other, to thereby increase the distance between the upper and lower brackets  1520 , 1522  (i.e., and vertically extend the toon). In the illustrated example, a motor side of the actuator  214  is rotatably attached to the sleeve  1544  provided between the pair of second upper arms  1526  and the pair of second lower arms  1538 , and a drive rod of the actuator  214  which extends from its motor side is rotatably attached to the sleeve  1544  provided between the pair of first upper arms  1524  and the pair of first lower arms  1528 . In this manner, the actuator  214  applies a drive force at the pins  1540 , 142  to articulate the scissor linkage and thereby push the brackets  1520 , 1522  apart from each other (i.e., vertically extend the toon) or pull the brackets  1520 , 1522  closer together (i.e., vertically retract the toon). 
       FIGS.  15 D- 15 E  illustrate an example of how the actuator assembly  1504  may be pivotly attached to the toon  102 , 104 , 106 . In the illustrated example, a mounting plate  1550  is joined on top of the toon  102 , 104 , 106 ; and, in particular, the mounting plate  1550  is attached on the corner segments  1018 . Here, the actuator assembly  1504  also includes a toon side bracket  1552  mounted on the plate  1550  and a scissor side bracket  1554  mounted to the lower bracket  1522 . The toon side bracket  1552  and the scissor side bracket  1554  are rotatably connected to each other via a pin  1556 . In particular, the toon side bracket  1552  has two pairs of upwardly extending flanges, and the scissor side bracket  1554  has two downwardly extending flanges, where the first of the downwardly extending flanges of scissor side bracket  1554  is received between the first pair of upwardly extending flanges of the toon side bracket  1554  and the second of the downwardly extending flanges of scissor side bracket  1554  is received between the second pair of upwardly extending flanges of the toon side bracket  1554 . The pin  1556  then extends through corresponding bores in the upwardly extending flanges and the downwardly extending flanges. Thus, the toon side bracket  1552  and the scissor side bracket  1554  may rotate relative to each other about an axis defined by the pin  1556 . 
       FIG.  15 E  illustrates an alternate example of the actuator assembly  1504 . In the illustrated example, the toon side bracket  1552  has two pairs of brackets  1560   a , 1560   b , and the lower bracket  1520  includes a first and second foot  1562   a , 1562  arranged to be received within a corresponding one of the brackets  1560   a , 1560   b.  The brackets  1560   a , 1560   b  and corresponding feet  1562   a , 1562   b  have corresponding/aligned bores through which the pin  1556  is received to permit relative rotation about the axis of the pin  1556 . The lower bracket  1522  also has a pair of opposing side walls  1570  with bores through which the pins  1536 , 1538  may be provided to rotatably couple the first and second pair of lower scissor links  1528 , 1530 . Similarly, the upper bracket  1520  also has a pair of opposing side walls  1572  with bores through which the pins  1532 , 1533  may be provided to rotatably couple the first and second pair of upper scissor links  1524 , 1536 . 
     The actuator  214  includes a motor or actuation side  1580  which is rotatably connected to the sleeve  1544  via a pin (not illustrated) such that the motor side  1580  may rotate relative to the sleeve  1544  about an axis defined by the pin (not shown). Also, the actuator  214  includes a drive rode  1582  extending from the motor side  1580 , wherein the motor side  1580  is configured to drive (extend or retract) the drive rod  1582 . Here, the drive rod  1582  is also rotatably connected to the opposite sleeve  1544  via a pin  1584  such that drive rod  1582  may rotate relative to the opposite sleeve  1544  about an axis defined by the pin  1584 . 
     In other examples, the toon  102 , 104 , 106  may be movably coupled to the deck  110  via a pair of actuator assemblies  1502  (i.e., a bow end actuator assembly  1502  and a stern end actuator assembly  1502 , and optionally one or more middle actuator assemblies  1502 ). In such examples, the pontoon positioning system is configured to vertically translate/move the toon  102 , 104 , 106  via articulation of the scissor linkages. 
     Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. 
     The use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.