Patent ID: 7093555

Claim:
Apparatus for retrieving a watercraft by automatically attaching a hook to an eye on a prow of the watercraft, the apparatus comprising: a. a cross member having first and second ends, and having a cross member support such that the cross member is supported and oriented i. generally horizontally above a water level, and ii. generally perpendicular to a direction of advance of the watercraft and movable in response to contact with the watercraft moving in the direction of advance; b. a carriage movably mounted on the cross member and releasably carrying a hook; c. a first positioning member urging the carriage towards the first end of the cross member; and d. means for moving the carriage towards the second end of the cross member when the cross member is contacted and moved by the watercraft moving in the direction of advance such that the hook engages the eye on the prow of the watercraft as the watercraft moves in the direction of advance.