Tow sports boat tower

The tow sports boat tower with adjustable height and extended coverage addresses low clearance issues and enhances the towing experience by providing multiple tow points and improved overhead coverage for water sports enthusiasts.

WO2025155957A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-07-24FLOE WAYNE GARY
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/US2025/012300
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-18
Filing Date
2025-01-20
Publication Date
2025-07-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tow sports boat towers do not address low clearance issues and lack versatility in adjusting the tow angle and providing adequate overhead coverage for water sports enthusiasts.

Method used

A tow sports boat tower with adjustable height and multiple tow points, featuring telescoping leg supports, a sports top with navigation lights and angled speakers, and a power shade that extends for additional coverage, allowing for optimal towing and sound quality.

Benefits of technology

The tower provides a versatile platform for water sports by addressing low clearance issues and enhancing the towing experience with adjustable height, multiple tow points, and extended overhead coverage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A ski tower that adjusts the tow angle of a rope for pulling water sports riders behind a boat. The ski tower comprises a pair of telescoping leg supports, a sports top, and a telescoping power shade. The pair of leg supports mount to the boat deck as well as the top surface of the boat gunwales. Each of the pair of leg supports comprise a telescoping leg actuator, which enables the sports top to automatically rise to an extended upper position. The sports top houses a navigation light and specifically angled speakers to provide optimal sound quality. Further, the sports top provides overhead coverage and multiple tow attachment points to allow individuals performing water sports to ride behind a boat. Additionally, the power shade provides an extended overhead coverage for the boat occupants below. Thus, the ski tower provides versatility for individuals performing water sports.
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Description

[0001] Tow Sports Boat Tower

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a tow sports boat tower. More specifically, the present invention is a sports boat tower that mechanically moves from a retracted down position to an extended up position.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A tow sports boat tower is a specialized structure installed on powerboats or motorized water vessels designed to enhance the experience of towed water sports activities. Typically mounted above the boat's deck, the tower serves as a framework for attaching tow ropes, cables, or lines used in activities such as wakeboarding, water skiing, or tubing. Key features of a tow sports boat tower include its elevated position and the provision of multiple attachment points for tow lines. The elevated position of the tower helps to lift tow lines higher above the water's surface, creating an optimal angle for towing sports enthusiasts. Additionally, boat towers often have integrated racks to stow water sports equipment when not in use. The inclusion of a tow sports boat tower enhances the overall functionality of the boat, transforming it into a platform optimized for towing various water sports, providing enthusiasts with a thrilling and enjoyable experience on the water.

[0006] An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a tow sports boat tower that raises and lowers to ensure any low clearance issues can be addressed. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that provides several tow points to pull individuals performing water sports behind a boat. In order to accomplish this objective, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of legs, a sports top and a power shade. Further, the power shade extends forwards as needed to provide additional overhead coverage. Thus, the present invention is a tow sports boat tower with an adjustable height and several tow points to provide versatility for individuals performing water sports.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is a tow sports boat tower that adjusts the tow angle of a rope pulling water sports riders behind a boat. The present invention seeks to provide users with a device that provides a navigation light and specifically angled speakers to provide optimal sound quality. In order to accomplish this the present invention comprises a plurality of legs that provide support for the present invention and allow the present invention to move upwards and downwards with respect to an attached external boat. Further, the sports top provides overhead coverage and multiple tow attachment points to allow individuals performing water sports to ride behind a boat. Additionally, the power shade provides an extended overhead coverage for the boat positioned below. Thus, the present invention is a tow sports boat tower with an adjustable height and several tow points to provide versatility for individuals performing water sports.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top-front perspective view of the present invention, shown with the power shade retracted.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a top-front perspective view of the present invention, shown with the power shade extended.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom-front perspective view of the present invention, shown with the power shade extended.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a top-front perspective view of the present invention, shown without the power shade.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top-rear perspective view of the present invention, shown without the power shade. FIG. 6 is a top-rear perspective view of the first leg support of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a top-rear perspective view of the first leg support of the present invention, showing the installation of the bushing insert.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view taken from FIG 7, showing the installation of the gunwale mounting bracket.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a top-rear perspective cutaway view taken from FIG 7, showing the installation of the gunwale mounting bracket.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a top cutaway view taken from FIG 7, showing the installation of the gunwale mounting bracket and the bushing insert.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a top-front perspective magnified view of the present invention, showing the installation of the deck mounting bracket.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a top-front perspective magnified view of the present invention, showing the telescoping leg actuator.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a side cutaway view taken from FIG 12, showing the installation of the telescoping leg actuator.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a front cutaway view taken from FIG 12, showing the installation of the telescoping leg actuator.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a top-front perspective view of the present invention, showing the internal structure of the sports top.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a bottom-front perspective view of the present invention, showing the external structure of the sports top.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view taken from FIG. 16.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a magnified view taken from FIG. 17, showing the sports top channels.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a top-front perspective view of the present invention, showing the internal structure of the power shade.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a top-front perspective view of the present invention, showing the installation of the power shade actuator.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a right-side elevational view of the present invention attached to a boat, shown with the sports top retracted and without the power shade.

[0030] FIG. 22 is an identical view of FIG. 21, shown with the sports top extended. FIG. 23 is a right-side elevational view of the present invention attached to a boat, shown with both the sports top and the power shade retracted.

[0031] FIG. 24 is an identical view of FIG. 23, shown with the sports top retracted and the power shade extended.

[0032] FIG. 25 is an identical view of FIG. 23, shown with the sports top extended and the power shade retracted.

[0033] FIG. 26 is an identical view of FIG. 23, shown with both the sports top and the power shade extended.

[0034] DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0035] All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0036] In reference to FIGS. 1-26, the present invention is a tow sports boat tower 100 that raises and lowers a hard top roof. An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a device that accommodates surf and wake board racks. The device anchors to the floor surface of the boat (i.e., deck), as well as the top surface of the boat sidewalls (i.e., gunwales). In terms of overall structure, the tow sports boat tower 100 comprises a first leg support 200, a second leg support 300, a sports top 400, and a power shade 500. The first and second leg supports 200, 300 are positioned across from each other, port side to starboard side, and are each detachably connected to the deck and gunwales of the boat via a deck mounting bracket 4 and gunwale mounting bracket 5, respectively. The sports top 400 is mounted along the top side of the first and second leg supports 200, 300, thereby bridging the gap and forming a complete ski tower structure. Further, each of the first and second leg supports 200, 300 are telescoping, which allows the sports top 400 to automatically rise and lower via a telescoping leg actuator 3. Thus, the telescoping leg actuator is capable of moving the sports top 400 from a retracted lower position to an extended upper position, as illustrated in FIGS. 21-22. The power shade 500 is operably connected to the sports top 400, such that the power shade slidably engages with the top surface of the sports top 400. Moreover, the power shade 500 is capable of automatically extending forward and retracting back relative to the sports top 400 via at least one power shade actuator 9. Stated another way, the at least one power shade actuator 9 is capable of moving the power shade 500 from a retracted aft position to an extended forward position, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-26.

[0037] In all, the present invention is a tow sports boat tower 100 with adjustable height leg supports, a sports top, an adjustable power shade, and a plurality of tow points to provide versatility for individuals performing water sports. In another embodiment, the present invention can be configured without the power shade actuator 9, such that the user can manually move the power shade 500 from a retracted aft position to an extended forward position. In yet another embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 15-17, the present invention can be configured without the power shade 500 and without the power shade actuator 9.

[0038] In reference to FIGS. 1-5, the first and second leg supports 200, 300 function as the primary structural components of the present invention, as the remaining components of the present invention are configured upon the first and second leg supports 200, 300. The first and second leg supports 200, 300 are positioned upright along each side of the boat (starboard and port side). In addition, the first and second leg supports 200, 300 are telescoping, capable of extending upward and downward in unison to adjust the height of the sports top. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second leg supports 200, 300 each comprises a base leg 1, a telescoping leg 2, and a telescoping leg actuator 3. The base leg l is a hollow, substantially rectangular structure that is detachably connected to the boat. More specifically, the base leg 1 is detachably connected to the deck and gunwale of the boat via a deck mounting bracket 4 and a gunwale mounting bracket 5, respectively. The deck mounting bracket 4 is configured for vertical adjustment, allowing the user to adjust the height of the base leg 1 as necessary. After setting the desired height and securing the deck mounting bracket 4 in place, the user can then secure the gunwale mounting bracket 5 to the base leg 1. As for the telescoping capability, the telescoping leg 2 is operably connected to the base leg 1. More specifically, the telescoping leg 2 is positioned within the base leg 1 and slidably engaged with the base leg 1. The telescoping leg actuator 3 is operably coupled to the base leg 1 and the telescoping leg 2, such that activating the telescoping leg actuator 3 causes the telescoping leg 2 to move upward and downward relative to the base leg 1.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the base leg 1 is fitted with bushings to allow for proper sliding motion between the base leg 1 and the telescoping leg 2. As seen in FIGS. 7-10, the base leg 1 comprises at least one bushing insert 11, a plurality of bushing mounts 12, and a plurality of second fasteners 13. The at least one bushing insert 11 is secured to the base leg 1 via the plurality of bushing mounts 12 and the plurality of second fasteners 13. In this arrangement, the at least one bushing insert 11 is in the form of a U-shaped bracket with an upper flange 14. The at least one bushing insert 11 slides into a distal end 10 of the base leg 1, such that the upper flange 14 rests on top of the distal end 10. The plurality of bushing mounts 12 are perimetrically positioned along the interior of the of the distal end 10. A plurality of apertures 15 are disposed on the upper flange 14, concentrically aligned with the bushing mounts 12. Each of the plurality of second fasteners 13 are inserted through the apertures of the upper flange 14 and fastened to the bushing mount 12.

[0040] As best seen in FIG. 6, the telescoping leg 2 is an angled structure with a hollow rectangular profile. The telescoping leg 2 angles inward for optimal placement of the sports rack 23. The profile shape of the telescoping leg 2 is delineated by the base leg 1, such that the telescoping leg 2 slidably engages within the base leg 1. The telescoping leg 2 comprises an upper mounting plate 21, a sports rack mount 22, a sports rack 23, and a plurality of buffer strips 24. The upper mounting plate 21 enables the telescoping leg 2 to detachably connect to the sports top 400. Further, the upper mounting plate 21 has wire routing provisions that enable electrical wires to pass through the telescoping leg 2 and into the sports top 400. To that end, the upper mounting plate 21 is terminally connected to a distal end 20 of the telescoping leg 2. The upper mounting plate 21 is substantially rectangular in shape, having a pass-through opening 25 and a plurality of mounting holes 26. The pass-through opening 25 is centered with the upper mounting plate 21. The plurality of mounting holes 26 are perimetrically disposed along the mounting plate 21. A plurality of first fasteners 27 are inserted through mounting holes 26 and attached to mounting provisions within sports top 400. The sports rack mount 22 extends outward from the aft side of the telescoping leg 2, along the upper angled section, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The sports rack mount 22 is a mounting bracket configured for receiving and securing the sports rack 23. The sports rack 23 is configured for receiving and securing watersports equipment, including but not limited to wake boards and surfboards. The sports rack 23 is rotatably connected to the sports rack mount 22 via a pivot joint 28, which in turn, allows the sport rack 23 to fold in various directions and secure the watersports equipment. The plurality of buffer strips 24 is positioned along the proximal end of the telescoping leg 2, with at least one buffer strip on the front and rear side and at least two buffer strips on the left and right side.

[0041] In reference to FIGS. 12-14, the telescoping leg actuator 3 provides a means for lifting and lowering the telescoping leg relative to the base leg 1. Further, the telescoping leg actuator 3 is housed within the base leg 1 and telescoping leg 2. The telescoping leg actuator 3 comprises a first motor 31, a first rod housing 32, a first telescoping rod 33, a base leg mount 34, and a telescoping leg mount 35. The first motor 31 is positioned along the bottom end of the telescoping leg actuator 3 and is mechanically attached to the first rod housing 32. The first telescoping rod 33 is slidably engaged with the first rod housing 32 and operably connected to the first motor 31. In this arrangement, the first telescoping rod 33 extends upward relative to the first rod housing 32 when the first motor 31 is activated. Regarding installation, the first rod housing 32 is detachably connected to the base leg 1 via the base leg mount 34, while the first telescoping rod 33 is detachably connected to the telescoping leg 2 via the telescoping leg mount 35. Here, the base leg mount 34 is terminally connected to the interior surface of the base leg 1 near the bottom. A proximal end of the first rod housing 32 is detachably connected to the base leg mount 34. The telescoping leg mount 35 is terminally connected to the interior surface of the telescoping leg 2, below the angled section. A distal end of the first telescoping rod 33 is detachably connected to the telescoping leg mount 35. This arrangement ensures that the telescoping leg 2 moves upwards as the first telescoping rod 33 also moves upwards.

[0042] As previously mentioned, the deck mounting bracket 4 and the gunwale mounting bracket 5 secure the base leg 1 to the boat. As best seen in FIG. 11, the deck mounting bracket 4 comprises a slotted opening 41 and a fastener 42. The deck mounting bracket 4 is preferably an L-shaped bracket with rounded edges. Tn other words, the bottom flange 43 is substantially shorter than the upright flange 44. The bottom flange 43 of the deck mounting bracket 4 attaches to the deck of the boat using any conventional means of attachment, including but not limited to bolts and / or adhesive bonding. The slotted opening 41 traverses vertically along the upright flange 44 of the deck mounting bracket 4. The fastener 42 is inserted through the slotted opening 41 and fastened to the base leg 1 at the bottom. This arrangement enables the user to adjust the height of the base leg 1 based on the boat gunwale layout and any other design requirements.

[0043] In reference to FIGS. 7-10, the gunwale mounting bracket 5 comprises an upper plate 51, a lower plate 52, a plurality of angle brackets 53, and a plurality of third fasteners 54. The upper plate 51 and the lower plate 52 are rectangular in shape and attach to the base leg 1 at an angle. In other words, the base leg 1 traverses through a cutout 55 in the top surface of the boat gunwale 50 at an angle. The upper and lower plates 51, 52 are each notched to clear the gunwale cutout 55 and also to surround the base leg 1 on three sides. The upper plate 51 is positioned on top of the boat gunwale 50 while the lower plate 52 is positioned on the underside of the boat gunwale 50. The plurality of angle brackets 53 are facing opposite of each other, positioned along the forward and aft ends of the upper plate 51. The plurality of third fasteners 54 are inserted through the angle brackets 53, through the upper plate 51, through the boat gunwale 50, and fastened to the lower plate 52. In this arrangement, the upper and lower plates 51, 52 are detachably connected to the boat gunwale 50 via the third fasteners 54. As a result, the base leg 1 is properly secured to the gunwale mounting bracket 5.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, each of the first and second leg supports further comprise a decorative boot 6. As best seen in FIG. 16, the decorative boot 6 is positioned over the top of the gunwale mounting bracket 5 to provide a cohesive outer appearance, hiding the components of the gunwale mounting bracket 5 underneath. Preferably, as seen in FIGS. 9-10, the boot 6 is secured to each upright flange 56 of the plurality of angle brackets 53 via a plurality of fourth fasteners 61. However, in other embodiments, the boot 6 can be secured in place using any other conventional means of attachment including but not limited to adhesive bonding, click locks, and spring clips. It is understood that the first and second leg supports 200, 300 can be fabricated in various shapes and sizes without departing from the overall scope of the present invention.

[0045] In reference to FIGS. 15-18, the sports top 400 is a horizontal, overhead cover that is used to secure various equipment and accessories. The sports top 400 comprises a sports top base 71, a plurality of channels 72, a plurality of speakers 73, a plurality of tow points 74, and a navigation light 75. The sports top base 71 represents the primary structural component, as the remaining components of the sports top are secured to the sports top base 71. The sports top base 71 is a substantially rectangular panel that detachably connects to the first and second leg supports 200, 300 on each side. More specifically, the sports top base 71 sits flush with and detachably connects to the upper mounting plate 21 on each of the first and second leg supports 200, 300 via the plurality of first fasteners 27. The plurality of channels 72 are laterally integrated into the top surface 76 of the sports top base 71, traversing horizontally (forward / aft direction). The plurality of channels 72 on the sports top 400 are configured to align with and operably connect to corresponding connectors 82 on the power shade 500, thereby enabling the power shade 500 to slide forward and aft relative to the sports top 400. Preferably, each of the plurality of channels 72 are in the form of a C-channel. However, in other embodiments, each of the plurality of channels 72 can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and or manufacturing requirements.

[0046] The plurality of speakers 73 is laterally integrated into the sports top base 71. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of speakers 73 comprises two downward-firing speakers positioned near the front side 77 of the sports top base 71 at an angle, and two rearward -fi ring speakers positioned at the rear side 78. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of speakers 73 can be arranged in any desired position for optimum sound quality. The plurality of tow points 74 are mounted to the rear side 78 of the sports top base 71. In the preferred embodiment, the plurality of tow points 74 comprises two top points positioned along the bottom comers of the sports top base 71 and one tow point centrally positioned at the rear side 78. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of tow points 74 can be arranged in any desired position for optimum towing. The navigation light 75 is centrally positioned along the rear top surface 76 of the sports top base 71, extending upwards. In reference to FIGS. 19-20, the power shade 500 is positioned above the sports top 400. The power shade 500 is a fiberglass hardtop designed to slide forward relative to the sports top 400, thereby providing additional sunshade to the boat occupants when deployed. The power shade 500 comprises a power shade base 81, a plurality of connectors 82, a front rail 83, and a front cover 84. The power shade base 81 is operably connected to the sports top base 71, such that the power shade base 81 slidably engages with the sports top base 71 in the forward / aft direction. The plurality of connectors 82 are laterally integrated into the bottom surface 85 of the power shade base 81, traversing horizontally (forward / aft direction). The plurality of connectors 82 on the power shade 500 are configured to align with and operably connect to the corresponding plurality of channels 72 on the sports top 400, thereby enabling the power shade 500 to slide forward and aft relative to the sports top 400. Preferably, each of the plurality of connectors 82 are in the form of inverted T-shaped extrusions. However, in other embodiments, each of the plurality of connectors 82 can take the form of any suitable shape based on design, user, and or manufacturing requirements. The front rail 83 is a curved extrusion with a rectangular cross section that provides additional structural support for the power shade 500. The front rail 83 is mounted to the front side 86 of the power shade base 81, traversing widthwise (starboard to port side) from left to right. Positioned along the front side 86 of the power shade is the front cover 84. As best seen in FIG. 24, the front cover 84 is a transparent flexible material that extends downwards and forwards from the power shade base 81 onto the external windshield 99 of the boat. The front cover 84 further comprises a plurality of quick fasteners that secures the front cover 84 in place along the external windshield 99 of the boat.

[0047] In the preferred embodiment, the sports top 400 is also configured for receiving at least one power shade actuator to enable hands-free, powered movement of the power shade 500. As seen in FIG. 19, the sports top 400 further comprises at least one power shade actuator 9, at least one front opening 87, and at least one actuator bracket 88. The at least one front opening 87 traverses horizontally (forward / aft direction) into the sports top base 71 from the front side 77. The at least one actuator bracket 88 is housed internally within the sports top base 71 and is concentrically aligned with the at least one front opening 87. In this arrangement, the power shade actuator 9 in inserted through the front opening 87 and detachably connected to the actuator bracket 88. In the preferred embodiment, the sports top 400 comprises two front openings positioned along the left and right side (starboard and port side). This arrangement allows for the installation of two power shade actuators, one on each side, for optimal engagement with the power shade 500.

[0048] The at least one power shade actuator 9 provides a means for extending and retracting the power shade 500 relative to the sports top 400. As seen in FIG. 20, the at least one power shade actuator 9 is operably coupled to the sports top 400 and the power shade 500. The at least one power shade actuator 9 comprises a second motor 91, a second rod housing 92, a second telescoping rod 93, a proximal end mount 94, and a distal end mount 95. The second motor 91 is positioned along the aft end of the power shade actuator 9 and is mechanically attached to the second rod housing 92. The second telescoping rod 93 is slidably engaged with the second rod housing 92 and is operably connected to the second motor 91. In this arrangement, the second telescoping rod 93 extends forward relative to the second rod housing 92 when the second motor 91 is activated. Regarding installation, the second rod housing 92 is detachably connected to the sports top 400 via the proximal end mount 94, while the second telescoping rod 93 is detachably connected to the power shade 500 via the distal end mount 95. Here, the proximal end mount 94 is terminally connected to the rear side of the at least one actuator bracket 88. A proximal end of the second rod housing 92 is detachably connected to the proximal end mount 94. The distal end mount 95 is terminally connected to the front side 86 of the power shade 500, within the interior surface. A distal end of the second telescoping rod 93 is detachably connected to the distal end mount 95. This arrangement ensures that the power shade 500 moves forward as the second telescoping rod 93 also moves forward.

[0049] With all components working in tandem with each other, the present invention is a tow sports boat tower with an adjustable height and several tow points to provide versatility for individuals performing water sports. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A ski tower for a boat, the ski tower comprising: a first leg support; a second leg support; a sports top; each of the first and second leg supports comprising a base leg, a telescoping leg, and a telescoping leg actuator; the base leg being detachably connected to the boat via a deck mounting bracket and a gunwale mounting bracket; the telescoping leg being slidably engaged with the base leg; the telescoping leg comprising an upper mounting plate and a plurality of buffer strips; the upper mounting plate being detachably connected to the sports top via a plurality of first fasteners; the plurality of buffer strips being positioned along a proximal end of the telescoping leg; the base leg comprising at least one bushing insert; the telescoping leg being slidably engaged with the at least one bushing insert; the telescoping leg actuator being operably coupled to the base leg and the telescoping leg; and the telescoping leg actuator capable of moving the sports top from a retracted lower position to an extended upper position.

2. The ski tower as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the telescoping leg actuator comprising a first motor, a first rod housing, and a first telescoping rod; the first motor being mechanically attached to the first rod housing; and the first telescoping rod being operably connected to the first motor, wherein the first telescoping rod extends upward relative to the first rod housing when the first motor is activated.

3. The ski tower as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a power shade; the sports top comprising a sports top base, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of tow points; the power shade comprising a power shade base and a plurality of connectors; the plurality of channels being laterally integrated into the top surface of the sports top base; the plurality of connectors being laterally integrated into the bottom surface of the power shade base; the plurality of connectors being operably connected to the plurality of channels; the power shade being positioned above the sports top; the power shade being slidably engaged with the sports top; and the power shade capable of moving from a retracted aft position to an extended forward position.

4. The ski tower as claimed in claim 3 comprising: the sports top further comprising a plurality of speakers and a navigation light; the plurality of speakers being laterally integrated into the sports top base; and the navigation light being centrally positioned on the top surface of the sports top base.

5. The ski tower as claimed in claim 3 comprising: the power shade further comprising a front rail and a front cover; the front rail being mounted to the front side of the power shade base, traversing widthwise from left to right; andthe front cover extending from the front side of the power shade base to the boat windshield.

6. The ski tower as claimed in claim 3 comprising: the sports top further comprising at least one power shade actuator; the at least one power shade actuator being inserted through a front opening in the sports top base; the at least one power shade actuator being detachably connected to the sports top base via at least one actuator bracket; and the at least one power shade actuator being operably coupled to the sports top and the power shade.

7. The ski tower as claimed in claim 6 comprising: the at least one power shade actuator comprising a second motor, a second rod housing, and a second telescoping rod; the second motor being mechanically attached to the second rod housing; and the second telescoping rod being operably connected to the second motor, wherein the second telescoping rod extends forward relative to the second rod housing when the second motor is activated.

8. The ski tower as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a plurality of bushing mounts being perimetrically distributed along a distal end of the base leg; and the at least one bushing insert being detachably connected to the plurality of bushing mounts via a plurality of second fasteners.

9. The ski tower as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the deck mounting bracket comprising a slotted opening and a fastener; the slotted opening traversing vertically along an upright flange of the deck mounting bracket; andthe base leg being vertically adjustable via the deck mounting bracket.

10. The ski tower as claimed in claim 9 comprising: the gunwale mounting bracket comprising an upper plate, a lower plate, a plurality of angle brackets, and a plurality of third fasteners; the base leg traversing through a cutout in the top of the boat gunwale; each of the upper and lower plates being notched to surround the base leg; the plurality of angle brackets being positioned on the forward and aft ends of the upper plate; and the plurality of third fasteners being inserted through the angle brackets, through the upper plate, through the boat gunwale, and fastened to the lower plate.

11. The ski tower as claimed in claim 10 comprising: each of the first and second leg supports further comprising a boot; the boot covering the gunwale mounting bracket; and the boot being secured to an upright flange of each of the plurality of angle brackets via a plurality of fourth fasteners.

12. The ski tower as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the telescoping leg further comprising a sports rack mount and a sports rack; the sports rack mount extending outward from the aft side of the telescoping leg; and the sports rack being rotatably connected to the sports rack mount via a pivot joint.

13. A ski tower for a boat, the ski tower comprising: a first leg support; a second leg support; a sports top; a power shade;the sports top being mounted to the first and second leg supports; the sports top comprising a sports top base and a plurality of channels; the power shade comprising a power shade base and a plurality of connectors; the plurality of channels being laterally integrated into the top surface of the sports top base; the plurality of connectors being laterally integrated into the bottom surface of the power shade base; the plurality of connectors being operably connected to the plurality of channels; the power shade being positioned above the sports top; the power shade being slidably engaged with the sports top; and the power shade capable of moving from a retracted aft position to an extended forward position.

14. The ski tower as claimed in claim 13 comprising: each of the first and second leg supports comprising a base leg, a telescoping leg, and a telescoping leg actuator; the telescoping leg being slidably engaged with the base leg; the telescoping leg comprising an upper mounting plate and a plurality of buffer strips; the upper mounting plate being detachably connected to the sports top via a plurality of first fasteners; the plurality of buffer strips being positioned along a proximal end of the telescoping leg; the telescoping leg actuator being operably coupled to the base leg and the telescoping leg; the telescoping leg actuator capable of moving the sports top from a retracted lower position to an extended upper position; the telescoping leg actuator comprising a first motor, a first rod housing, and a first telescoping rod;the first motor being mechanically attached to the first rod housing; and the first telescoping rod being operably connected to the first motor, wherein the first telescoping rod extends upward relative to the first rod housing when the first motor is activated.

15. The ski tower as claimed in claim 13 comprising: the sports top further comprising a plurality of tow points, a plurality of speakers, and a navigation light; the plurality of speakers being laterally integrated into the sports top base; and the navigation light being centrally positioned on the top surface of the sports top base.

16. The ski tower as claimed in claim 13 comprising: the power shade further comprising a front rail and a front cover; the front rail being mounted to the front side of the power shade base, traversing widthwise from left to right; and the front cover extending from the front side of the power shade base to the boat windshield.

17. The ski tower as claimed in claim 13 comprising: the sports top further comprising at least one power shade actuator; the at least one power shade actuator being inserted through a front opening in the sports top base; the at least one power shade actuator being detachably connected to the sports top base via at least one actuator bracket; and the at least one power shade actuator being operably coupled to the sports top and the power shade.

18. The ski tower as claimed in claim 17 comprising:the at least one power shade actuator comprising a second motor, a second rod housing, and a second telescoping rod; the second motor being mechanically attached to the second rod housing; and the second telescoping rod being operably connected to the second motor, wherein the second telescoping rod extends forward relative to the second rod housing when the second motor is activated.

19. The ski tower as claimed in claim 14 comprising: the base leg comprising at least one bushing insert; a plurality of bushing mounts being perimetrically distributed along a distal end of the base leg; the at least one bushing insert being detachably connected to the plurality of bushing mounts via a plurality of second fasteners; and the telescoping leg being slidably engaged with the at least on bushing insert.

20. The ski tower as claimed in claim 14 comprising: the base leg being detachably connected to the boat via a deck mounting bracket and a gunwale mounting bracket; the deck mounting bracket comprising a slotted opening and a fastener; the slotted opening traversing vertically along an upright flange of the deck mounting bracket; the base leg being vertically adjustable via the deck mounting bracket; the gunwale mounting bracket comprising an upper plate, a lower plate, a plurality of angle brackets, and a plurality of third fasteners; the base leg traversing through a cutout in the top of the boat gunwale; each of the upper and lower plates being notched to surround the base leg; the plurality of angle brackets being positioned on the forward and aft ends of the upper plate;the plurality of third fasteners being inserted through the angle brackets, through the upper plate, through the boat gunwale, and fastened to the lower plate; each of the first and second leg supports further comprising a boot; the boot covering the gunwale mounting bracket; and the boot being secured to an upright flange of each of the plurality of angle brackets via a plurality of fourth fasteners.

Citation Information

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