Boats adapted for use on yachts and as rescue boats

Abstract

Boats adapted for multiple purposes are detailed. Versions of the boats may have performance characteristics and equipment necessary to qualify as rescue boats while normally maintaining appearances appropriate for placement on, for example, yachts as tenders or similar boats. Covers or other transformative materials may be used to modify the appearances of the boats when needed as rescue craft.

1 . A boat adapted for use as a rescue boat in a first mode and for a different purpose in a second mode, comprising: 
 a. a deck; and    b. means, attachable directly or indirectly to the deck, for transforming the boat from one of the first and second modes to the other.    
   
   
       2 . A boat according to  claim 1  in which the transforming means is removable and reattachable.  
   
   
       3 . A boat according to  claim 2  in which the transforming means comprises a cover.  
   
   
       4 . A boat according to  claim 3  in which the cover is colored so as to permit the boat to comply with regulations governing rescue boats.  
   
   
       5 . A boat according to  claim 4  further comprising means for attaching the transforming means directly or indirectly to the deck.  
   
   
       6 . A boat according to  claim 5  further comprising: 
 a. a collar connected directly or indirectly to the deck; and    b. a transom connected directly or indirectly to the deck.    
   
   
       7 . A boat according to  claim 6  in which the collar is buoyant in water.  
   
   
       8 . A boat according to  claim 3  in which the transforming means further comprises reflecting material.  
   
   
       9 . A boat according to  claim 1  further comprising a righting assembly.  
   
   
       10 . A boat according to  claim 9  in which the righting assembly comprises: 
 a. an inflatable bag;    b. means for inflating the bag; and    c. means for activating the inflation means.    
   
   
       11 . A boat according to  claim 10  in which the inflation means comprises a source of compressed gas and the activation means comprises a pull handle.  
   
   
       12 . A boat according to  claim 9  in which the righting assembly is removable.