Floating drive on boat docking apparatus

Abstract

An improved floating boat lift incorporates a passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism, onto which a boat can be driven and positioned ready for storage using only the motive power of the boat itself. The passive hydraulic pivoting lift mechanism provides mechanical advantage in the pivoting action of the apparatus by way of passive hydraulic action, while at the same time dampening pivoting of the apparatus. Embodiments further provide means for adjusting the elevation of the pivot point relative to the surface of the body of water by way of adjusting the buoyancy of the pivoting lift mechanism.

1 .- 2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . A floating boat lift, comprising:
 a hollow vessel having at least one chamber at least partially filled with an amount of liquid ballast; and   a pivot mechanism engaged with the vessel such that rotation of the vessel about the pivot mechanism permits the liquid ballast to shift within the at least one chamber;   wherein the chamber of the vessel is configured to hold the liquid ballast at a first equilibrium level before engagement of the vessel with a boat and hold the liquid ballast at a second equilibrium level after engagement of the vessel with the boat,   further wherein the shifting of the liquid ballast from the first equilibrium level to the second equilibrium level provides a mechanical advantage for lifting the boat relative to a surface of the water.   
   
   
       4 . The floating boat lift of  claim 3 , further comprising a restraining bar contactable by the vessel when the liquid ballast in the chamber is approximately at the second equilibrium level. 
   
   
       5 . The floating boat lift of  claim 3 , wherein the pivot mechanism includes a chain having an upper portion attached to the vessel at a desired pivot point and a distal portion attached to an object below the surface of the water. 
   
   
       6 . The floating boat lift of  claim 3 , wherein the liquid ballast includes water.