Watercraft, like boats or marine ships on rivers, lakes, seas or oceans, independent of size, type and purpose, may get in problems at instable conditions and may get swamped, overturned and finally sink.

The present invention relates to a save boat device and system, i. a. , a safety system for boats, with manually or automatically inflating devices, like balloons or air bags that improve the stability of the watercraft and inhibit the watercraft from sinking.

A number of patents have been directed to inventions to prevent a boat from sinking. Unfortunately, many of the prior art devices for boat flotation have a number of problems, such as being difficult to install, and often require manual activation of the device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple system that prevents turning over and sinking of boats, and helps to rescue boats and their passengers.

It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a system with additional devices at least at each long side of the ship. Each device comprises at least one hydraulic arm or handle which is variable in length. The length of said handle is adjustable according to the desired need. The design of the handle may be quite similar to a car antenna. Each handle comprises two ends, wherein at its one end a tube, balloon or airbag, preferably made of rubber, is attached. The other end of said handle is mounted at the boat. The size and volume of each air bag, tube or balloon is adjustable according to the size of the boat or the load of the boat.

Furthermore, the balloons or air bags are inflatable by air or gas, provided by a compressor. These rubber balloons or air bags prevent that the boat will be flooded or will sink even if the boat is full of water. During calm and normal conditions of the water, the balloons are preferably deflated, or empty.

The system or each device can be activated either automatically or manually according to the captain's decision. Preferably, there are water sensors and balance indicators which provide signals for the automatic activation of the save boat system.

When the boat is subjected to the risk of swamping or sinking, as a result of breaking or a crack in the boat hull, the compressor inflates immediately the at least two airbags or rubber balloons. The coordination of the volume is a basic condition to enable the rubber tubes from floating at the ship when it becomes full of water.

When the ship is subjected to the risk of turning over, as a result of high waves, the two handles are extended to a suitable length according to the captain's opinion, to form weight points and standing points working together to achieve the balance of the ship. The extension of the handles is preferably in the horizontal direction.

The system according to the present invention provides a low cost solution, which can be subsequently mounted or retrofitted quickly and easily at any type of boat or ship. The system according to the present invention prevents boats or ships from turning over and prevents eventually the sinking of the boat.

The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like parts have the same reference signs, wherein: Fig. 1 is a front view of an embodiment according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a front view according to the present invention with inflated airbags, and Fig. 3 is a front view according to Fig. 1 with additionally extended handles.

Figs. 4A and B, 5A und B and 6A and B are front views and perspective views of a similar embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a boat 4 comprising a compressor 3 and two hydraulic handles 2 and 5 which are retracted at normal conditions. The two rubber balloons 1 and 6 are substantially empty or deflated during normal conditions. Fig. 2 shows the system at conditions which rescue the boat from swamping by inflating the two rubber balloons 1 and 6. Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows the system at a situation which rescues the boat from overturn, i. e. the two rubber balloons are inflated and the two hydraulic handles are extended horizontally.

Figs. 4-6 show an embodiment with a preferred shape of the air bags. The air bags have a cylindrical main part and a conical front part. This shape facilitates movement of the boat through the water.

List of reference signs: 1 Airbag or rubber balloon (empty, deflated) 2 Hydraulic handle 3 Compressor 4 The boat 5 Hydraulic handle 6 Airbag or rubber balloon (empty, deflated)