Easily convertible combination sprayskirt and cockpit cover

Abstract

A sprayskirt for a watercraft, such as a kayak, having a cockpit opening formed therein, includes a shell having a first open end sized for accommodating a person's torso therein and a second open end sized so as to facilitate attachment to the cockpit opening of the kayak. A semi-rigid or rigid member defines a peripheral boundary of the sprayskirt shell, wherein the semi-rigid member has an elasticity so that it tends to recover to the first peripheral boundary after having been deformed. An attachment means secures the second open end of the shell to the raised rim of the kayak for creating a substantially watertight seal between the second open end of the sprayskirt shell and the rim of the kayak. The semi-rigid or rigid member comprises a rod attached to the shell, where the rod defines the peripheral boundary. The rod forms a closed loop and is circular in cross-section. An extension member may be permanently attached to the shell, extending away from the peripheral boundary of the shell. Alternatively, the extension member may be removably attachable to the peripheral boundary of the shell. A removable cover may also be employed with the present invention. The extension member and the cover of the present invention provides a simple and easy apparatus for converting between a sprayskirt and a cover.