Abstract: A method of operating a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft includes an engine, a jet propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, the jet propulsion system includes a reverse gate, and a steering assembly for steering the watercraft. The method comprises: determining if the steering assembly is turned; sensing an operating parameter of the watercraft, the operating parameter being related to a thrust generated by the propulsion system; determining if the operating parameter of the watercraft is within a predetermined range; and moving the reverse gate to a lowered position when the steering assembly is turned and the operating parameter of the watercraft is within the predetermined range. A watercraft capable of performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft is disclosed which comprises actuating a reverse gate operator, sensing a speed of the watercraft, controlling a thrust generated by a jet propulsion system differently depending on whether the speed of the watercraft is above or below a predetermine watercraft speed when the reverse gate operator is actuated, and moving the reverse gate to a position in which the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the jet propulsion system in response to the actuation of the reverse gate operator. A watercraft implementing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft comprises actuating a lever, controlling a speed of rotation of an engine to be at or below a reverse gate actuation speed in response to the actuation of the lever, moving the reverse gate in response to the actuation of the lever without further driver intervention once the speed of rotation of the engine is at or below the reverse gate actuation speed, and controlling the speed of rotation of the engine in order to decelerate the watercraft in response to the actuation of the lever and the reverse gate moving without further driver intervention. A watercraft and a method of controlling the watercraft based at least in part on an angle of a helm assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft is disclosed which comprises actuating a reverse gate operator, sensing a speed of the watercraft, controlling a thrust generated by a jet propulsion system differently depending on whether the speed of the watercraft is above or below a predetermine watercraft speed when the reverse gate operator is actuated, and moving the reverse gate to a position in which the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the jet propulsion system in response to the actuation of the reverse gate operator. A watercraft implementing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft comprises actuating a lever, controlling a speed of rotation of an engine to be at or below a reverse gate actuation speed in response to the actuation of the lever, moving the reverse gate in response to the actuation of the lever without further driver intervention once the speed of rotation of the engine is at or below the reverse gate actuation speed, and controlling the speed of rotation of the engine in order to decelerate the watercraft in response to the actuation of the lever and the reverse gate moving without further driver intervention. A watercraft and a method of controlling the watercraft based at least in part on an angle of a helm assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft includes an engine, a jet propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, the jet propulsion system includes a reverse gate, and a steering assembly for steering the watercraft. The method comprises: determining if the steering assembly is turned; sensing an operating parameter of the watercraft, the operating parameter being related to a thrust generated by the propulsion system; determining if the operating parameter of the watercraft is within a predetermined range; and moving the reverse gate to a lowered position when the steering assembly is turned and the operating parameter of the watercraft is within the predetermined range. A watercraft capable of performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle having a vehicle body, a seat, an engine, a throttle body, a throttle valve, a throttle valve actuator, a throttle operator, a throttle operator position sensor, a cruise control switch, and a vehicle speed sensor. An ECU controls operation of the engine in one of a normal operation mode and a cruise control operation mode. When in the normal operation mode, the ECU sends a first control signal to the throttle valve actuator based on the throttle operator position signal. When the cruise control switch engages the cruise control operation mode, the ECU sends a second control signal to the throttle valve actuator based on the vehicle speed signal such that the vehicle speed is maintained at a vehicle cruising speed. The ECU returns to the normal operation mode when the throttle operator position becomes less than or equal to a reference throttle operator position.

Abstract: A watercraft has a pivoting, shock absorbing component that absorbs forces applied to its hull. The watercraft includes a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, an engine, and a jet propulsion system movably coupled to the engine. In one embodiment, a forward hull portion couples to the deck and a rearward hull portion movably couples to the deck and/or the forward hull portion. The jet propulsion system mounts to the rearward hull portion, while the engine mounts to the deck. A suspension element is disposed between the hull rear portion and either the deck or the hull forward portion. In another embodiment, the hull and deck are movably coupled to each other.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel/electric powered watercraft includes an electronic turning machine (ETM), and internal combustion engine, and a propulsion system, which are operatively connected to each other, preferably via one or more clutches. An electronic control unit (ECU) controls the ETM, clutch(es), and engine. At low speeds, the ECU disengages at least one clutch and solely uses the ETM to power the propulsion unit and propel the watercraft. At high speeds, the ECU engages the clutch and uses both the engine and the ETM or just the engine to power the propulsion system. When the watercraft's battery discharges, the ECU operates the ETM in a generator mode and runs the engine to charge the battery. The watercraft can also include a shore button feature that selectively limits/governs the speed of the watercraft. A clutch may be used to avoid driving the propulsion system when the engine is idling or being started.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed that includes a hull having port and starboard sides and a propulsion system that generates a stream of pressurized water that exits through a nozzle. A helm operatively connects to the nozzle, whereby turning the helm turns the nozzle. A vane is connected to either or both of the port or starboard sides and is operatively connected to the nozzle. The vane is capable of pivoting inwardly and outwardly in response to steering signals. The vane can also move between an operative position and an inoperative position based on pressure in the propulsion system. The vanes are designed to provide steering assistance when insufficient thrust is generated by the propulsion system to effectively steer the watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed that includes a hull having port and starboard sides and a propulsion system that generates a stream of pressurized water through a nozzle. A helm operatively connects to the nozzle, whereby turning the helm turns the nozzle. At least one rudder connects to either or both of the port or starboard sides. The rudder is capable of pivoting inwardly and outwardly and can also be moved upwardly and downwardly with respect to the side to which it is connected. The rudder is located a certain distance from the respective side of the hull, which allows the rudder to utilize its inner and outer surfaces to assist in steering the watercraft by deflecting water flowing thereacross. Also, a linking element can connect the nozzle to the rudder. An off-power steering system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed that includes a hull having port and starboard sides and a propulsion system that generates a stream of pressurized water that exits through a nozzle. A helm operatively connects to the nozzle, whereby turning the helm turns the nozzle. A vane is connected to either or both of the port or starboard sides and is operatively connected to the nozzle. The vane is capable of pivoting inwardly and outwardly in response to steering signals. The vane can also move between an operative position and an inoperative position based on pressure in the propulsion system. The vanes are designed to provide steering assistance when insufficient thrust is generated by the propulsion system to effectively steer the watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed that includes a hull having port and starboard sides and a propulsion system that generates a stream of pressurized water through a nozzle. A helm operatively connects to the nozzle, whereby turning the helm turns the nozzle. At least one rudder connects to either or both of the port or starboard sides. The rudder is capable of pivoting inwardly and outwardly and can also be moved upwardly and downwardly with respect to the side to which it is connected. The rudder is located a certain distance from the respective side of the hull, which allows the rudder to utilize its inner and outer surfaces to assist in steering the watercraft by deflecting water flowing thereacross. Also, a linking element can connect the nozzle to the rudder. An off-power steering system is also disclosed.