Abstract: A steering device allows a ship to travel efficiently. A port side rudder plate has a left front rudder plate fixed to a lower portion of a stern and a left rear rudder plate. A starboard side rudder plate has a right front rudder plate fixed to the lower portion of the stern and a right rear rudder plate. The left rear rudder plate is supported by a rear portion of the left front rudder plate and a left steering shaft fixed to the left rear rudder plate. The right rear rudder plate is supported by a rear portion of the right front rudder plate. A right steering shaft fixed to the right rear rudder plate. In a rear view, lower end portions of the port side rudder plate and the starboard side rudder plate are at a lower end portion of an outer peripheral portion of the propeller.

Abstract: This disclosure describes flanking rudders, including asymmetrically shaped flanking rudders and methods of manufacturing and using asymmetrically shaped flanking rudders. An exemplary asymmetrically shaped flanking rudder includes an exterior surface having a first shape and an exterior surface having second shape different from the first shape.

Abstract: In collision-avoidance maneuvering in congested waters, an own ship is decelerated by astern power. The own ship is continuously navigated on a current target course with a propulsion propeller always rotated forward at the stern of the own ship. The astern power is generated as the propulsion of a propeller slipstream with rudder angles formed at a pair of right and left high-lift rudders disposed behind the propulsion propeller. In the decelerating maneuvering, the rudder angles formed at the high-lift rudders are controlled within a range from a rudder angle for applying a maximum propeller slipstream as the astern power to a rudder angle for eliminating the ahead power of the propeller slipstream, and the deceleration of the own ship is controlled by changing the astern power according to the rudder angles.

Abstract: A maneuvering system for a ship provided with, in the stern, a port-side propulsion system, and a starboard-side propulsion system. For controlling the system, a forward or backward force of the ship 1 is obtained by the difference between the forward and backward propulsion forces of the propulsion systems and a first turning moment in a turning direction of the ship generated by the propulsion forces is offset by a second turning moment in the turning direction of the ship generated by steering a port-side rudder, whereby the ship moves in a transversal manner toward its starboard side while rotation of the ship is avoided. A high degree of maneuverability is thereby achieved with a relatively simple maneuvering operation.

Abstract: A boat including one or more seats, which may be aft-facing. The seat includes a seat bottom, which may be movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is a position in which the seat bottom is pivoted upwardly relative to the position of the seat bottom in the first position to allow access to a hidden compartment. The seat may also include a leg rest. The leg rest may extend aft of the transom, and may extend in a direction that is at a downward angle relative to the seat bottom. The leg rest may also have a length such that a gap is present between the leg rest and a surface beneath the leg rest.

Abstract: A boat, having a transom, includes one or more aft-facing seats. Each aft-facing seat is positioned proximate to the transom and includes a seat bottom that is inclined at a downward angle in a direction extending from aft to fore, a seatback, a headrest, a seat support structure having at least one hidden compartment therein, and at least one pivot mechanism attached to the seatback and the headrest and configured to allow the seatback to move between a first position in which the seatback is capable of supporting the back of a person seated in the seat and a second position in which the seatback is pivoted upwardly to allow access to the compartment and the headrest to move between an upright position and a folded position. A plurality of handles may be provided for each aft-facing seat, with one at an outboard side and another at an inboard side.

Abstract: A sailboat steering system (1) comprising a steerable saildrive (2), a control lever (3) for controlling a propeller speed of the steerable saildrive (2), a rudder angle sensor (4) to measure the ruder angle (?) of a rudder (5), and an electronic control unit (10). The electronic control unit (10) is enabled to control a steering angle (?) of the steerable saildrive (2), depending on the position of the control lever (3) and depending on a rudder angle (?) of the rudder (5). The invention also relates to a method of steering a sailboat.

Abstract: An arrangement for remotely controlling the position of a trawl door (1) or deflector for seismic surveys comprises an attachment point provided on a movable part (10). The movable part (10) can be moved in relation to a body of the trawl door (1) by means of a remotely controlled actuator. The movable part (10) with the attachment point (15) for a towing line is provided at the body or at a centre rib of the body of the trawl door (1). The movable part (10) with the attachment point can be moved substantially in vertical direction and approximately at right angles in relation to the direction of movement of the trawl door (1) when operated at sea, thereby resulting in an upwards or downwards movement of the trawl door (1) and thereby providing continuous adjustment of depth at which the trawl door (1) operates in the water.

Abstract: A boat includes a planing hull, a propeller, a main rudder, and a pair of flanking rudders. The planing hull has port and starboard sides, a transom, a hull bottom, and a centerline running down the middle of the boat, halfway between the port and starboard sides. The propeller is positioned forward of the transom and beneath the hull bottom. The main rudder is positioned aft of the propeller. The main rudder has a rotation axis about which the main rudder rotates. The flanking rudders are positioned forward of the propeller. One of the flanking rudders is positioned on the port side of the centerline, and the other flanking rudder is positioned on the starboard side of the centerline.

Abstract: There is disclosed a dual rudder system and method of improving the maneuvering ability and versatility of marine vehicles in navigable waters. A dual rudder steering assembly may be utilized in conjunction with a propeller of a marine vehicle. Moreover, multiple dual rudder steering assemblies may be utilized in conjunction with multiple propellers. A system for retrofitting existing marine vehicles with the disclosed devices is also disclosed, as well as a method of retrofitting existing marine vehicles with the steering system. Therefore, the disclosed steering system is compatible with pre-existing steering controls.

Abstract: A steering device having two rudder plates vertically suspended at a distance from an outer edge of a propeller. The rudder plates are biaxially arranged and symmetrically rotate around a screw shaft within a propeller radius from a screw shaft center, on a propeller rotation plane, and are turned from aside the propeller to downstream of the propeller by rotation of the steering shafts, each of which is driven independently by two hydraulic driving mechanisms. The steering action of the steering device has two modes: the two-independent mode, where the plates rotate in the same direction, and the two-same direction modes, where the plates move in different directions. A method for steering the same to enhance a thrust flow by increase in a propeller rate is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.

Abstract: This invention provides a foot-propelled catamaran watercraft having a pair of parallel, spaced-apart pontoons rigidly coupled together, an overhead support structure, coupled to the pontoons, from which a rider, wearing a harness, is suspendable, a rider stabilization structure consisting of a pair of mirror-image-operable tillers graspable by the rider, and a rudder mounted at the rear of each of the pontoons coupled to the tillers for steering the watercraft. The watercraft is propelled by rearward thrusting movements of the rider's feet, which are preferably equipped with fins, or flippers.

Abstract: A steering control system for ski boat with an inboard motor and a single, non-steerable propeller. The control system augments the traditional aft rudder with a forward rudder (located immediately in front of the propeller), and controls one or both rudders to improve steering when backing and in low forward speed conditions. The control system may control only the forward rudder, while the pre-existing controls operate the aft rudder, or optionally controls both rudders. The rudder angle control algorithm calculates proportional rudder angles based on helm and throttle settings, or optimal rudder angles based on more sensed conditions including the operator's helm and throttle controls, the ski boat's direction and speed, propeller RPM and thrust direction, and each rudder's angle. An electronic controller sends control signals to the rudders to achieve the optimal rudder angles.

Abstract: Provided is a floor apparatus which is vertically movable with a thruster canister within a vertical trunk of a hull. The floor apparatus includes a floor frame which is installed in an upper space of a vertical trunk of a ship, that is, a space above a thruster canister. The floor frame is installed to be vertically movable along the vertical trunk. The side of the floor frame is installed to be vertically movable while being guided along the sidewall of the vertical trunk. In particular, at least one pair of guide frames which guide the side of the floor frame are symmetrically installed on the sidewall of the vertical trunk.

Abstract: In a vessel, a first hull bottom (21) formed with a hull bottom (13) located at a centerline (C) of a hull (11) in a width direction inclined upward in a backward direction and a second hull bottom (22) formed to make an angle equal to or larger than an angle parallel to a design draft (S) and equal to or smaller than an angle of a backward extending line from the first hull bottom (21) continuously to the first hull bottom (21) at a position moved forward by a predetermined distance L set in advance from a stern end (12a) are provided, by which the vessel resistance can be reduced at the time of navigation.

Abstract: A steering control system for ski boat with an inboard motor and a single, non-steerable propeller. The control system augments the traditional aft rudder with a forward rudder (located immediately in front of the propeller), and controls one or both rudders to improve steering when backing and in low forward speed conditions. The control system may control only the forward rudder, while the pre-existing controls operate the aft rudder, or optionally controls both rudders. The rudder angle control algorithm calculates proportional rudder angles based on helm and throttle settings, or optimal rudder angles based on more sensed conditions including the operator's helm and throttle controls, the ski boat's direction and speed, propeller RPM and thrust direction, and each rudder's angle. An electronic controller sends control signals to the rudders to achieve the optimal rudder angles.

Abstract: A steering control system for ski boat with an inboard motor and a single, non-steerable propeller. The control system augments the traditional aft rudder with a forward rudder (located immediately in front of the propeller), and controls one or both rudders to improve steering when backing and in low forward speed conditions. The control system may control only the forward rudder, while the pre-existing controls operate the aft rudder, or optionally controls both rudders. The rudder angle control algorithm calculates proportional rudder angles based on helm and throttle settings, or optimal rudder angles based on more sensed conditions including the operator's helm and throttle controls, the ski boat's direction and speed, propeller RPM and thrust direction, and each rudder's angle. An electronic controller sends control signals to the rudders to achieve the optimal rudder angles.

Abstract: Rudder group (10) for boats (100) comprising a rudder blade (12) releasably coupled to a rudder pin (11), the rudder pin (11) being able to rotate along an axis (A) passing on the plane of the rudder blade (12) to define the forward direction of the boat (100), the rudder blade (12) also being connected in a rotatable manner to a support element (14) fitted onto the rudder pin (11) so that the rudder blade (12), when released by the rudder pin (11), can freely rotate between a lowered position, in which it is arranged longitudinally with respect to the rudder pin (11), and a maximum raised position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the rudder pin (11), in which the releasable coupling of the rudder blade (12) with the rudder pin (11) is obtained through a connection element (13) that can break at a predetermined load to free the rotation of the rudder blade (12) with respect to the support element (14).

Abstract: A dual-rudder control mechanism suitable for use in the sailboats (1), comprising an extendable pivot (8) having each end a respective rudder, mechanism (20) for extending the pivot (8) length, and a control mechanism being responsive to tilting angle of the sailboat (1), and activating or deactivating the mechanism (20) for extending the pivot length in response to the threshold tilting angle of the sailboat body.

Abstract: An exemplary propulsion arrangement is disclosed which includes two propulsion units situated side by side at the stern of a ship at opposite sides of a center line of the hull of the ship. Each propulsion unit can include a hollow support structure attached to the hull, a chamber attached to the support structure, an electric motor within the chamber, a propeller connected through a shaft to the electric motor, and a pivotably supported rudder at the rear end of the chamber. Each propulsion unit can be mounted in a toe-out position forming a horizontal tilt angle (?) of 0.5 to 6 degrees to the center line (CL) of the hull.

Abstract: A trimmable rudder system for a marine vessel such as a planing power boat, the system including a pair of rudder assemblies, each of which includes a rudder blade movably coupled to the hull by way of a ball-and-socket joint. Each rudder assembly includes a rudder shaft that extends from the rudder blade through the ball-and-socket joint and can be rotated for rotating the rudder blade to steer the power boat. Each rudder shaft may be operably coupled to a pair of actuators configured to control trim and camber positions of the rudder blade so that the pair of rudder blades can collectively achieve a desired hull trim change, including listing control and planing control of the power boat. Steering position, trim position, and camber position of the rudder blades may be simultaneously changed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rudder for maneuvering a ship-like object, the rudder comprising a main rudder blade having an upstream end and a downstream end, the rudder being rotatably mountable to the ship-like object around a rotation axis that generally extends in a vertical plane. The main rudder blade extends generally upright. The rudder comprises two generally upright extending auxiliary rudder blades connected to the main rudder blade by transverse plates. At least one of the transverse plates is oriented generally obliquely upwards towards a downstream end. The transverse plates thereby follow the orientation of the flow of water below the upwards receding aft body of the ship.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control apparatus is provided at least with: a rudder angle varying device capable of changing a relation between a steering angle, which is a rotation angle of a steering input shaft, and a rudder angle, which is a rotation angle of steered wheels; and a trajectory controlling device for controlling the rudder angle varying device such that a trajectory of a vehicle approaches a target driving route of the vehicle. The vehicle driving control apparatus is further provided with a changing device for changing responsiveness of control by the trajectory controlling device when there is a steering input given to the steering input shaft through a steering wheel by a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control apparatus is provided at least with: a rudder angle varying device capable of changing a relation between a steering angle, which is a rotation angle of a steering input shaft, and a rudder angle, which is a rotation angle of steered wheels; and a trajectory controlling device for determining a control amount and controlling the rudder angle varying device such that a trajectory of a vehicle approaches a target driving route of the vehicle. The vehicle driving control apparatus is further provided with a correcting device for correcting (i) a rate of change in the rudder angle with respect to a steering amount of the steering input or (ii) the determined control amount, in accordance with whether or not a steering direction of the steering input inputted to the steering input shaft through a steering member by a driver of the vehicle is identical with a rudder angle control direction of the control amount determined by the trajectory controlling device.

Abstract: A dual-rudder control mechanism suitable for use in the sailboats (1), comprising an extendable pivot (8) having each end a respective rudder, mechanism (20) for extending the pivot (8) length, and a control mechanism being responsive to tilting angle of the sailboat (1), and activating or deactivating the mechanism (20) for extending the pivot length in response to the threshold tilting angle of the sailboat body.

Abstract: A rudder system that uses a dual purpose thrust operated actuator. The actuator is selectively positioned for use in an up or constant down mode. While in the up mode, the actuator uses the force of the jet pump to raise the rudders out of the water at speed, and with the actuator set in the down mode, the invention uses the force of the jet pump water to hold the rudder in the water. In an alternative embodiment, the invention includes anti-oscillating veins attached to the thrust operated actuator. In another alternative embodiment, the travel of the actuator is limited by configuring it to come into contact with a rudder stabilizer bar. Another embodiment includes providing adjustable fin positions relative to the side force stabilizer.

Abstract: A rudder system that uses a dual purpose thrust operated actuator. The actuator is selectively positioned for use in an up or constant down mode. While in the up mode, the actuator uses the force of the jet pump to raise the rudders out of the water at speed, and with the actuator set in the down mode, the invention uses the force of the jet pump water to hold the rudder in the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rudder for maneuvering a ship-like object, the rudder comprising a main rudder blade having an upstream end and a downstream end, the rudder being rotatably mountable to the ship-like object around a rotation axis that generally extends in a vertical plane. The main rudder blade extends generally upright. The rudder comprises two generally upright extending auxiliary rudder blades connected to the main rudder blade by transverse plates. At least one of the transverse plates is oriented generally obliquely upwards towards a downstream end. The transverse plates thereby follow the orientation of the flow of water below the upwards receding aft body of the ship.

Abstract: An air-thrust marine vehicle has a hull with upwardly extending hull sides. An air-thrusting propulsion unit is configured for detachable mounting on the gunwales of various width hulls. The propulsion unit has a base assembly configured to move between a retracted position and plurality of expanded width positions for accommodating various width hulls, while being configured to hingedly engage the gunwales. The propulsion unit can be removed from the vehicle and positioned on another vehicle, such as a boat, an ice- or snow-traversing vehicle.

Abstract: Advanced steering system designs for marine vessels which incorporate non-linear tiller arms for rudder control, designed for creating different turning radii for discrete rudders. Differential tiller anus are utilized to create distinct angular displacement of the separate rudders in turning maneuvers, which enhance control and maneuverability of the marine vessels.

Abstract: A combined hull and steering mechanism for a marine vessel has a substantially rectangularly-shaped upper hull joined to a lower hull that is dual-tapered from its sidewalls to both its forward and aft portions. A directional thrust steering mechanism having a pair of vertical rudder blades positioned on either side of a conventional propeller extending from the centerline of the lower hull directs the water from the propeller, thus enabling the vessel to move more efficiently and with greater maneuverability in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-tapered hull permits a significantly better flow of water to and from the propeller and steering mechanism of the vessel, particularly when operating in reverse, thereby allowing the vessel to turn 360° in its own length.

Abstract: There is provided a ship, in particular a cargo ship. It has a plurality of Magnus rotors, wherein associated with each of the plurality of Magnus rotors is an individually actuable electric motor (M) for rotating the Magnus rotor, wherein associated with each electric motor (M) is a converter (U) for controlling the rotary speed and/or the rotary direction of the electric motor (M).

Abstract: Platform boats intended to be used for motorized boating and for forming-up with adjacent similar boats to form a continuous and contiguous mat of boats for socializing, fishing etc. The adjacent boats interlock and form an array of such boats all interlocked with one another. The boats may be shaped in planform as hexagons or other polygons but are preferably regular polygons which interlock without leaving gaps between adjacent boats. Each boat has a center well in which is mounted a motor. The motor may be rotated 360 degrees for driving the boat in a corresponding direction about a 360 degree range of motion. A pair of rudders is mounted on opposite sides of the center well to provide for directional stability, both in the manner of a keel, and for steering. When used as a keel, the rudders are elevated up into a channel so as to lock them in-line. The rudders may also be lifted entirely up into the channel to store the rudders when not in use.

Abstract: A combined hull and steering mechanism for a marine vessel has a substantially rectangularly-shaped upper hull joined to a lower hull that is dual-tapered from its sidewalls to both its forward and aft portions. A directional thrust steering mechanism having a pair of vertical rudder blades positioned on either side of a conventional propeller extending from the centerline of the lower hull directs the water from the propeller, thus enabling the vessel to move more efficiently and with greater maneuverability in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-tapered hull permits a significantly better flow of water to and from the propeller and steering mechanism of the vessel, particularly when operating in reverse, thereby allowing the vessel to turn 360° in its own length.

Abstract: The instant invention is a shroud/keel/rudder combination for use on a engine driven marine vessel having a vented tunnel propulsion system. The combination produces acceptable acceleration, minimal loss of speed, resistance to weed entanglement and optimized steering, in both forward and reverse, especially when used with surface piercing propellers.

Abstract: An improved windsurfing catamaran type vessel. The illustrated vessel has an improved steering mechanism that includes a relatively stiff but bendable plastic rod that is directly received within one or more guiding passageways or grooves formed in the plastic hull of the vessel. The plastic-to-plastic interface between rod and groove provides relatively low friction interengagement as the rod moves. The groove is open to ambient water, which will further reduce the friction. The rod has stiffness/flexibility characteristics that allow it to turn around relatively large radii while still being able to span relatively short distances without significant bending. A manual operative control member is pivotally mounted on the hull and connected to the rod in a manner which multiplies the force applied by the use; this provides the magnitude of force needed to move the rod with minimum exertion by the user.

Abstract: A high-speed water vessel including a steering arrangement for reducing cavitation and its effects. The arrangement includes a twisted rudder pair located downstream of a high-speed propulsor. The rudder pair may also be contoured at a bottom portion thereof. The propulsor has at least one propeller having a propeller diameter. In operation, the propulsor produces a slipstream that contracts with distance from the propeller. To avoid the effects of cavitation, the twisted rudder pair is positioned outside and adjacent to the slipstream diameter, with the rudders of the rudder pair separated by a distance that is less than the diameter of the propellers. The rudders of the rudder pair may be in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to each other. In gas turbine applications, the rudder pairs may be rotated towards each other to produce a rudder bucket for producing a negative thrust for stopping the high-speed water vessel.

Abstract: The stern hull portion of a surface ship or underwater sea craft is provided with a waterjet propulsion unit having an outlet end from which a discharge propelling waterjet emerges underwater and undergoes flow beyond the stern end of the hull between a pair of twin contoured rudders normally positioned for straight forward propulsion of the hull. The contoured rudders pivotally mounted underwater on the hull are angularly displaced by maneuvering control in opposite directions from the normal positions to maneuvering positions with their lower end tips in contact with each other to form a bucket to directionally change flow of the emerging waterjet for steering, deceleration and backing purposes during hull propulsion between low and high speeds. The twin rudders are also angularly displaced by the maneuvering control in the same angular direction for a different directionally regulated change in waterjet flow to effect turning of the hull for propulsion in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A water craft propulsion and steering system is disclosed in which a pair of tubular steering rudders are mounted one on the front end and aft end, respectively, of a propeller shroud tube. Power means is provided for turning both steering rudders in the same direction for increased steering thrust.

Abstract: A canting ballast twin foil (CBTF) sailing yacht constructed according to the invention includes a sailing hull, a ballast, a ballast-supporting structure, and an onboard ballast drive system. The ballast drive system moves the ballast in order to vary the counter-heeling force it produces underway. Twin foils that depend downwardly from the hull in positions fore and aft of the ballast provide leeway and steering control. An onboard main engine drive system provides power, either directly by suitable mechanical coupling or indirectly through charging of the battery/electric system, for one or more of a canting system, a leeway, and/or steering control system. The onboard main engine drive system may also power a yacht-propelling propeller.

Abstract: In such a high lift twin-rudder system that: a pair of high lift rudders 1, 2 is arranged behind a single propeller 3; the respective high lift rudder 1, 2 has a top end plate 6, 7 and a bottom end plate 8, 9 at the top end and the bottom of a rudder blade 4, 5; the respective rudder blade 4, 5 is provided with a reaction fin 10, 11, protruding from an inboard face of the rudder blade 4, 5 on a nearly same level with the axis of the propeller 3, that is originated nearly from the leading edge portion toward the rear and has a fixed chord length; the reaction fin 10 of the rudder blade 4 that faces on the board-side where the propeller blades rotate in the ascending direction assumes a posture that makes such attack angle that the ratio of a forward vectored thrust to a drag, both produced by a propeller slip stream having a stream component in the ascending direction, becomes maximum; and the reaction fin 11 of the rudder blade 5 that faces on the board-side where the propeller blades rotate in the descending

Abstract: A method and apparatus for steering a vessel comprising a member rotatable around a first and a second axis.

Abstract: In such a high lift twin-rudder system that: a pair of high lift rudders 1, 2 is arranged behind a single propeller 3; the respective high lift rudder 1, 2 has a top end plate 6, 7 and a bottom end plate 8, 9 at the top end and the bottom of a rudder blade 4, 5; the respective rudder blade 4, 5 is provided with a reaction fin 10, 11, protruding from an inboard face of the rudder blade 4, 5 on a nearly same level with the axis of the propeller 3, that is originated nearly from the leading edge portion toward the rear and has a fixed chord length; the reaction fin 10 of the rudder blade 4 that faces on the board-side where the propeller blades rotate in the ascending direction assumes a posture that makes such attack angle that the ratio of a forward vectored thrust to a drag, both produced by a propeller slip stream having a stream component in the ascending direction, becomes maximum; and the reaction fin 11 of the rudder blade 5 that faces on the board-side where the propeller blades rotate in the descending

Abstract: The rudder angle indicator system utilizes a low cost potentiometer coupled to the rudder to provide a signal proportional to rudder angle. A stepper motor positions, in open loop arrangement, the dial of a rudder angle indicator, such as a large three-faced rudder angle display, in accordance with the potentiometer signal. An active sector tab and sensor are utilized to provide a signal in accordance with when the indicator is in the active sector of the display so as to minimize the search for the indicator zero index tab.

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 catamaran-type sailboat with a steering mechanism preferably located at the level of the catamaran deck. This steering mechanism may include a rotatable or generally linearly moveable pad or element. The pad is usually actuated by foot, leaving the users hands free to operate a sail, but it can also be actuated by hand. The movement of the pad is generally simultaneously transferred to rudders at the rear of each catamaran hull by a push-pull cable unit, thereby steering the sailboat. An elastic band attached to the pad keeps the steering mechanism self-centered when not in use. When the user wishes to maneuver the sailboat, he simply moves the pad in the proper direction with his foot or hand.

Abstract: A steering system is provided for watercraft having a hull and first and second thrust producing devices capable of providing forward or reverse thrust relative to the hull, wherein the first and second thrust producing devices provide thrust along first and second thrust axes, respectively, comprising a first rudder assembly positioned forward of the first thrust producing device, wherein the first rudder assembly is pivotally connected beneath the hull; a second rudder assembly positioned forward of the second thrust producing device, wherein the second rudder assembly is pivotally connected beneath the hull; first actuation device operatively connected to the first rudder assembly for actuating a change in the rotational position of the first rudder assembly; second actuation device operatively connected to the second rudder assembly for actuating a change in the rotational position of the second rudder assembly; and a control device operatively connected to the first and second actuation devices for contr

Abstract: The inventive apparatus exercises control of the water flow which is discharged from a marine waterjet propulsor. Typical inventive embodiments comprise plural horizontal and plural vertical blade-like structures which together describe an open-ended, box-like rectilinear configuration characterized by at least two adjacent channels. Every vertical blade-like structure includes, at its aft end, a “steering” flap which is pivotable about a vertical axis. Some inventive embodiments advance marine craft reversing by implementing one or more bucket-like devices behind the inventive apparatus.

Abstract: Retract front rudders to be used as a steering system for small water craft such as canoes and kayaks. The system has a pair of angled retractable rudders mounted in a forward/bow portion and attached by shafted cables to a pair of movable control footpegs mounted in the rear or stern of the craft. The system can be mounted through an opening in the front floor of the craft. Alternatively, the system can be attached to the exterior front of the forward section of the craft.