Abstract: A marine propulsion unit of a marine vessel includes a casing provided to house the steering shaft and a controller configured or programmed to control driving of a propeller, the casing being rotatable by the steering shaft, a power supply wire to supply power to the stator, and a signal wire to transmit a drive signal to the controller. The power supply wire and the signal wire are located outside and along the casing so as to pass behind the steering shaft from a first side to a second side of the casing, the first and second sides being opposite to each other with respect to a forward-rearward direction in a plan view thereof.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit of a marine vessel includes a casing provided above a duct to house a steering shaft and a controller configured or programmed to control driving of a propeller, the casing being rotatable by the steering shaft, a power supply wire to supply power to a stator, and a signal wire to transmit a drive signal to the controller. The power supply wire and the signal wire are located outside and along the casing so as to pass in front of the steering shaft along a rotation direction of the steering shaft from a first side to a second side of the casing, the first and second sides being opposite to each other with respect to a forward-rearward direction in a plan view thereof.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device controller includes a main operator that starts engines of all propulsion devices collectively with a simple operation and increases the degree of freedom of layout on a panel on which the main operator is disposed. The main operator is provided in common for all of the propulsion devices. The main operator receives a first operation and a second operation consecutively after receiving the first operation. All remote control ECUs are activated in response to receiving the first operation. The main operator outputs a collective start command to simultaneously start all the engines of the propulsion devices in response to receiving the second operation. Each remote control ECU starts the corresponding engine based on the collective start command.

Abstract: A traveling route generating device is provided, which may include a user interface and processing circuitry. The user interface may receive a home route that is a route on which a ship travels upon departing from a home harbor or upon returning to the home harbor, the home harbor being a location from which the ship departs. The processing circuitry may generate a traveling route between one of a destination of the ship and a current location of the ship, and a location on the home route.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lighting systems employed in outboard motors used as marine propulsion systems, and to marine vessel assemblies employing outboard motors with such lighting systems, and related methods of operation and implementation. In one example embodiment of a lighting system, the lighting system includes a first cowling panel portion including a reflective strip portion, and a second cowling panel portion that, in combination with the first cowling panel portion, at least partly defines an interior region within the cowling. The lighting system also includes a lighting source that is positioned within the interior region and positioned so that, when operating, first light is emitted toward the reflective strip portion and, upon the first light reaching the reflective strip portion, at least some of the first light is directed outward away from the cowling.

Abstract: A boat includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to a control screen. The controller has stored therein a plurality of modes corresponding to an activity and includes a plurality of controls corresponding to the activity. The controller is configured to display on the control screen, when one of the modes is activated, the plurality of controls for the activated mode. The activated mode may also be an operating mode that corresponds to an operational condition of the boat. The boat may include a processor that is configured to generate an adjusted audio signal by selecting one or more of a plurality of subranges of frequencies of an audio signal and adjusting the selected subranges to compensate for at least one environmental condition associated with the operational condition of the boat corresponding to the operating mode.

Abstract: A system for operating a boat equipped with an electric drive includes a component controller. The component controller includes a component interface for connecting a system component of the electric drive, and a communication interface for connecting the component controller to a system bus of the drive control.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a marine vessel having a first driveline assembly having a first engine and a first motor-generator, a second driveline assembly having a second engine and second motor-generator, and a controller configured to operate of the assemblies in a split mode. The split mode includes the first driveline assembly being driven by the first engine without torque assistance from the first motor-generator and the second driveline assembly being driven by the second motor-generator without torque assistance from the second engine and includes the first motor generator providing electrical power to the marine vessel grid for consumption.

Abstract: A return-to-harbor notifying device is provided, which may include a user interface and processing circuitry. The user interface may receive an information related to a planned time of arrival at a home harbor that is a location to which a ship returns. The processing circuitry may generate a traveling route upon returning to the harbor, calculate a required time for traveling from a current location of the ship to the home harbor based on the traveling route, calculate a return-to-harbor start time of the ship based on the required time and the information related to the planned time of arrival, and notify a content based on the return-to-harbor start time.

Abstract: A haptic device comprising a base and at least one shaker branch. Said at least one branch is connected to the base by mobility means conferring a degree of freedom on the branch to move in rotation about a pivot axis relative to the base. An exciter member comprises electrical exciter means configured to cause said at least one branch to shake by moving in rotation about the pivot axis from a rest position to an activated position, and resilient return means tending to maintain each branch in the corresponding rest position.

Abstract: There is provided an identification number setting apparatus of a plurality of outboard motors attached to a ship body. A plurality of engine control modules are provided in the plurality of outboard motors. A keyless controller is configured to perform an authentication process for keyless control between the keyless controller and the plurality of engine control modules. During initial registration of authentication information for the authentication process, the keyless controller sets identification numbers in the plurality of engine control modules.

Abstract: An HVAC control system, associated brushless direct current motor, and methods of operation are disclosed. One such control system includes a brushless direct current motor and an optically-isolated interface exposing control access to the brushless direct current motor. The system includes a first programmable controller electrically connected to the brushless direct current motor, the programmable controller configured to receive a control signal via the optically-isolated interface, and a second programmable controller providing the control signal to the optically-isolated interface.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device has a cursor which is moved by tilting and or accelerating the device, where the cursor movement correlates to a bubble in a bull's eye level. Gestures include flicking, shaking, and reversing an acceleration or tilting, to control movement of the cursor, and to execute instructions corresponding to a position of the cursor. These gestures may be combined with touch, speech, buttons, or other known methods of communication between users and devices.

Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a profile storage module, a profile playback module, and a speed control module. The profile storage module stores an acceleration profile specifying a manner of accelerating a marine vessel. The profile playback module, in response to a play command received from a vessel operator, retrieves the acceleration profile and adjusts a desired engine speed based on the acceleration profile. The speed control module controls an engine speed of the marine vessel based on the desired engine speed.

Abstract: A device that captures and processes individual rower data and transmits the data to a display for use by the coxswain or the coach to enable the provision of immediate feedback to one or more rowers in order to improve the overall performance of the boat.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes a bracket that is attachable to a marine vessel, a duct that is rotatable around a steering axis with respect to the bracket, a propeller that is rotatable with respect to the duct around a propeller axis extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller. The propeller includes a plurality of blades and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades, and is surrounded by the duct. The electric motor rotates the rim with respect to the duct.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes a bracket that is attachable to a marine vessel, a duct that is rotatable around a steering axis with respect to the bracket, a propeller that is rotatable with respect to the duct around a propeller axis extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller. The propeller includes a plurality of blades and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades, and is surrounded by the duct. The electric motor rotates the rim with respect to the duct.

Abstract: In an outboard motor having a prime mover, a gear mechanism transmitting a driving force of the prime mover to a propeller, and a gear case housing the gear mechanism, it is configured to have a drain bolt fastened to a drain hole bored at the gear case and constituted as a magnetic member; a stacked portion provided at an exposed part of the drain bolt in an inside of the gear case and having a conductor, an insulator and a resistive element partially making contact with the conductor that are stacked in a gravitational direction; a current detector detecting a current value conducted from the conductor to the drain bolt under a condition where voltage is applied to the conductor; and a wear debris amount detector adapted to detect an amount of wear debris of the gear mechanism deposited at the drain bolt based on the conducted current value.

Abstract: An indicator device on a marine vessel is configured to display motion. A controller operates the indicator device according to at least a first mode wherein the indicator device displays motion and a second mode wherein the indicator device does not display motion. The controller operates the indicator device based upon an operational characteristic of the marine vessel to thereby inform a swimmer located proximate to the marine vessel of the operational characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method relating to a tiller for steering a boat. The tiller has an elongated body proximally connected to a steering mechanism portion of the boat and cantilevered therefrom, terminating at a distal end that is ergonomically responsive to a sailor's manual steering of the boat. The tiller also has a navigational device, such as GPS, mounted to the body and thereby operably presented to the sailor at a desired viewing angle to facilitate the sailor reading an output display of the navigational device while steering the boat.

Abstract: Conventional unpowered surfboards enable riders to catch and ride waves towards a shoreline and experience the thrill and power of ocean waves. An electric powered surfboard has been developed to assist novice riders or riders who have suffered injuries or impairments which limit their ability to paddle are effectively prevented, or at least impaired from enjoying this activity. The surfboard comprises one or more propulsion systems which each comprise an electric motor, a drive shaft and a rotor. The rotor may be a propeller mounted in a fin of the board, or it may be an impellor in a water jet. The surfboard also comprises a power control system for controlling power to the propulsion system and comprises a speed controller and a battery as well as a cooling system for cooling the motor and speed controller. The surfboard may also comprise a monitoring system which comprises a power monitor and an output device for indicating the remaining capacity to the rider.

Abstract: In an outboard motor having a prime mover, a gear mechanism transmitting a driving force of the prime mover to a propeller, and a gear case housing the gear mechanism, it is configured to have a drain bolt fastened to a drain hole bored at the gear case and constituted as a magnetic member; a stacked portion provided at an exposed part of the drain bolt in an inside of the gear case and having a conductor, an insulator and a resistive element partially making contact with the conductor that are stacked in a gravitational direction; a current detector detecting a current value conducted from the conductor to the drain bolt under a condition where voltage is applied to the conductor; and a wear debris amount detector adapted to detect an amount of wear debris of the gear mechanism deposited at the drain bolt based on the conducted current value.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes a bracket that is attachable to a marine vessel, a duct that is rotatable around a steering axis with respect to the bracket, a propeller that is rotatable with respect to the duct around a propeller axis extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller. The propeller includes a plurality of blades and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades, and is surrounded by the duct. The electric motor rotates the rim with respect to the duct.

Abstract: A device that captures and processes individual rower data and transmits the data to a display for use by the coxswain or the coach to enable the provision of immediate feedback to one or more rowers in order to improve the overall performance of the boat.

Abstract: A marine vessel running controlling apparatus is applicable to a marine vessel which includes a propulsive force generating unit arranged to generate a propulsive force to be applied to a hull of the marine vessel, and a steering unit arranged to turn the hull. The marine vessel running controlling apparatus includes an operational unit to be operated by an operator of the marine vessel to control a steering angle of the steering unit, and a control unit arranged to update control information related to the steering angle of the steering unit with respect to an operation amount of the operational unit based on data acquired during travel of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A device for controlling a vehicle, in particular a watercraft with a drive system with an energy generating device including a combustion engine, an electric generator adapted to coact with said combustion engine, and a rectifier for rectifying the electrical energy; an energy storage device to store the electrical energy for energy output as and how required; and an energy distribution system for distributing the energy made available by the energy generating and/or the energy storage device to at least one electric motor used to drive a propeller, as well as to other electric power consumers. A central control unit is data-technically coupled with the energy generating device, the energy storage device and the energy distribution system to coordinate energy generation, storage and distribution. The central control device has output means for display of information to a user and/or input means (19) for entry of signals by a user.

Abstract: A marine vessel running controlling apparatus is applicable to a marine vessel which includes a propulsive force generating unit, a steering unit, and an operational unit to control a steering angle. The marine vessel running controlling apparatus includes a target characteristic storage unit arranged to store a target characteristic line which represents a target marine vessel maneuvering characteristic defining a relationship between a target turning behavior with respect to an operation amount of the operational unit and a traveling speed of the marine vessel, a target characteristic change inputting unit arranged to change a shape of the target characteristic line, and a target characteristic line updating unit arranged to update the target characteristic line according to an input from the target characteristic change inputting unit.

Abstract: Status indicators for use with a watercraft propulsion system are described. An example indicator includes a light operatively coupled to a propulsion system of a watercraft, wherein an operation of the light indicates a status of a thruster system of the propulsion system.

Abstract: A watercraft can have a controller that can change a speed mode between a speed set mode and a regular mode in response to an operation of an auto cruise switch. The controller can return the speed mode to a regular mode under various conditions. For example, but without limitation, when an engine rotational speed reaches “zero” or nearly “zero” (i.e., an engine operation stops or nearly stops) while the speed mode is in the speed set mode. The controller can be configured to follow the actuation of the cruise switch only when the switch is operated in the regular mode.

Abstract: An engine ECU provided in a boat propulsion system is connected to a remote control ECU provided in a remote control device, the remote control ECU is connected to a gauge ECU provided in an information display device, and control is performed so as to start communication between the remote control ECU and the gauge ECU after a power supply is turned on and after authentication of the engine ECU and the remote control ECU is completed. Accurate information on the boat propulsion system can be transmitted in response to a request from the information display device at a time of initialization at a system start.

Abstract: A boat capable of assigning device instance numbers in accordance with the placement order of boat propulsion units, irrespective of the activation order of the boat propulsion units, comprises a plurality of control units for controlling a plurality of boat propulsion units. A plurality of gauge sections for displaying operation information of the respective boat propulsion units are connected to each other and to the plurality of control units via a communication network. The respective control units assign device instance numbers to the operation information of the boat propulsion units and transmit the device instance numbers, and the respective gauge sections identify and receive the device instance numbers for display. The control units are connected to each other via a communication line, and respectively include DI-number setting sections capable of setting device instance numbers, and determining sections capable of determining the positions of the boat propulsion units.

Abstract: An operation control system for a planing boat can include a mode selection module configured to allow a driver to select a driving mode of either one of a normal operation mode, in which the boat cruises at a speed in response to the displacement of an acceleration controller, and a speed-fixing mode, in which the boat cruises at a fixed speed at a level when a speed-fixing controller is operated. The system can also include a planing condition determination module configured to determine whether a hull is at the stage of planing, in which the mode selection module is configured to prohibit the driving mode from switching to the speed-fixing mode if the planing condition determination module determines that the hull is not at the stage of planning. The mode selection module can also be configured to permit the driving mode to switch to the speed-fixing mode if the planing condition determination module determines that the hull is at the stage of planing.

Abstract: An action control device for a small boat can include a running condition detecting device, a running environment determining device configured to determine a running environment based upon the running condition, and a steering control device configured to set a steering handle operative characteristic in response to the running environment.

Abstract: An automatic speed control system that provides desired watercraft velocity over land. The coupled algorithms correct engine speed and torque using inertia based measurements, GPS, and tachometer measurements, and the corrections are augmented and enhanced by velocity/speed and torque/speed relationships that are dynamically and adaptively programmed with real-time data collected during replicated operations of the watercraft in specified conditions.

Abstract: Status indicators for use with a watercraft propulsion system are described. An example indicator includes a light operatively coupled to a propulsion system of a watercraft, wherein an operation of the light indicates a status of a thruster system of the propulsion system.

Abstract: An automatic speed control system that provides desired watercraft velocity over land. The coupled algorithms correct engine speed and torque using inertia based measurements, GPS, and tachometer measurements, and the corrections are augmented and enhanced by velocity/speed and torque/speed relationships that are dynamically and adaptively programmed with real-time data collected during replicated operations of the watercraft in specified conditions.

Abstract: An outboard motor steering control system operates at starting of the engine to compare the output of the steering wheel angle sensor which indicates the turned angle of the steering wheel and the output of the rotation angle sensor which indicates the rotation angle of the swivel shaft, determines whether there is a phase difference in steering angle therebetween, responds to any phase difference found by, at the time the boat operator turns the steering wheel, controlling the operation of the actuator connected to the swivel shaft so as to eliminate the difference, and further operates to inform the boat operator of the difference. Owing to this configuration, the difference can be eliminated without causing the boat operator to experience an unnatural feel.

Abstract: An engine ECU provided in a boat propulsion system is connected to a remote control ECU provided in a remote control device, the remote control ECU is connected to a gauge ECU provided in an information display device, and control is performed so as to start communication between the remote control ECU and the gauge ECU after a power supply is turned on and after authentication of the engine ECU and the remote control ECU is completed. Accurate information on the boat propulsion system can be transmitted in response to a request from the information display device at a time of initialization at a system start.

Abstract: On a marine craft that may be equipped with plural outboard motors engine control nodes can be mounted on outboard motors, and a display control node, as well as the network management node can be connected to a bus constructing a network. Receiving a display transmission frame sent out by the engine control nodes, display control node distinguishes the number of engines mounted, determines display layout compatible with the number of engines, and displays navigation information such as engine operational information, and navigation data including boat speed and others on a navigation information display meter in accordance with the determined display layout.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls a marine vessel propulsion system which is equipped with a propeller system to generate a propulsive force and a steering mechanism to determine a steering angle of the propeller system. The control apparatus includes a target propulsive force setting unit arranged to set a target propulsive force, and a propeller system control unit arranged to control an output of the propeller system such that the output is lower than the target propulsive force while the steering angle is being changed.

Abstract: A haptic notification system for a marine vessel is provided which alerts the marine vessel operator and passengers even if those individuals are displaced from the helm position. By changing a sensible characteristic of the vessel, the passengers and operator can be haptically notified that one of them should return to the helm in order to determine the condition about which they were notified.

Abstract: An engine failure diagnosis system simply performs failure diagnosis of engine components, which are driven while an engine is operating, even at the time when the engine is stopped, and identifies a component that has failed and a location where a failure has occurred. The engine failure diagnosis system includes an ECM arranged to control an engine provided in an outboard motor of a watercraft. The ECM includes an actuation command section arranged to actuate engine components, which are driven while the engine is running, in a given manner, and a failure diagnosis section arranged to diagnose the presence of a failure in the engine components. The engine components of the engine are provided with actuated condition detecting sections arranged to detect a predetermined actuated condition. When the actuation command section outputs an actuation command while the engine is stopped, the engine components are actuated in a given manner.

Abstract: A method for setting screens of plural inboard indicators connected to an inboard network via a communication line includes connecting a terminal to the inboard network. The method also includes loading the terminal with data from the plural indicators and setting the screens of the indicators in the terminal. Additionally, the method includes sending screen setting data from the terminal to the respective indicators via the communication line after setting the screens of the indicators.

Abstract: An outboard-type generator includes a generator body mountable on a transom of a hull. The outboard-type generator includes an engine and a generator driven by the engine. The generator may be an inverter type generating unit and be connected to an end of a crankshaft of the engine. The generator body has a cooling water inlet to receive cooling water and an exhaust gas outlet. The outboard-type generator is lighter weight and has improved durability, a simplified structure and a higher output in comparison to portable generators.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for warning a user or operator about a malfunction in a pump and/or engine of a marine vessel or another suitable device or equipment, featuring steps of: comparing a sensed pressure differential at a sensed RPM when the pump/engine is running to a learned database having a pressure differential versus RPM curve; and providing an indication to the operator when there is a change in the relationship that exceeds a predetermined relationship. The apparatus may include an active intelligence unit or module for making the comparison and providing the indication according to the invention.

Abstract: An automatic speed control system that provides desired watercraft velocity over land. The coupled algorithms correct engine speed and torque using GPS and tachometer measurements, and the corrections are augmented and enhanced by velocity/speed and torque/speed relationships that are dynamically and adaptively programmed with real-time data collected during replicated operations of the watercraft in specified conditions.

Abstract: A real time visual self-monitoring system for a user includes a camera adapted for fixed monitoring in selectable relativity to the user, a monitoring device for receiving camera output adapted for viewing by the user and a power supply for the camera and monitoring device as required in which the monitoring device allows the user to selectively and/or simultaneously view their own real time motion from a remote vantage point in conjunction with their own peripheral vision.

Abstract: A shift assist mechanism is provided with a position identification device that incorporates one or more probes in association with one or more depressions that identify alignment between various positions on the piston and cylinder of the shift assist mechanism. Electrical conductivity or non-conductivity of three electrical conductors identifies the relative axial positions of these components. In addition, the electrical conductors of the system allow the detection of water within the lubricating oil of the transmission.

Abstract: A boat indicator enables a user to easily read engine speeds for boats which can switch between a low-speed trolling mode and a normal running mode at speeds higher than the trolling mode speed. The boat indicator includes an engine speed indicating section for indicating engine speed. The engine speed indicating section is adapted to switch between a normal mode display for indicating the engine speed over a relatively large range when the boat is in the normal mode and a trolling mode display for indicating engine speed over a relatively small, low-speed range when the boat is in the trolling mode. The normal mode display indicates engine speed detected with a first resolution over the large range. The trolling mode display indicates engine speed detected with a second resolution finer than the first resolution over the smaller range.

Abstract: A rudder position indicator apparatus includes a cam mounted on a steering linkage of a watercraft. The steering linkage is or an outdrive. When the rudder or an outdrive is in a straight position, the cam activates a micro switch, which in turn, supplies a ground for an indicator light to illuminate. The indicator light can be located on a dash of the watercraft.