Abstract: A propulsion system and propulsion control method for a marine vessel is configured to detect a steering position of at least one propulsion device, determine a difference between the detected steering position and a centered steering position, and require, by a controller, that the detected steering position be within a threshold range of the centered steering position prior to enabling a joystick thrust control mode wherein thrust by the at least one propulsion device is controlled based on user input at a joystick.

Abstract: A marine drive is for propelling a marine vessel in a body of water. The marine drive comprises a motor housing defining a motor cavity; a motor disposed in the motor cavity; a propulsor shaft extending from the motor housing, wherein the motor is configured to cause rotation of the propulsor shaft; a propulsor which is rotated by the propulsor shaft to create a thrust force in the body of water; and a vent conduit having a first end connected to the motor cavity and a second end which vents the motor cavity to atmosphere.

Abstract: A device for modifying a wake of a marine vessel hull. The hull extends between a bow and a transom and laterally between sides. An underside of the hull extends between the sides and between the bow and the transom. The device includes an appendage with a first panel fixed to a second panel. The appendage is configured to be movably coupled to the hull to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position the first panel extends along one of the sides of the hull and the second panel extends along the underside of the hull. The first panel moves laterally outwardly away from the side of the hull and the second panel moves vertically away from the underside of the hull when the appendage moves toward the deployed position. Moving the appendage to the deployed position modifies the wake of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A proximity sensing system on a marine vessel includes a main IMU positioned on the vessel at a main installation attitude and a main location, a first proximity sensor configured to measure the proximity of objects from a first sensor location on the vessel, and a first sensor IMU positioned on the vessel at the first sensor location and at a first installation attitude. A control system is configured to receive main IMU data from the main IMU and first IMU data from the first sensor IMU, wherein the main location of the main IMU on the marine vessel is known and at least one of the first sensor location and the first installation attitude of the first sensor IMU on the marine vessel are initially unknown, and calibrate the proximity measurements from the first proximity sensor based on the main IMU data and the first IMU data.

Abstract: A method for shifting a marine propulsion device transmission between first and second gears transmitting torque from a powerhead with a redline RPM. The transmission has a transition time for completing a shift. The method includes measuring an RPM of the powerhead, comparing the RPM to a first threshold, and starting a timer when the RPM exceeds the first threshold. The method includes measuring the RPM of the powerhead after the first threshold is exceeded, comparing the RPM to a second threshold, stopping the timer when the RPM exceeds the second threshold, determining an elapsed time between starting and stopping the timer, and determining a shift RPM based on the determined elapsed time, the redline RPM, and the transition time of the transmission. The method includes controlling the transmission to shift when the RPM measured for the powerhead reaches the shift RPM such that shifting completes before the redline RPM.

Abstract: A bracket for coupling an actuator assembly having a first rod and a second rod to a pivotable component of a marine vessel comprises a main body with a first end configured to be pivotally coupled to the first rod and an opposite second end configured to be pivotally coupled to the second rod. The main body pivots about at least one axis to thereby facilitate equal loading of the first rod and the second rod, and a linking member is pivotally coupled to the main body and is configured to be coupled to the pivotable component.

Abstract: A device for modifying a wake of a marine vessel having a hull. The hull extends between a bow and a transom in a longitudinal direction and between sides in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The sides each extend between a top and a bottom in a vertical direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the lateral direction. A panel is movably coupled to one of the sides of the hull and movable into and between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the panel extends along the one of the sides of the hull. The panel moves laterally outwardly away from the one of the sides of the hull when moving toward the deployed position. Moving the panel from the stowed position to the deployed position causes the panel to modify the wake of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A propulsion control system for a marine vessel includes at least one image sensor positioned on the marine vessel and configured to image an area behind the marine vessel, and multiple drive units configured to propel the marine vessel. Each of the drive units is steerable about a vertical steering axis. The propulsion control system further includes a controller configured to receive a prompt to perform an obstacle clearance procedure, and in response to the prompt, steer at least one of the drive units about its vertical steering axis to increase visibility of the area behind the marine vessel by the at least one image sensor.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a marine vessel in place in a body of water includes a controller in signal communication with a power-deployable anchor and a propulsion-based electronic anchoring system and a user input device in signal communication with the controller. The controller deploys the power-deployable anchor in response to a single user-selected option input via the user input device under a first set of conditions. The controller activates the propulsion-based electronic anchoring system in response to the single user-selected option input via the user input device under a different second set of conditions.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system for a marine vessel including a joystick, at least one steerable and trimmable marine drive, and a control system configured to receive a user input to engage full vessel control mode, receive a vessel speed parameter, and receive a joystick position from the joystick. The control system determines a thrust command, a steering command, and a trim command for the at least one marine drive based on the joystick position and the vessel speed parameter and to control the at least one marine drive accordingly.

Abstract: A convertible seating system for a marine vessel has a leaning post and a reversible seat having a first seat side and a second seat side which is transversely oriented to the first seat side. The reversible seat is coupled to the leaning post and movable into and between a forward seating position located above the leaning post and a rearward seating position located adjacent to the rear of the leaning post. In the forward seating position the first seat side provides a forward seating surface for supporting a seated occupant facing the bow and the second seat side provides a forward backrest surface for supporting the seated occupant facing the bow. In the rearward seating position the second seat side provides a rearward seating surface for supporting a seated occupant facing the stern and the first seat side provides a rearward backrest surface for supporting the seated occupant facing the stern.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a marine vessel at a target position in a body of water, the method being carried out by a processing system and including: estimating at least one roughness condition of the body of water based on measurements related to an attitude of the marine vessel; calculating a desired linear velocity based on a difference between an actual position of the marine vessel and the target position; filtering an actual linear velocity of the marine vessel based on the roughness conditions; and operating a propulsion system of the marine vessel to move the marine vessel to minimize a difference between the desired linear velocity and the filtered actual linear velocity. A method for maintaining a marine vessel at a target heading in a body of water is also disclosed.

Abstract: A marine vessel with a hull extending horizontally from a bow to a stern. The hull has opposing walls that extend upwardly with at least one of the opposing walls having a first opening therein. A tower has opposing feet with a raised section therebetween. The opposing feet are coupled to the opposing walls and one of the opposing feet is horizontally aligned at least in part with the first opening. An engine compartment is configured for positioning an engine therein. A first conduit fluidly couples the first opening and the engine compartment for at least one of ventilating and exhausting the engine compartment.