Abstract: A method for downshifting a multi-speed transmission of a marine propulsion device to a first gear from a second gear. The method includes providing a shift schedule that indicates a shift recommendation for when to downshift from the second gear to the first gear. The method further includes configuring the transmission to downshift when the shift schedule indicates the shift recommendation, determining a requested speed of the marine propulsion device, measuring an actual speed of the marine propulsion device, calculating an error between the requested speed and the actual speed, comparing the error to an error threshold, and determining when the error exceeds the error threshold longer than a duration threshold. The method further includes controlling the transmission to downshift, despite the shift schedule indicating a non-shift recommendation, when the duration threshold is exceeded so as to reduce the error between the requested speed and the actual speed.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system for marine vessel includes at least one battery configured to power a vessel load, a plurality of marine drives, and a control system. Each of the plurality of marine drives includes an engine, an alternator driven by the engine to charge the battery, and a propulsor selectively driven by the engine to propel the marine vessel. Each of the plurality of marine drives is configured to operate in a propulsion mode in which the engine is operated to rotate the propulsor to propel the marine vessel in a generator mode in which the engine is operated to charge the battery while the marine vessel remains stationary. The control system is configured to select a subset of the plurality of marine drives and then to operate the subset of marine drives in the generator mode to charge the battery while the marine vessel remains stationary.

Abstract: A navigation system for a marine vessel incudes one or more proximity sensors, each at a sensor location on the marine vessel and configured to measure proximity of objects in an area surrounding the marine vessel and generate proximity measurements, and a control system configured to receive the proximity measurements measured by the one or more proximity sensors. From the received proximity measurements, four linearly-closest proximity measurements to the marine vessel are identified, including one closest proximity measurement to the marine vessel in each of a positive X direction, a negative X direction, a positive Y direction, and a negative Y direction. A most important object (MIO) dataset is generated identifying the four linearly-closest proximity measurements and propulsion of the marine vessel is controlled based at least in part on the MIO dataset.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system for a marine vessel includes an engine effectuating rotation of an output shaft, multiple batteries configured to power a marine vessel load, and an alternator having a rotor that is driven into rotation by the output shaft and that outputs a charge current to the batteries. The marine propulsion system further includes a control system configured to operate the engine in a propulsion mode and a generator mode. Upon receiving a generator mode command to start the engine in the generator mode, the control system operates the engine in accordance with a set of generator parameters to charge the batteries while a shift system of the marine propulsion system is locked in a neutral position such that the propulsor cannot be engaged and the marine vessel remains stationary.

Abstract: A method of controlling a steering system on a marine vessel includes, in response to receiving input to engage a quick steer mode, employing a reduced steering ratio to translate a change in position of a steering wheel to a desired change in steering angle of a marine drive. A vessel speed of the marine vessel is compared to a threshold vessel speed. Upon determining that the vessel speed exceeds the threshold vessel speed, an output limit in a direction of travel of the marine vessel is determined and the marine drive is controlled based on the output limit. A steering actuator associated with the marine drive is controlled based on the reduced steering ratio and the change in position of the steering wheel.

Abstract: A propeller for a marine propulsion device configured for use on a boat has a hub extending along a longitudinal axis and a plurality of blades, each blade having a blade root attached to the hub and extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis toward a respective blade tip, and each blade having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a blade face, and a blade back. Each blade has a polymer-based blade core. A portion of an outer edge of each blade core has a flange that is stepped inwardly from both the blade face and the blade back of the blade core. Each flange is electroless plated with a metal coating that covers the flange and fills in the steps on the blade face and the blade back of the blade core to provide a desired blade section. A method for manufacturing the propeller is also included.

Abstract: A method of operating a steering system on a marine vessel includes changing a maximum drive angle defining a permitted drive angle range for at least one marine drive and then, based on a steering map correlating wheel positions of a manually rotatable steering wheel to drive angles of the marine drive, adjusting at least one end stop wheel position to an adjusted end stop wheel position based on the changed maximum drive angle. Once it is determined that a current wheel position of the steering wheel is approaching the adjusted end stop wheel position, a resistance device is controlled to apply a resistance force against rotation of the steering wheel in a first rotational direction past the end stop position. The steering actuator associated with the marine drive is then controlled based on the steering map such that a drive angle of the marine drive stays within the permitted drive angle range.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electric marine propulsion system configured to propel a marine vessel including measuring at least one parameter of an electric motor in the electric marine propulsion system and determining that the parameter measurement indicates an abnormality in the electric marine propulsion system. A reduced operation limit is then determined based on the at least one parameter measurement, wherein the reduced operation limit includes at least one of a torque limit, an RPM limit, a current limit, and a power limit. The electric motor is then controlled such that the reduced operation limit is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method for controlling a propulsion system of a marine vessel includes receiving proximity measurements from one or more proximity sensors on the marine vessel, identifying an object located less than a buffer distance from a side of the marine vessel, and controlling a display device to indicate the side of the marine vessel where the object is located. A user input is then received to activate a buffer zone on the side of the marine vessel where the object is located, and then at least one propulsion device is automatically controlled based on the proximity measurements to move the marine vessel away from the object.

Abstract: A livewell system comprises a tank for holding water and aquatic life. A scale measures a weight of the tank and any contents of the tank. At least one sensor determines a property of the water in the tank. A pump pumps water into the tank. A controller is provided in signal communication with the scale, the at least one sensor, and the pump. The controller controls the pump based on information from the scale and the at least one sensor. A kit for a livewell system on a marine vessel, including a scale and a measurement module in signal communication with a controller, is also provided.

Abstract: A lost foam casting pattern that is constructed of a plastic filament, a foaming agent, and a coating. The lost foam casting pattern is printable on a 3-D printer. A 3-D printable material for the creation of a lost foam casting pattern is also disclosed where the material includes 95.0% to 99.75% by weight of a plastic filament combined with 0.25% to 5.00% by weight of a foaming agent. A method for preparing a lost foam casting pattern using the 3-D printable material is further described.

Abstract: A system and method for deterring the theft of a marine battery pack used to power a marine propulsion system, such as an outboard motor. The marine battery pack includes an internal communication system that allows the battery pack to communicate with an authentication device. The battery pack communicates an authentication request to the authentication device. If the battery pack is associated with the authentication device, a confirmation is communicated to the marine battery pack and the marine battery pack operates in a normal manner. If confirmation is not received from an authentication device, the operation of the marine battery pack is modified from the normal condition. The modification of the operation of the battery pack renders the battery pack unusable to deter theft. Each battery pack may be associated with more than one authentication device and each authentication device may be associated with more than one battery pack.

Abstract: A steering system on a marine vessel includes at least one outboard drive configured to propel the marine vessel, a steering actuator configured to rotate the at least one outboard drive, at least one trim device coupled to the marine vessel and movable with respect to a hull of the marine vessel to adjust a running angle thereof, and at least one trim actuator. A control system configured to determine a desired roll angle and at least one of a desired turn rate and desired turn angle for the marine vessel based on a steering instruction and control the steering actuator to rotate the at least one outboard drive based on the desired turn rate and/or the desired turn angle and control the at least one trim actuator to move the at least one trim device based on the desired roll angle to effectuate the steering instruction.

Abstract: A container for a marine battery includes a lower portion for supporting the marine battery and a cover portion over the lower portion. The cover portion and lower portion together enclose an interior space configured to hold the battery. The cover portion has a middle section and two end sections on either side of the middle section. At least one of the end sections has an access door that is movable independently of the middle section to provide access to the interior space, while the middle section remains stationary with respect to the lower portion.

Abstract: A propeller hub assembly for a marine drive having a propeller shaft is provided. The propeller hub assembly includes a first hub portion having a first main body and multiple propeller blades extending radially therefrom. The first main body is substantially cone-shaped and tapers inwardly from a first keyed end proximate the multiple propeller blades. The propeller hub assembly further includes a second hub portion having a second keyed end. The first hub portion is coupled to the second hub portion such that the first keyed end is mated to the second keyed end, and the first hub portion and the second hub portion are configured to engage the propeller shaft such that rotation of the propeller shaft causes rotation of the first hub portion and the second hub portion.