Abstract: A personal watercraft has: a hull; a deck, a straddle-type seat; a motor; a jet propulsion unit; a steering column support; a steering column pivotally connected to the steering column support; a handlebar connected to the steering column; a steering arm connected to the steering column; a push-pull cable connected between the steering arm and a nozzle arm of a steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit; and a steering damper disposed between the handlebar and the steering column support. The steering damper has: a first portion connected to the steering column and being movable with the steering column; and a second portion connected to the steering column support, the steering column being pivotable relative to the second portion, the first portion being movable relative to the second portion, movement of the first portion relative to the second portion damping pivoting of the steering column about the steering column axis.

Abstract: A watercraft has a hull, a deck, an engine compartment, an engine disposed in the engine compartment, a steering assembly, a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, a variable trim system (VTS) support rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a VTS axis, a steering nozzle rotationally mounted to the VTS support about a steering axis, and a gate rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a gate axis. The gate is operatively connected to the VTS support such that rotation of the gate about the gate axis results in rotation of the VTS support about the VTS axis. An actuator is operatively connected to the gate to rotate the gate about the gate axis. The gate is operatively connected between the actuator and the VTS support. A jet propulsion system and a variable trim system and gate assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frame for supporting an implement (e.g. a plow) on a vehicle is disclosed. The support frame extends longitudinally and generally comprises, at its rear end, a rear attachment mechanism for removably mounting the support frame to the underside of the vehicle, and at its front end, a front attachment assembly for supporting the implement. The frame comprises a rear section and a front section hingedly connected together such that the front section can pivot upwardly with respect to the rear section. The support frame also comprises a biasing assembly or mechanism, generally comprising a resilient member engaging the front and rear sections, such as to downwardly bias the front portion. By overcoming the downward bias of the biasing assembly, the front section can be further raised with respect to the ground surface, thereby providing greater clearance.

Abstract: A watercraft has a hull, an engine compartment, an engine disposed and a jet pump. A gate is pivotable relative to the jet pump about a gate axis between an up and a down position. A gate actuator assembly includes an actuator housing fixed to the hull, and an actuator arm movable along an actuation axis with respect thereto. The actuator arm is operatively connected to the gate for pivoting the gate about the gate axis. A sealing member encloses a portion of the actuator arm between the actuator housing and the gate. The sealing member extends between a first end fixed with respect to the actuator housing and a second end fixed with respect to the actuator arm, forming a variable volume outer chamber to prevent entry of fluid therein. A passage fluidly communicating with the outer chamber, extends through the hull into the engine compartment.