Abstract: A hybrid marine vessel is provided with a system that inhibits the movement of the marine vessel under its own power when the marine vessel is connected or recharging to a stationary source of energy on shore. This avoids significant damage that could otherwise occur if the marine vessel moves away or attempts to move away from the dock when connected by a cable or other device to a stationary structure. The system detects a potential connection between the boat and a stationary shore component, such as a source of energy, and inhibits the transmission from being placed in a forward or reverse gear position under those conditions. Similarly, if the boat is already in a forward or reverse gear position, the system inhibits its being placed into a battery recharging mode.

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: A process is provided by which the operator of a marine vessel can invoke the operation of a computer program that investigates various alternatives that can improve the range of the marine vessel. The distance between the current location of the marine vessel and a desired waypoint is determined and compared to a range of the marine vessel which is determined as a function of available fuel, vessel speed, fuel usage rate, and engine speed. The computer program investigates the results that would be achieved, theoretically, from a change in engine speed. Both increases and decreases in engine speed are reviewed and additional theoretical ranges are calculated as a function of those new engine speeds. The operator of the marine vessel is informed when an advantageous change in engine speed is determined.

Abstract: A tubular receptacle, which is generally similar in appearance with a female cigarette lighter, is provided with communication contacts that allow a specifically designed insert member to be disposed within a cavity of the tubular receptacle to accomplish a simultaneous connection of electrical power between the vehicle and a portable electrical device and the connection of data links between those two components. By simply inserting the insert into the cavity of the tubular receptacle, data connections and power connections are made at the same time and without the need to make separate connections to accomplish these purposes.

Abstract: An auto detect system is provided for a marine vessel in which the various associations and relationships between marine propulsion devices, gauges, sensors, and other components are quickly and easily determined. The system performs a method which automatically determines the number of marine propulsion devices on the marine vessel and, where needed, prompts the boat builder or marine vessel outfitter to enter various commands to identify particular marine propulsion devices with reference to their location on the marine vessel and to identify certain other components, such as gauges, with reference to both their location at a particular helm station and their association with a particular marine propulsion device.