Abstract: A steering system on a marine vessel includes a steering wheel movable by a vessel operator to steer the marine vessel and a variable resistance device controllable to apply a variable resistance amount to resist movement of the steering wheel. The system includes a control unit that controls the variable resistance device to determine a baseline resistance amount based on vessel speed and/or engine RPM and detect at least a threshold change in angular position of the marine vessel. The control unit then controls the variable resistance device to prevent a decrease in the resistance amount below the baseline resistance amount or to increase the resistance amount above the baseline resistance amount.

Abstract: A user input device for controlling steering and/or propulsion of a marine vessel includes a movable member movable by a vessel operator to control the steering and/or propulsion of the marine vessel, a variable resistance device controllable to vary resistance to movement of the movable member, and a controller that controls the variable resistance device. The controller is configured to detect an unstable condition indicator and, upon detecting the unstable condition indicator, control the variable resistance device to increase resistance to movement of the movable member.

Abstract: A cooling system for an outboard motor pumps water from a body of water through certain selected portions of the outboard motor and through a heat exchanger which, in turn, comprises a coolant conduit that is directed to conduct the coolant in thermal communication with various portions of the outboard motor. The engine block is cooled by a flow of the coolant and an engine head is cooled by a flow of water from the body of water. Other heat emitting devices are connected in thermal and fluid communication with the water and coolant conduits.