Abstract: A propulsion unit for a watercraft including a prop which is adapted for producing thrust when rotated, and an electric motor drivingly coupled to the prop. The electric motor is of the switched reluctance type which includes a stator, formed of a plurality of windings, and a rotor having a plurality of poles about the circumference of the rotor. The stator windings are divided into a plurality of phases which are sequentially energized by electric current. A controller is coupled to the electric motor to determine the order and timing of phase energization. Proper sequencing of the phase energization creates a dynamic magnetic field inducing the rotor to rotate accordingly.

Abstract: An electric propulsion system for watercraft, such as fishing boats, includes an electric motor disposed within a dry cavity of the craft hull, and a prop disposed outboard, below a waterline of the craft. The prop is driven by the motor via a support and power transmission assembly. The motor and prop may be supported by the support and power transmission assembly. A seal assembly is provided at the location where the support and power transmission assembly passes through the hull. A pair of similar propulsion systems may be provided at symmetrical locations with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the hull. Control circuitry permits navigational commands to be input by an operator and translated to speed commands for the propulsion system or systems. The system may remain deployed at all times without the need to retract and stow the prop or motor during transport.

Abstract: A technique for adjusting the trim of a dual electric motor marine propulsion system is provided wherein offset or calibration signal levels are determined through a calibration sequence. The propulsion units are driven in a nominal direction, such as through a “straight-ahead” command. An operator adjusts levels of drive signals to the propulsion units to compensate for deviation from the desired navigational direction, such as due to mechanical and electrical tolerances and variations, as well as due to inherent torques or moments associated with the propulsion units. When the system is determined to navigate the craft in the desired direction, the offset or calibration values are stored. The values are then used during later control of the propulsion units as an inherent trim.

Abstract: The present invention provides a propulsion system for a watercraft. The system includes a rotatable body adapted for fixed external mounting on a hull forward a transverse centerline of the watercraft. A prop is coupled to, and rotatable with, the rotatable body. The prop is coupled to a power transmission drive train, which is, in turn, coupled to a drive motor. The rotatable body is further coupled to an angular drive configured for orienting the prop to produce a thrust in a desired direction during operation.

Abstract: A system for propelling and steering a watercraft is provided that includes a pair of electric motor propulsion units provided aft of a transverse centerline of the watercraft hull. A rudder is provided forward of the transverse centerline. The propulsion units may be driven to provide resultant thrust to navigate the watercraft in desired directions, automatically or in response to operator command inputs. The rudder, which may be extendable and retractable, may also be angularly positionable. Where angular positioning is provided, the orientation of the rudder may also be controlled in cooperation with the propulsion units to provide reactive forces by impingement of the rudder against the water, thereby enhancing the steering offered by the propulsion units.

Abstract: A technique is provided for steering and navigating a watercraft. The technique provides for dual electric motor propulsion units aft of a transverse centerline of the watercraft. A forward thruster system is provided forward of the transverse centerline. The rear drive units provide components of thrust for navigating the craft through straight-ahead settings and turning settings. The forward thruster system provides additional thrust components for moving the watercraft in a “sliding” direction, and for providing additional turning thrust. The system is particularly well suited to slow-speed navigation, such as for recreational fishing, as well as for close quarters navigation and docking.

Abstract: An operator input device for a propulsion unit on a watercraft. The propulsion unit is of the type having an electric motor and a prop drivingly coupled to the electric motor. The operator input device includes a control circuit coupled to the propulsion unit and a switch coupled to the control circuit. The switch is adapted to momentarily alter a predefined rotational state of the prop when activated by the operator. Prior to activation of the switch the propulsion system operates having a predefined rotational state of the prop in a first rotational direction and at a first pre-selected speed. When the switch is activated, the motor and prop may be altered regarding either rotational speed, direction or both.

Abstract: A propulsion system for watercraft, such as pleasure craft, fishing boats, and so forth, includes a pair of unitary propulsion units driven by electric motors. The units are positioned to create components of thrust, and a net or resultant thrust to navigate the watercraft in response to operator inputs. The propulsion units may be mounted in a stern region of the craft to provide fore-and-aft navigational thrust, as well as thrust for turning the craft as desired. The rotational speeds of the units are adjusted in cooperation to produce the desired navigational thrust. Props of the units may be positioned within integral recesses within the hull, with motors for driving the props positioned within a drive cavity of the hull. The motors may be reversible to further enhance the controllability and maneuverability of the watercraft.

Abstract: A hull for a marine propulsion system includes recesses for receiving and protecting propellers of the propulsion systems. The hull may be designed with a pair of recesses, such as in a stern region, in which props of two separate electrically driven propulsion units are positioned. The recesses are formed integrally with the hull shell, and present open lower and aft regions for free circulation of water displaced by the props. The recesses may also properly orient thrust from the props, such as at oblique angles with respect to a centerline of the hull. The recesses may be formed in the hull for receiving the propulsion units as an optional package. A top surface of each recess forms an integral cavitation plate for reducing or eliminating air entrainment into the water stream around the props as well as cavitation due to localized low pressure regions during operation.

Abstract: A technique for steering a watercraft includes applying drive signals to first and second electric propulsion systems disposed at locations on either side of a longitudinal centerline of the craft. The drive signals power motors of the systems to drive props at corresponding speeds and directions. The props generated components of thrust which combine to provide a net resultant thrust to steer the watercraft. An operator command device receives operator commands, and a control circuit translates the commands to the drive signals to steer the craft in accordance with the operator commands.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a watercraft is provided, which may be an integral part of a watercraft or may be retrofitted to a particular watercraft. The propulsion system is fixedly mounted to the hull in a central area, rather than along the perimeter of the watercraft. The propulsion system includes a jet-drive assembly coupled to a jet, an angular drive assembly for rotating the jet, and a control system for controlling the jet-drive assembly and the angular drive assembly.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a watercraft is provided, which may be an integral part of a watercraft or may be retrofitted to a particular watercraft. The propulsion system is mounted to the hull in a central area, such as forward of a transverse centerline of the hull. The propulsion system includes a propulsion assembly coupled to a retractable arm, which is pivotable between a stowed and operational position. In the stowed position at least a portion of the propulsion assembly may be received within a recessional housing formed in the hull.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a trolling motor is provided. The mount assembly includes a bracket adapted to support the trolling motor. A pivoting member, such as a link or an arm, has a first end pivotally coupled to the bracket. The pivoting member is also pivotally coupled to an abutment adjacent a boat deck or gunwale at its second end. A support member is rigidly affixed to a surface of the bracket such that the support member sustains the overhung load of the trolling motor while it is in the stowed position on the boat deck or gunwale. The support member is flat and unobtrusive when the motor is in its run position.