Abstract: In a moving center estimation method, a provisional moving center is set at a predetermined position in a neighborhood of an actual moving center of a hull. A sample thrust having a predetermined magnitude and direction is applied to the provisional moving center by driving the outboard motor, and a magnitude and direction of an angular acceleration generated in the hull by application of the sample thrust is detected. The magnitude of the angular acceleration is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and a position of the provisional moving center is changed and set so that the angular acceleration may converge in the threshold value, when the angular acceleration is larger than the threshold value.

Abstract: In a control device for outboard motors that controls two outboard motors attached to a boat, according to an operation by an operating lever that is tiltable in all directions from a neutral state, when the operating lever is moved to a different zone, a steering control unit controls shift positions of the two outboard motors and a steering specification according to a zone to which the operating lever is moved first, until a determination unit determines that the operating lever is in the neutral state, thereby enabling steering easily reflecting the intention of a boat operator and improving a steering efficiency even when an operation of moving from zone to zone is performed.

Abstract: In a moving center estimation method, a provisional moving center is set at a predetermined position in a neighborhood of an actual moving center of a hull, a sample thrust having a predetermined magnitude and direction is applied to the provisional moving center by driving the outboard motor, a magnitude and direction of an angular acceleration generated in the hull by application of the sample thrust is detected, the magnitude of the angular acceleration is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and a position of the provisional moving center is changed and set so that the angular acceleration may converge in the threshold value, when the angular acceleration is larger than the threshold value.

Abstract: A boat operating system has two outboard motors and a helm controller. The helm controller moves the boat in parallel in a lateral direction by performing steering so that extended lines of propulsive forces of the two outboard motors pass a movement center located on a center line of the boat, and causing shift directions of the two outboard motors to be reversed from each other, judges whether or not the boat is turning in a horizontal direction, and moves an intersection of the extended lines of propulsive forces of the two outboard motors and the center line of the boat in a direction of either forward or backward from the movement center when it is judged that the boat is turning while the boat is moved in parallel in the lateral direction.

Abstract: In a control device for outboard motors that controls two outboard motors attached to a boat, according to an operation by an operating lever that is tiltable in all directions from a neutral state, when the operating lever is moved to a different zone, a steering control unit controls shift positions of the two outboard motors and a steering specification according to a zone to which the operating lever is moved first, until a determination unit determines that the operating lever is in the neutral state, thereby enabling steering easily reflecting the intention of a boat operator and improving a steering efficiency even when an operation of moving from zone to zone is performed.