Abstract: A steering assist system for a watercraft including a force detection assembly adapted to detect a force further applied to an operator steering control of the watercraft after the steering control is turned to a maximum turning position. The steering assist system also includes a controller configured to increase a steering force produced by the watercraft in response to an output of the force detection assembly. In one arrangement, the steering assist system increases an output of a propulsion system of the watercraft in proportion to an output of the force detection assembly. In another arrangement, the steering assist system moves a steering force producing member, such as a deflector or rudder, for example, in response to an output of the force detection assembly in addition to, or alternative to, increasing an output of the propulsion system.

Abstract: A steering assist system for a watercraft including a force detection assembly adapted to detect a force further applied to an operator steering control of the watercraft after the steering control is turned to a maximum turning position. The steering assist system also includes a controller configured to increase a steering force produced by the watercraft in response to an output of the force detection assembly. In one arrangement, the steering assist system increases an output of a propulsion system of the watercraft in proportion to an output of the force detection assembly. In another arrangement, the steering assist system moves a steering force producing member, such as a deflector or rudder, for example, in response to an output of the force detection assembly in addition to, or alternative to, increasing an output of the propulsion system.

Abstract: A steering assist system for a watercraft including a force detection assembly adapted to detect a force further applied to an operator steering control of the watercraft after the steering control is turned to a maximum turning position. The steering assist system also includes a controller configured to increase a steering force produced by the watercraft in response to an output of the force detection assembly. In one arrangement, the steering assist system increases an output of a propulsion system of the watercraft in proportion to an output of the force detection assembly. In another arrangement, the steering assist system moves a steering force producing member, such as a deflector or rudder, for example, in response to an output of the force detection assembly in addition to, or alternative to, increasing an output of the propulsion system.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.

Abstract: A steering assist system for a watercraft including a force detection assembly adapted to detect a force further applied to an operator steering control of the watercraft after the steering control is turned to a maximum turning position. The steering assist system also includes a controller configured to increase a steering force produced by the watercraft in response to an output of the force detection assembly. In one arrangement, the steering assist system increases an output of a propulsion system of the watercraft in proportion to an output of the force detection assembly. In another arrangement, the steering assist system moves a steering force producing member, such as a deflector or rudder, for example, in response to an output of the force detection assembly in addition to, or alternative to, increasing an output of the propulsion system.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved braking device to assist slowing the watercraft when operated. The braking device includes a baffle plate and a guide plate. The baffle plate is movable between a non-braking position and a fully braking position. The guide plate cooperates with the baffle plate and is movable between a normal position and a fully deployed position. With the guide plate in the fully deployed position and the baffle plate in the fully braking position, the guide plate directs water against the baffle plate in order to slow the watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for a small watercraft including a reverse thrust arrangement. The reverse thrust arrangement includes a water diverter bucket assembly moveable between an open position and a closed position with respect to a steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit. The reverse thrust arrangement is configured to reduce an amount of operator force necessary to actuate movement of the water diverter bucket assembly between its opened and closed position. In some arrangements, the reverse thrust arrangement permits movement of the water diverter bucket assembly from its open to its closed position and control of an operating speed of the engine once the bucket assembly has reached its closed position by a single operator control.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for a small watercraft including a reverse thrust arrangement. The reverse thrust arrangement includes a water diverter bucket assembly moveable between an open position and a closed position with respect to a steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit. The reverse thrust arrangement is configured to reduce an amount of operator force necessary to actuate movement of the water diverter bucket assembly between its opened and closed position. In some arrangements, the reverse thrust arrangement permits movement of the water diverter bucket assembly from its open to its closed position and control of an operating speed of the engine once the bucket assembly has reached its closed position by a single operator control.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for a small watercraft including a secondary thrust arrangement. The secondary thrust arrangement includes a primary valve and a secondary valve arrangement. At least one discharge port is disposed on a hull of the watercraft. A jet propulsion unit is configured to discharge pressurized water from the steering nozzle in a substantially rearward direction from the watercraft or to discharge pressurized water through at least one discharge port disposed in the outer surface of the hull to achieve enhanced steering control of the watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved braking device to assist slowing the watercraft when operated. The braking device includes a baffle plate and a guide plate. The baffle plate is movable between a non-braking position and a fully braking position. The guide plate cooperates with the baffle plate and is movable between a normal position and a fully deployed position. With the guide plate in the fully deployed position and the baffle plate in the fully braking position, the guide plate directs water against the baffle plate in order to slow the watercraft.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for a small watercraft including a secondary thrust arrangement. The secondary thrust arrangement includes a primary valve and a secondary valve arrangement. At least one discharge port is disposed on a hull of the watercraft. A jet propulsion unit is configured to discharge pressurized water from the steering nozzle in a substantially rearward direction from the watercraft or to discharge pressurized water through at least one discharge port disposed in the outer surface of the hull to achieve enhanced steering control of the watercraft.

Abstract: A system for automatically causing a flexible sail to be brought to its optimum position with respect to the wind direction includes a sail holding member installed on the front of the hull and rope winders installed at rear portions of the hull, a flexible sail having its front end attached to the sail holding member and its rear end tied to the ropes wound on the winders, a wind direction detector for detecting wind direction, and a control unit which determines rope winding amounts on the basis of an output from the wind direction detector, and which actuates the rope winders on the basis of the determined values.