Abstract: A watercraft can have a controller that can change a speed mode between a speed set mode and a regular mode in response to an operation of an auto cruise switch. The controller can return the speed mode to a regular mode under various conditions. For example, but without limitation, when an engine rotational speed reaches “zero” or nearly “zero” (i.e., an engine operation stops or nearly stops) while the speed mode is in the speed set mode. The controller can be configured to follow the actuation of the cruise switch only when the switch is operated in the regular mode.

Abstract: An engine output control device is configured to detect an actual engine speed and to determine a modified engine speed based on the actual engine speed that is more in proportion to the speed of the watercraft than the actual engine speed. The modified engine speed can be used to control the output of the engine so as to provide a more natural feeling for the operator of the watercraft. The modified engine speed can also be used as an indication of the speed of the watercraft. As such, the modified engine speed can also be used to determine the extent to which the output of the engine can be raised to provide additional thrust for steering purposes.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to provide a comfortable and natural operational feeling during an off-throttle steering environment. The engine is controlled by detecting engine speed, using the detected engine speed to establish an accurate watercraft speed, and detecting an operator steering torque and operator engine torque request. An operational characteristic of the engine is adjusted to increase the engine output by a predetermined amount after a predetermined steering torque is measured and the watercraft is determined to be in a predetermined deceleration phase. The operational characteristic can be an increase in airflow to the engine.

Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a hull and an engine. The engine has an air intake system through which air is delivered to combustion chambers of the engine. An overturn switch detects overturn of the hull. A control device stops an operation of the engine based upon an output of the overturn switch. A throttle valve is disposed in the air intake system to be actuated by a throttle valve actuator. The control device controls the blocks the intake system based upon the output of the overturn switch to inhibit water from moving toward the combustion chambers. The control device allows the engine to be restarted during a preset period of time after stopping the engine operation.

Abstract: An engine output control device is configured to detect an actual engine speed and to determine a modified engine speed based on the actual engine speed that is more in proportion to the speed of the watercraft than the actual engine speed. The modified engine speed can be used to control the output of the engine so as to provide a more natural feeling for the operator of the watercraft. The modified engine speed can also be used as an indication of the speed of the watercraft. As such, the modified engine speed can also be used to determine the extent to which the output of the engine can be raised to provide additional thrust for steering purposes.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a jet pump propulsion device. An engine powers the propulsion device and a control device controls engine speed. A steering mechanism steers a thrust direction of the propulsion device. An engine load sensor or an engine speed sensor senses an engine load or an engine speed, respectively. A steering position sensor senses an angular position of the steering mechanism. The control device decreases engine speed when the engine load or the engine speed is greater than a preset engine load or the engine speed, respectively, and the angular position of the steering mechanism is greater than a preset angular position.

Abstract: A small watercraft includes an engine and an improved induction and charging forming system. The engine includes a fuel injection system with at least one fuel injector and a fuel delivery conduit for supplying fuel to the at least one fuel injector. The induction system includes an intake box configured to protect the at least one fuel injector and the fuel delivery conduit from damage that can be caused by heat generated from a portion of an exhaust system and/or water that may collect in a hull of the watercraft. The induction system can also include a set of throttle bodies. Each throttle body includes a throttle valve. The throttle valves are connected to a throttle shaft assembly. A pulley is attached to the throttle shaft assembly and is disposed between adjacent throttle bodies.

Abstract: A small watercraft includes an engine and an improved induction and charging forming system. The engine includes a fuel injection system with at least one fuel injector and a fuel delivery conduit for supplying fuel to the at least one fuel injector. The induction system includes an intake box configured to protect the at least one fuel injector and the fuel delivery conduit from damage that can be caused by heat generated from a portion of an exhaust system and/or water that may collect in a hull of the watercraft. The induction system can also include a set of throttle bodies. Each throttle body includes a throttle valve. The throttle valves are connected to a throttle shaft assembly. A pulley is attached to the throttle shaft assembly and is disposed between adjacent throttle bodies.