Abstract: A steering system on a marine vessel includes at least one propulsion device, a steering actuator that rotates the propulsion device to effectuate steering, at least one trim device moveable to adjust a running angle of the vessel, and a trim actuator configured to move the trim device so as to adjust the running angle. The system further includes a control system configured to determine a desired roll angle and at least one of a desired turn rate and a desired turn angle for the marine vessel based on a steering instructions. The control system then controls the steering actuator to the rotate the at least one propulsion device based on the desired turn rate and/or the desired turn angle, and to control the trim actuator to move the at least one trim device based on the desired roll angle so as to effectuate the steering instruction.

Abstract: A wind-water machine set is an evolving jet machine that moves the internal engine to the outside of the sleeve to work, instead of using a water jet as the main and air-jet as the auxiliary. When a ship uses multiple groups of wind-water machine set, there is a master control center for overall control and coordinated operation. Controlling the propulsion system makes the ship move forward and backward in an orderly manner. Control the surfing system to eliminate the bow water resistance and cooperate with the propulsion system. The steering control system is controlled to make the ship easy to operate the steering. Control the balance system to keep the ship balanced without swaying the roll angle. Control the draught system so that ships do not need ballast water. So that the ship can sail at super high speed, super fuel-efficient and safe.

Abstract: A marine ducted propeller mass flux propulsion system that comprises: an intake section; an impeller/confusor/stator section; a discharge section; a passage extending from an intake opening of the intake section to an outlet of the discharge section, the passage having a length and an axial cross-sectional area, the passage capable of creating a flow path for a water stream on a volumetric basis; and a plurality of internal working parts, the plurality of internal working parts being at least partially accommodated within the passage, wherein the axial cross-sectional area of the passage is increased and decreased throughout the length of the passage to accommodate a volumetric mass of the plurality of the internal working parts while maintaining a constant water volume from the intake opening of the intake section to the outlet of the discharge section.

Abstract: An underwater propulsion apparatus 1 according to an embodiment includes a main body 2 having a conical tail portion, a channel 4 having an inlet 6 in the outer circumferential surface of the main body 2 and a nozzle 7 on the side downstream of the inlet 6 and in the tail portion, at least one pump 3 having an impeller 5 provided in the channel 4, a diffuser 8 attached to the main body 2 so as to surround the outer circumference of the nozzle 7, and a plurality of direction control wings 9 attached to the outer surface of the main body 2 and located in positions downstream of the nozzle 7 and close thereto, each of the plurality of direction control wings 9 having an upstream end pivotally supported by the main body 2.

Abstract: A steering control system for a watercraft includes a pivoting steering tiller manually operated and operatively connected to a direction changing member acting on or into the water, such as a rudder blade or an outboard motor; and a system locking the steering tiller in the steering position, which can be activated for keeping the tiller in a predetermined pivoting position and deactivated for allowing the tiller to be moved in a pivoting position to carry out a change in direction. According to the invention the locking system is switchable by way of switching actuators that are controlled by a control member provided on the arm.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.

Abstract: A marine vessel is disclosed having a control system for automatically controlling thrusters for steering the marine vessel for the purpose of aiding an angler who has hooked a fish. The control system will automatically control the thrusters based on the positions of the propulsion unit control levers if the control levers are split. The control system may also control the thrusters if the propulsion unit control levers have moved past a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold can be set by the operator of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A water vessel having variable geometry is described. The water vessel comprises: a frame; a plurality of hulls coupled to the frame, each one of the plurality of hulls coupled to the frame by a folding mechanism and configured to move, relative to the frame, between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration in which at least one dimension of the water vessel is reduced in respect of the deployed configuration; a plurality of thruster assemblies configured to provide thrust to the water vessel, each one of the plurality of thruster assemblies being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hulls; and a protective device coupled to a respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies, the protective device for preventing intake of foreign objects into the respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies.

Abstract: A craft including a body having a front end, a rear end, two sides miming between said ends, and an axis running generally from the rear end to the front end; and a water displacement system operable to displace water to propel the craft across water and to displace water to cause the craft to rotate about said axis. The craft includes a ballast tank capable of being at least partially filled with ballast to change a position of a center of gravity of the craft to assist in rotation of the craft when capsized. The craft also includes a rapid filling and emptying system for a ballast system of a craft in addition to a water displacement system, wherein the rapid filling and emptying system includes at least one ballasting intake through which water is passed from the water displacement system into said ballast system; and at least one ballasting outlet through which the water displacement system draws water from the ballast system.

Abstract: A high mass/low pressure liquid propulsion device which includes:—two counter-rotating impellers mounted inside a housing;—an inlet which in use allows inflow of liquid into the housing on a first side of said impellers; an outlet which in use allows outflow of liquid from the housing on a second side of said impellers opposite to said first side;—means for driving said impellers;—wherein the improvement comprises the provision of means for reversing the drive to said impellers, such that the direction of flow of liquid through the device is reversed and liquid enters the device through said outlet, passes through said impellers, and leaves the device through said inlet.

Abstract: Personal watercraft and watercraft power systems that include a power pod for supporting a power plant and a propulsion unit. An engine or an electric motor and a pump assembly are enclosed in the power pod. One or more sponsons removably cooperate with the power pod via a mechanical interface, such as dovetail joints and/or interlocking channels, formed between the power pod and the respective sponsons. A plurality of tool-lessly operable mechanical interfaces, locking mechanism(s), and fluid or electrical signal connectors allow the sponson(s) to be selectively secured to the power pod such that the resultant watercraft is modular and transportable by a single person when necessary.

Abstract: A remote controlled motorized buoy is provided for rescuing people in the water. The buoy may be controlled by a person with a remote control to navigate to the person in need. The buoy may have flotation mechanisms to keep the buoy right side up in rough water conditions and includes visual indicators to help the user keep track of the buoys location, such as a flag and beacon. When the buoy is near the swimmer, the swimmer may grab the buoy and the buoy may be remotely navigated to bring the swimmer to a safe location.

Abstract: A method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steering nozzle, a reversing deflector and at least one of a bow thruster and a second steering nozzle is disclosed. The method comprises any of the acts of inducing a net transverse thrust to the marine vessel in response to a transverse thrust component signal, without substantially inducing any forward-reverse thrust or rotational thrust to the marine vessel, or inducing a net forward-reverse thrust to the marine vessel in response to a forward-reverse thrust component signal without substantially inducing any transverse thrust or rotational thrust to the marine vessel, or inducing a net rotational thrust to the marine vessel in response to the rotational thrust component signal without substantially inducing any forward-reverse thrust or transverse thrust to the marine vessel.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and to second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

Abstract: A hydroplaning vessel that exceed speeds of 25 miles per hour with several stability and handling design improvements. It has an enhanced reactive suspension and inner hull lift system positioned in the vessel between an inner hull and a set of outer hulls. There are at least three outer hulls; a front outer hull and a mirror image pair of rear outer hulls, none of which can float on its own and all which have open transoms. Steering and braking are accomplished by a set of rear elevon flaps. The drive unit resides in the inner hull and is connected by an annular drive transmission, which is connected to the jet or prop drive, which resides on the outer hull.

Abstract: A boat is provided with a steering arrangement comprising a main steering system and control-surface subsystem. The control-surface subsystem comprises a control-surface assembly attached to the stern of the boat and comprising a trim tab pivotally connected to the stern of the boat, and a skeg rotatably mounted by the trim tab. The control-surface assembly further comprises a trim-tab operating arrangement for pivoting the trim tab, and a skeg operating arrangement. The main steering system and the skeg operating arrangement can be selectively set to operate independently of each other, or in coordination with each other, in steering the boat.

Abstract: There is provided a water jet propulsion device 10 for a water vehicle, comprising a main duct 12 having a main inlet 14 that is arranged to be submerged in use and a main outlet 16; a pump disposed between the main inlet 14 and the main outlet 16; and a plurality of injection nozzles 40, 50, 60, 70 each arranged to selectively eject a jet of fluid into a different region A, B, C, D susceptible to cavitation, so as to re-energise the fluid flow in that region.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a multi-functional bench system for an inflatable boat having a bottom wall, spaced apart first and second tubular side walls, and an outboard motor. The bench system includes a first seating unit, a second seating unit, and an adjustable bracing assembly. The first seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the first tubular side wall. The first seating unit includes a first leg assembly hingedly connected to a first handle assembly. The second seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the second tubular side wall. The second seating unit includes a second leg assembly hingedly connected to a second handle assembly. The adjustable bracing assembly is positioned about the bottom wall of the inflatable boat and securely interconnects the first and second leg assemblies.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion control apparatus is arranged to control a propulsion unit and a steering unit. The marine vessel propulsion control apparatus includes a joystick unit, and a control unit programmed to control an output of the propulsion unit and a steering angle of the steering unit in accordance with an output signal of the joystick unit. The joystick unit includes a lever that is tiltable from a neutral position and arranged to be operated by a marine vessel operator to command a heading direction and stem turning of a hull. The control unit is programmed to maintain the steering angle of the steering unit when the output of the propulsion unit is stopped.

Abstract: The thruster pod that is made of a pump plate; a valve plate affixed to the pump plate, and a diaphragm mounted between the pump plate and the valve plate. The pump plate has juxtaposed pressure cavity and outlet cavity, and a partition separating the pressure cavity from the outlet cavity. The pressure cavity communicates with a source of water under pressure and the outlet cavity communicates with an outlet port. The valve plate has a control chamber facing the juxtaposed pressure and outlet cavities. The diaphragm is mounted between the juxtaposed pressure and outlet cavities and the control chamber for movement between a first position and a second position upon a change in pressure in the control chamber. A control valve is mounted in the valve plate for selectively changing a pressure in the control chamber and operating a diaphragm valve.

Abstract: A jet propulsion boat includes a boat body, a handle bar, an engine, a jet propulsion mechanism, a reverse gate, and a shift operating device. The handle bar is attached to the boat body. The handle bar extends in a width direction of the boat body. The engine is housed in the boat body. The jet propulsion mechanism is configured to generate a propulsion power from a drive power of the engine. The reverse gate is located rearward of the jet propulsion mechanism. The reverse gate is configured to move so as to change a direction of a jet flow from the jet propulsion mechanism. The shift operating device is rotatably attached to the handle bar about a shaft center parallel or substantially parallel to a center line of the handle bar. The shift operating device is configured to rotate so as to switch a position of the reverse gate.

Abstract: A water vessel having variable geometry is described. The water vessel comprises: a frame; a plurality of hulls coupled to the frame, each one of the plurality of hulls coupled to the frame by a folding mechanism and configured to move, relative to the frame, between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration in which at least one dimension of the water vessel is reduced in respect of the deployed configuration; a plurality of thruster assemblies configured to provide thrust to the water vessel, each one of the plurality of thruster assemblies being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hulls; and a protective device coupled to a respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies, the protective device for preventing intake of foreign objects into the respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies.

Abstract: A waterjet based propulsion system and method that utilizes more than one waterjet outlet port and controls the selective application of power to the waterjets with a splitter gearbox thereby improving the efficiency of the marine craft at low and high speeds.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second trim deflectors is disclosed. The first and second trim deflectors have a first surface having a first area and a second surface having a second area, wherein the second planar surface is coupled to the first surface. The method and system control the first and second trim deflectors to induce any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second trim deflectors.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.

Abstract: Designs and techniques for fluid thrusters and vehicles that are powered by propelling fluids with fluid thrusters. Multiplex-thruster (MT) systems are disclosed that include a single thruster and a flow multiplexer with multiple channels to deliver thrusting flow in various directions.

Abstract: A watercraft has first and second jet propulsion units. The first jet propulsion unit includes a first inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a first valve. The second jet propulsion unit includes a second inlet, a third outlet, a fourth outlet, and a second valve. The watercraft also includes first and second discharge ports disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline, a first pipe fluidly communicating the first discharge port with the second outlet, a second pipe fluidly communicating the second discharge port with the second outlet, third and a fourth discharge ports disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline, a third pipe fluidly communicating the third discharge port with the fourth outlet, and a fourth pipe fluidly communicating the fourth discharge port with the fourth outlet.

Abstract: A method for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and first and second trim deflectors comprises generating at least a first set of actuator control signals and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second trim deflectors. The acts of generating and coupling the first set of actuator control signals and the second set of actuator control signals result in inducing any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second trim deflectors. Also disclosed is a system for controlling a marine vessel.

Abstract: A high mass/low pressure liquid propulsion device which includes: —two counter-rotating impellers mounted inside a housing; —an inlet which in use allows inflow of liquid into the housing on a first side of said impellers; an outlet which in use allows outflow of liquid from the housing on a second side of said impellers opposite to said first side; —means for driving said impellers; —wherein the improvement comprises the provision of means for reversing the drive to said impellers, such that the direction of flow of liquid through the device is reversed and liquid enters the device through said outlet, passes through said impellers, and leaves the device through said inlet.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic propeller enhancement method for enhancing the propelling force of a hydraulic propeller. The present invention uses a gas release outlet in the propeller at the area where the high-speed axial flow of water passes for guiding in a gas by means of a negative pressure subject to Bernoulli's principle. Thus, subject to Bernoulli's principle, gas compressible characteristic and Boyle's law and the arrangement of the contracted end piece of the nozzle to work as an air compressor for compressing air bubbles, the invention uses one single gas guide device and a negative pressure suction force to guide in air bubbles to enhance the propelling force of the hydraulic propeller.

Abstract: A craft including a body having a front end, a rear end, two sides miming between said ends, and an axis running generally from the rear end to the front end; and a water displacement system operable to displace water to propel the craft across water and to displace water to cause the craft to rotate about said axis. The craft includes a ballast tank capable of being at least partially filled with ballast to change a position of a centre of gravity of the craft to assist in rotation of the craft when capsized. The craft also includes a rapid filling and emptying system for a ballast system of a craft in addition to a water displacement system, wherein the rapid filling and emptying system includes at least one ballasting intake through which water is passed from the water displacement system into said ballast system; and at least one ballasting outlet through which the water displacement system draws water from the ballast system.

Abstract: A device according to an embodiment includes a base member, a slide member movable longitudinally relative to the base member, and a locking member disposed on the slide member. When the slide member moves in a first direction, an arm member rotates in a first direction, whereupon a bucket is caused to ascend by a force transmission member. When the slide member moves in a second direction, the arm member rotates in a second direction, whereupon the bucket descends. When the slide member moves to a neutral position, the bucket is brought to a neutral state. In the neutral state, a fixed protrusion is fitted into a neutral locking groove portion, thereby locking the slide member, and an indicator is located corresponding to an opening, thereby indicating the neutral state.

Abstract: A boat is provided with a steering arrangement comprising a main steering system and control-surface subsystem. The control-surface subsystem comprises a control-surface assembly attached to the stern of the boat and comprising a trim tab pivotally connected to the stern of the boat, and a skeg rotatably mounted by the trim tab. The control-surface assembly further comprises a trim-tab operating arrangement for pivoting the trim tab, and a skeg operating arrangement. The main steering system and the skeg operating arrangement can be selectively set to operate independently of each other, or in coordination with each other, in steering the boat.

Abstract: A system and related methods for manned and/or unmanned marine transportation involving equipping a vessel capable with a linear pump for propelling the vessel through or substantially over a body of water.

Abstract: Designs and techniques for fluid thrusters and vehicles that are powered by propelling fluids with fluid thrusters. Multiplex-thruster (MT) systems are disclosed that include a single thruster and a flow multiplexer with multiple channels to deliver thrusting flow in various directions.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

Abstract: Designs and techniques for fluid thrusters and vehicles that are powered by propelling fluids with fluid thrusters. Multiplex-thruster (MT) systems are disclosed that include a single thruster and a flow multiplexer with multiple channels to deliver thrusting flow in various directions.

Abstract: A marine jet propulsion system has a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, and a steering nozzle rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a first axis. The steering nozzle has a central longitudinal axis. The first axis intersects the central longitudinal axis. A first link has a first end rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a second axis. The first link has a second end disposed generally rearwardly from the first end of the first link. A second link has a first end rotationally mounted to the first link about a third axis and a second end rotationally mounted to the steering nozzle about a fourth axis. The third axis intersects the second end of the first link. A steering arm is connected to the first link. The axes are generally parallel to each other. A watercraft having the jet propulsion system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A jet pump of a personal watercraft of the present invention includes a pump casing 10 provided with a fairing vane part including a plurality of fairing vanes 12, and the front portion of each of the fairing vanes 12 has two attack angles which are an attack angle ? of the fairing vane and the front end attack angle ? which is larger than the attack angle ?. Thereby, the attack angle of the fairing vane is adapted to the water jet flow so that reduction of pump efficiency is suppressed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.

Abstract: A jet boat comprising an engine-balance system, the engine-balance system comprising a first impeller and a second impeller, wherein water can be driven out of the first impeller for forward motion and water can be selectively driven out of the second impeller, regulated by a balance detecting device, wherein water from the second impeller can provide balance to the jet boat.

Abstract: One embodiment of a boat or watercraft that is fitted with a jet drive system powered by a 4-cycle engine and positioned in such a way that will enable the boat to be propelled and maneuvered in extremely shallow water and launched for use by a minimum of one person.

Abstract: A waterjet based propulsion system and method that utilizes more than one waterjet outlet port and controls the selective application of power to the waterjets with a splitter gearbox thereby improving the efficiency of the marine craft at low and high speeds.

Abstract: A marine vessel includes a hull and a jet propulsion device arranged to take in water through an intake port and eject the water through an ejection port rearward with respect to the hull. The ejection port is arranged posterior to the intake port. The marine vessel also includes a reversing member arranged to be movable between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The reversing member is arranged to, when placed at the reverse drive position, reverse the direction of the water ejected from the jet propulsion device forward with respect to the hull (in a direction capable of generating a propulsive force in the reverse drive direction). The marine vessel further includes an operation unit arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to locate the reversing member at the forward drive position or the reverse drive position, and an internal combustion engine arranged to drive the jet propulsion device.

Abstract: A commonly actuated trim and reverse system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. The system includes a movable actuator connected to a movement transfer mechanism. The movement transfer mechanism is operable to adjust both the trim angle of the steering nozzle of the watercraft and the orientation of the reverse gate, as a function of the movement of the actuator. Control electronics evaluate the target steering for the trim angle and gate orientation and control the movement of the actuator accordingly.

Abstract: A system for steering a watercraft propelled by a water jet includes a control lever supported to pivot rightward and leftward about a first control axis, a nozzle supported on the watercraft to pivot rightward and leftward and through which water is discharged from the watercraft, first and second cables, and a steering module interconnected by the cables to the control lever and connected to the nozzle, supported to pivot laterally about a second control axis and to pivot the nozzle laterally in response to pivoting of the control lever about the first control axis.

Abstract: A jet propulsion device and method for controlling movement of the jet propulsion device, where liquid inlets are positioned at a distance from the surface of the device. Preferably, the inlets are positioned in the stabilizing fins of the device. When the device reaches a certain speed, a Riabouchinsky cavity forms around the device, and the radius of the Riabouchinsky cavity is substantially equal to the distance between the inlets and the longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: A system and related methods for manned and/or unmanned marine transportation involving equipping a vessel capable with a linear pump for propelling the vessel through or substantially over a body of water.

Abstract: An electronically assisted reverse gate system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with the operator interface of the watercraft to obtain commands from the operator, such as a selection between a forward, reverse or neutral mode, a braking command or a slow mode. The control electronics evaluates the target setting for these commands. This evaluation is made taking into consideration the operating conditions of the watercraft. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device to adjust the gate orientation accordingly.