Abstract: A marine jet propulsion system has a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, a first steering nozzle rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a first steering axis, and a second steering nozzle rotationally mounted relative to the first steering nozzle about a second steering axis. The second steering axis is disposed rearwardly of the first steering axis. Rotation of the first steering nozzle relative to the venturi about the first steering axis in a steering direction causes the second steering axis to rotate about the first steering axis in the steering direction and the second steering nozzle to rotate relative to the first steering nozzle about the second steering axis in the steering direction. A watercraft having the jet propulsion system and a nozzle assembly for a marine jet propulsion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft comprises actuating a lever, controlling a speed of rotation of an engine to be at or below a reverse gate actuation speed in response to the actuation of the lever, moving the reverse gate in response to the actuation of the lever without further driver intervention once the speed of rotation of the engine is at or below the reverse gate actuation speed, and controlling the speed of rotation of the engine in order to decelerate the watercraft in response to the actuation of the lever and the reverse gate moving without further driver intervention. A watercraft and a method of controlling the watercraft based at least in part on an angle of a helm assembly are also disclosed.

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 watercraft has a hull, a deck, an engine, a steering assembly, a jet pump, a venturi, a steering nozzle, and a reverse gate pivotable between a fully stowed position and a fully lowered position. The reverse gate includes a reverse gate body having inner and outer arcuate surfaces, and reverse gate upper and lower edges. First and second side walls are connected to the sides of the reverse gate body. At least one deflector is connected to at least one of the outer arcuate surface, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The at least one deflector is spaced from the outer arcuate surface. A deflector trailing edge is disposed upwardly and rearwardly from a deflector leading edge at least when the reverse gate is in the fully lowered position. Water deflecting surfaces and turning deflectors connected to a reverse gate are also disclosed.

Abstract: The device includes conveying ducts of the fluid (2, 9), a tubular mean (1) with variable internal volume (1?), a tapered onion-shaped body (17) centred (18) inside the tubular mean, a nozzle (16) for the ejection of the fluid adjustable in position and opening for the variation of said internal volume (11), one or more gas injectors (21), and means to change the direction of the jet (6). In this way a fluid with variable characteristics can be obtained which allows the adjustment of the intensity, flow, direction and slant of the jet (6), moreover releasable also above the water surface (10), in view of the optimisation of the increased performances and consumption reduction. Unlike the devices of the known technique suitable only to convey the fluid and give the flow a single direction, the jet (6) is not diverted by other members, but is oriented through the joint (8) which allows its displacement in all the directions, in fact thanks to this said jet (6) can be directed without damping.

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 steering a watercraft propelled by a water jet includes a control lever supported to pivot rightward and leftward about a first 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 axis and to pivot the nozzle laterally in response to pivoting of the control lever about the first axis.

Abstract: An underwater water cannon defense system includes an underwater vehicle, a water cannon coupled to the vehicle, one or more nozzles mounted on the vehicle and directed away therefrom, and water distribution valving mounted in the vehicle that distributes pressurized water to the water cannon and the one or more nozzles in a controlled fashion.

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: A trim adjusting device for a surface boat is provided that includes a nozzle for projecting jet water rearward arranged rearwardly of a jet propeller arranged in a boat body; a nozzle drive mechanism connected to the nozzle for operating the nozzle upward or downward; and an operating means arranged on a handle being connected to the nozzle drive mechanism. The nozzle drive mechanism includes a lever member connected to a trim operation lever of the operating means, a cam member provided with an engaging portion that engages the lever member arranged so as to be capable of rotating freely, a reverse rotation preventing claw member that engages the engaging portion, a link member that comes into abutment with the cam member at one end thereof, and the nozzle connected to the other end of the link member.

Abstract: A jet-propelled watercraft can include an engine output control system that adjusts the output of the engine based on a steering force and the engine speed. The control system can also be configured to detect abnormalities in the steering force sensor and to prohibit the increase engine output control when an abnormality is detected.

Abstract: A portable bow thruster for use on the bow of a boat in a body of water having a water line. The bow thruster includes a blower assembly for producing an air flow to provide thrust, an exhaust air duct for expelling the air flow from the blower assembly, pivoting means for pivoting the bow thruster in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, support means for supporting the blower assembly, and a mounting assembly for mounting the bow thruster to the bow of the boat.

Abstract: A boat propulsion system includes a plurality of positive displacement pumps which having high discharge head and having inlets and outlets therein and a controlling panel having circuits, wherein the pumps are mounted on a bottom of a boat and driven by a motive power. By means of different positions of the outlets in each pump or different power transmission of each pump and cooperating with using the controlling panel, the boat can therefore move toward desired directions and enhancing power transmission by the pumps are drawn uniform flow when the boat is moved.

Abstract: The hull of a submerged sea craft adjacent its stern end is provided with auxiliary facilities for controlled maneuvering operations under low speed conditions, including steering, stopping and negative thrust backing performed independently of main propulsion of the craft. The auxiliary maneuvering control facilities include a curved channel pipe connected to two angularly related sub-channel pipe sections for selectively controlled outflow of fluid which is pressurized by a maneuvering control pump within the curved channel pipe before outflow through exit openings in the hull in different directions, as negative angle thrust jets and as steering control jets perpendicular to the hull centerline. By use of a sub-channel flow diverting flapper and gate valves at the inlet and exit outlet openings in the hull, all of the maneuvering operations may be performed under selective control.

Abstract: A control system and apparatus for controlling waterjet-driven marine vessels is disclosed. Some aspects allow for generation of a plurality of actuator control signals from a single vessel control signal, such as those provided by vessel control apparatus. A control stick embodiment provides a control apparatus that comprises a shaft moveable in at least one degree of freedom to provide the vessel control signals. Some aspects allow for an intuitive direct movement of the vessel in correspondence to movements of the control apparatus. Yet other aspects allow for locking out on or more degrees of freedom while other degrees of freedom and not locked out.

Abstract: Waterjet flow emerging from a jet propulsor body through a cross-sectionally circular duct is conducted through a cross-sectionally rectangular duct passage extending through transition and exhaust aft sections attached to and angularly adjusted relative thereto. Under selective maneuver controls within the propulsor body, the transition section is angularly adjusted relative to the body while pivotal vanes and flaps on the exhaust section are angularly adjusted to direct exit outflow through the exhaust section for steering and reversing purposes.

Abstract: An elongated fluid dynamic water jet type of propulsion body receives an inflow of fluid through inlet openings for entry into a jet propulsor from which an outlet jet emerges for passage through an internal transition passage to an exit end between two pairs of horizontal flaps hinged to the body at the exit end for angular displacement about parallel spaced horizontal axes from horizontal neutral positions. Four pair of flaps are pivotally mounted within the transition passage for angular displacement about parallel spaced vertical axes from neutral positions. Actuators inside of the propulsion body connected to the flaps are selectively controlled to impart in-phase angular displacement to all of the flaps about their horizontal and vertical axes from the neutral positions for directional steering by angular deflection of the jet exit outflow from the exit end of the body.

Abstract: A jet-propulsion small watercraft, comprises a water jet pump that pressurizes and accelerates water taken in from outside and ejects the water to propel the watercraft, a steering system configured to steer the watercraft by changing an ejection direction of the water, a steering throttle arm configured to cause a throttle valve of an engine to open, thereby maintaining a steering capability, in response to a closing operation of a throttle lever, an actuator configured to cause the throttle valve in a closed position to open by steering throttle arm, and a spring configured to return the throttle valve to the closed position, wherein the actuator includes a motor configured to be energized at a predetermined motor power value by control of a control device, a reduction mechanism configured to reduce a speed of the motor, and an output shaft configured to be rotated by the reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A joystick apparatus for steering a waterjet propelled watercraft includes: (a) a joystick comprising at least three movably interconnected swinging arms, with a first and third one of the swinging arms being generally vertically oriented, and a second one of the swinging arms being generally horizontally oriented; (b) a mechanical housing supporting the joystick, which includes a generally horizontally oriented housing plate affixed to the watercraft, the joystick passing through an aperture in the housing plate and being swivelable on the housing plate; and (c) at least one mechanism movably connecting the joystick apparatus to an outdrive of the watercraft; wherein the joystick has at least one forward position for putting the watercraft on plane, at least one right steering position for steering the watercraft in a rightward direction, and at least one left steering position for steering the watercraft in a leftward direction.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a reverse gate for a watercraft is disclosed. The reverse gate is independently rotatable relative to a watercraft and a steering nozzle and includes at least two curved surfaces. The curved surfaces are attached to one another to form an apex that is offset from a midpoint of the reverse gate and the reverse gate is attached to the watercraft so that the apex is also offset from a center axis of a steering nozzle oriented relative thereto. Water discharged from the steering nozzle can be diverged at the apex of the reverse gate to provide lateral and reverse thrust to the watercraft. The reverse gate includes an additional curved section contained within one of the at least two curved sections to provide improved lateral thrust to the watercraft.

Abstract: To provide an engine control unit for facilitating steering control. In particular, the invention relates to a controller of a boat propelled by jetting water pressurized and accelerated by a water jet pump. If a throttle angle of an engine for driving the water jet pump is a predetermined value or less and a steering angle by a steering handlebar of the jet propulsion boat is a predetermined value or more, a throttle valve of the engine is operated in an opened direction and advance angle control is made over the normal ignition timing of the engine.

Abstract: The present invention is a water jet powered floatable device for an above-ground pool or an in-ground pool comprising, in combination, a floatable device and a water flow conduit system with a control valve to direct the exiting of the water either downwardly in the pool to maintain a relatively stationary position or laterally behind the floatable device in a direction to create a forward thrust or a turning movement of the floatable pool chair in a right or left turning direction. Optionally, a reverse mode may be incorporated by having an outlet directed forward of the floatable device.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having an engine, a water jet propeller on the rear side of the engine, a jet nozzle for ejecting jet water, and a steering nozzle swingable in the left-right direction. The axis of the water jet propeller is set with a rearwardly downward gradient at an angle &thgr;1, and the bottom surface of a ride plate is set with a rearwardly upward gradient at an angle &thgr;2.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprising a water jet pump, an engine for driving the water jet pump, and a mechanically driven supercharger provided independently of the engine and configured to draw taken-in air to the engine.

Abstract: A trim operating lever device is disclosed which can downwardly or vertically swing a nozzle capable of adjusting the jet direction of jet water. When the trim operating lever is gripped with a finger of the hand which is gripping the steering handle, a lever of the lever lock means can be substantially simultaneously operated with the finger, to effect locking. Therefore, the number of operations by the left hand necessary for swinging the nozzle is reduced. Also, because the trim operating lever makes it possible to enlarge the operating force, the nozzle can be swung quickly.

Abstract: A turbine assembly with directional control for use in a toy watercraft, including: a turbine housing defining an impeller cavity and including a forward opening and a rearward opening; a directional control valve positioned in the impeller cavity and having a valve opening in a sidewall thereof, the directional control valve being operable to rotate to a first position which closes the forward opening in the turbine housing and aligns the valve opening with the rearward opening in the turbine housing, and a second position which closes the rearward opening in the turbine housing an aligns the valve opening with the forward opening in the turbine housing; and a motor driven impeller positioned in the directional control valve.

Abstract: A jet-propulsion small watercraft, comprises a water jet pump that pressurizes and accelerates water taken in from outside and ejects the water to propel the watercraft, a steering system configured to steer the watercraft by changing an ejection direction of the water, a steering throttle arm configured to cause a throttle valve of an engine to open, thereby maintaining a steering capability, in response to a closing operation of a throttle lever, an actuator configured to cause the throttle valve in a closed position to open by steering throttle arm, and a spring configured to return the throttle valve to the closed position, wherein the actuator includes a motor configured to be energized at a predetermined motor power value by control of a control device, a reduction mechanism configured to reduce a speed of the motor, and an output shaft configured to be rotated by the reduction mechanism.

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: An apparatus and method are disclosed which allow a stream to be divided so that a portion continues to provide forward or reverse thrust while a portion is diverted to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus has a frame and a side diverter connected thereto. The side diverter is movable into and out of the path of a water stream from a jet propulsion unit to divert at least a portion of the water stream to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus preferably has two side diverters that may or may not be independently operable. The apparatus also preferably has one or more reverse diverters connected to the frame. The frame is preferably pivoted about two axes to move the side diverters into and out of the path of the water stream, and the reverse diverter preferably pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to these axes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering arrangement for ships with water jet unit, comprising a steering device that is pivotable about an essentially vertical shaft having a first centre line, at least one hydraulic cylinder articulately connected at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder to the attachment flange of the water jet unit, a turning device connected to said shaft for attachment to a second end of said hydraulic cylinder at a distance from said shaft, a reversing device for pivoting the steering device, the reversing device being arranged about an essentially horizontal shaft, an additional hydraulic cylinder arranged to act on the reversing device, the additional hydraulic cylinder following the movement of the steering device, characterized in that all the hydraulic cylinders are arranged within a sheltered space located above the extension of said vertical shaft.

Abstract: A submersible vehicle of diverse use that eliminates the compartments of ballast, and at the same time, has a horizontal displacement system and new direction.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A system for controlling thrust of a jet propulsion type watercraft during various steering conditions. The system comprises a thrust mechanism for providing jet propulsion thrust, a throttle regulator for regulating thrust provided by the thrust mechanism, a throttle position sensor for sensing the throttle position of the watercraft, a steering position sensor for sensing the steering position of the watercraft and a controller for determining the desired throttle position of the throttle regulator. Wherein the desired throttle position is based on the throttle position received from the throttle position sensor and the steering position received from the steering position.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion system having a suction casing (4) configured with a suction inlet (4a) opening at a vessel bottom (1b), a suction flow path (4b) inclined to rearwardly ascend from the suction inlet (4a), and an impeller chamber (4c) formed horizontal, and disposed at a bottom of a stern, a delivery casing (10) connected to the suction casing (4) and submerged under a draft of the stern, and a set of forward and reverse rotatable axial flow blades (8) disposed in the impeller chamber (4c) of the suction casing (4).

Abstract: A watercraft of the jet propulsion type comprising a steering mechanism, a throttle control mechanism, a thrust mechanism, a throttle regulator and a controlled thrust steering system. The steering mechanism has a straight-ahead position. The steering mechanism is able to rotate in a clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a clockwise position and in a counter-clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a counter-clockwise position. The throttle control mechanism is biased toward an idle position. The thrust mechanism provides jet propulsion thrust for the watercraft. The throttle regulator regulates thrust provided by the thrust mechanism. The controlled thrust steering system causes the throttle regulator to increase thrust upon the steering mechanism rotating from the straight-ahead position to the clockwise position or the counter-clockwise position.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A remotely controlled rescue craft for use in fast moving water to rescue victims. A line is strung and secured across the moving water and the craft is tethered to the line. The craft has a water passage port that runs through the length of the craft. Within the passage port are a remotely controlled rudder for steering the craft, and at least one remotely controlled stabilization plate for controlling the pitch of the craft. Pressure relief channels run from the passage port to each side of the craft to keep the craft from rocking from side to side. A sealing ball is in each pressure relief channel and is pressed against a seal in an opening in the channel when the channel fills with water. A remotely deployed life preserver can also be onboard the craft. A control box controls all the onboard systems.

Abstract: A boat positioning apparatus and system are disclosed. The apparatus and system may include a boat having a hull, an outboard motor, and a thruster. The thruster has a housing that is secured to the transom to maintain a fixed position relative to the transom. The housing is disposed above a slip stream that occurs when the boat is on plane. A reversible electric motor is disposed in the housing, and a shaft passes through the housing, with propellers affixed to each end of the shaft. A switch, preferably a foot switch, is operably connected to the reversible electric motor. The reversible electric motor may be connected to the same battery used for the outboard motor. Hook and loop fasteners may be used to provide flexibility in positioning the switch in the boat. In an alternate embodiment, the boat positioning system is built into an outboard motor. In the alternate embodiment, a water intake line supplies water to a pump.

Abstract: A watercraft of the jet propulsion type comprising a steering mechanism, a throttle control mechanism, a thrust mechanism, a throttle regulator and a controlled thrust steering system. The steering mechanism has a straight-ahead position. The steering mechanism is able to rotate in a clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a clockwise position and in a counter-clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a counter-clockwise position. The throttle control mechanism is biased toward an idle position. The thrust mechanism provides jet propulsion thrust for the watercraft. The throttle regulator regulates thrust provided by the thrust mechanism. The controlled thrust steering system causes the throttle regulator to increase thrust upon the steering mechanism rotating from the straight-ahead position to the clockwise position or the counter-clockwise position.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A thrust control system is described, including a control apparatus having water jet deflectors that deflect water to provide a reversing/backing thrust and a trim force to marine vessels using water jet propulsion. Other aspects include an electro-mechanical control lever assembly for operating actuators, the assembly comprising a mechanical lever coupled to a transducer that generates an electrical output. Yet other aspects comprise a load-sensing hydraulic circuit comprising at least two loads and a control system for controlling at least one of the loads, that prevents unwanted pressure transients in the circuit.

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 of the jet propulsion type comprising a steering mechanism, a throttle control mechanism, a thrust mechanism, a throttle regulator and a controlled thrust steering system. The steering mechanism has a straight-ahead position. The steering mechanism is able to rotate in a clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a clockwise position and in a counter-clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a counter-clockwise position. The throttle control mechanism is biased toward an idle position. The thrust mechanism provides jet propulsion thrust for the watercraft. The throttle regulator regulates thrust provided by the thrust mechanism. The controlled thrust steering system causes the throttle regulator to increase thrust upon the steering mechanism rotating from the straight-ahead position to the clockwise position or the counter-clockwise position.

Abstract: A watercraft of the jet propulsion type comprising a steering mechanism, a throttle control mechanism, a thrust mechanism, a throttle regulator and a controlled thrust steering system. The steering mechanism has a straight-ahead position. The steering mechanism is able to rotate in a clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a clockwise position and in a counter-clockwise direction from the straight-ahead position to a counter-clockwise position. The throttle control mechanism is biased toward an idle position. The thrust mechanism provides jet propulsion thrust for the watercraft. The throttle regulator regulates thrust provided by the thrust mechanism. The controlled thrust steering system causes the throttle regulator to increase thrust upon the steering mechanism rotating from the straight-ahead position to the clockwise position or the counter-clockwise position.

Abstract: A watercraft, equipped with a jet drive power source, with improved stability is disclosed. The jet drive power source is configured to produce power along a predetermined direction and form a drive line based upon the predetermined direction. The drive line bisects a plane of the keel at a predetermined angle that is less than about 4 degrees. The drive shaft and the output shaft are not substantially parallel.

Abstract: A watercraft having a turnable (i.e., pivotable) planing surface, preferably with at least one skeg projecting generally vertically downward from the planing surface. This structure is designed to provide improved steering performance of watercraft, particularly jet-powered boats, while minimizing drag. The turnable planing surface is formed by a bottom surface of a steering pad mounted beneath a jet propulsion unit. In one embodiment, the water jet propulsion unit is fixed (i.e., not turnable) and the skeg-bearing planing surface is turnable relative to the water jet propulsion unit. In another embodiment, the water jet propulsion unit is turnable relative to the hull centerline (e.g., in the manner of an outboard engine) and the skeg-bearing planing surface is fixed relative to the water jet propulsion unit (i.e., the skeg-bearing planing surface turns in unison with the jet propulsion unit). The planing surface may optionally have strake-like sides.

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 waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A self-deploying rudder assembly for use with a water craft including an exhaust port having a exhaust stream includes a mounting assembly and a pivoting rudder blade assembly. The pivoting rudder blade assembly typically includes a thrust plate attached to one end of a rudder shaft and a rudder blade attached to the other end of the rudder shaft. When the selected thrust level is above the preselected thrust level, the thrust plate is moved out of the exhaust stream and the rudder blade is thereby moved from a deployed, operational position to a stored position.

Abstract: A watercraft with a steer-responsive speed controller generates thrust when the steerable propulsion unit is turned beyond a predetermined angular threshold. Turning the steering wheel beyond the threshold causes the speed controller to increase engine speed so that the propulsion unit produces thrust at least equal to the minimal propulsive force needed to effectively steer the watercraft. This system ensures that there is always sufficient thrust for steering the watercraft. This system is applicable to single-engine personal watercraft, twin-engine jet boats or motorboats equipped with swivel-mounted outboard motors. In one form of the system, rotation of the steering wheel beyond the angular threshold causes an actuating cable to open the throttle to increase engine speed. Alternatively, an electronic control system regulates the engine by calculating the optimal power settings based on measurements derived from a speed sensor, a steering angle sensor and, optionally, a throttle position sensor.