Abstract: A jet pump assembly includes a marine engine, a jet drive and a shield adapted to be secured to a transom of a watercraft. The shield has arms to which the marine engine is secured and legs to which the jet drive is secured, the arms and legs extending in opposite directions. The shield has a flange adapted to be secured to the transom of the watercraft. The shield covers an opening in the transom through which the jet pump assembly is passed during assembly. A gasket between the shield and transom prevents water from entering the watercraft.

Abstract: A boat includes a propulsion device that generates, by driving of an engine, a propulsive force to propel a boat body, a trim changer that changes a trim angle of the boat body, a trim actuator that drives the trim changer, and a controller configured or programmed to control operation of the trim actuator based on a value corresponding to a change in a boat speed.

Abstract: A device for redirecting a portion of the reverse flow of a jet stream created by a watercraft to provide a lateral thrust. The main body of device is fixed to the watercraft and includes two intersecting channels disposed therein. Each channel has a bend that and fluidly connects an inlet to an outlet. The reverse flow enters the respective inlet in a downward and backward direction with respect to main body. The respective inlet and channel of main body bend the reverse flow such that, when the reverse flow exits the outlet, the reverse flow is primarily lateral.

Abstract: A method for decelerating a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft has a reverse gate and a reverse gate actuator operatively connected to the reverse gate for moving the reverse gate between at least a stowed position and a deceleration position. The method includes: receiving, in a control unit, a deceleration signal from a deceleration device position sensor, the deceleration signal being indicative of an actuated position of a deceleration device; controlling, by the control unit, an operation of the reverse gate actuator based at least in part on the actuated position of the deceleration device; and moving the reverse gate from the stowed position to the deceleration position with the reverse gate actuator, the reverse gate actuator being controlled such that a speed of rotation of the reverse gate depends at least in part on the actuated position of the deceleration device.

Abstract: A jet propulsion watercraft includes a vessel body, a steering nozzle, and a bucket. The steering nozzle includes a jet port from which a jet of water is ejected to propel the vessel body. The bucket is configured to move to a retracted position away from the jet of water ejected from the jet port and a jet receiving position to receive the jet of water ejected from the jet port. The bucket includes a right opening, a left opening, a first opening, and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening. The jet of water flows rightward from the right opening, leftward from the left opening, and rearward from the first opening and the second opening when the bucket is located in the jet receiving position. The first opening is located at least partially rightward of a right end of the jet port. The second opening is located at least partially leftward of a left end of the jet port.

Abstract: A method for reversing a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft has a reverse gate and a reverse gate actuator operatively connected to the reverse gate for moving the reverse gate between at least a stowed position and a reverse position. The method includes moving the reverse gate from the stowed position to the reverse position with the reverse gate actuator in response to receiving a reverse signal. The reverse gate actuator is controlled such that a movement speed of the reverse gate depends on at least one of a speed of the watercraft and a motor speed of a motor of the watercraft.

Abstract: A method of decelerating a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft has a hull, a deck, a seat, a motor connected to at least one of the hull and the deck, a jet propulsion system operatively connected to the motor, and a reverse gate connected to at least one of the hull and the jet propulsion system. The reverse gate is movable between at least a stowed position and a deceleration position. The method has the steps of: receiving a deceleration signal; moving the reverse gate toward the deceleration position in response to receiving the deceleration signal; as the reverse gate is moving toward the deceleration position, increasing a thrust request at an intermediate position of the reverse gate, the intermediate position being intermediate the stowed and decelerations positions; and increasing the speed of the motor in response to increasing the thrust request.

Abstract: A method for controlling a trim position of a marine propulsion unit for propelling a watercraft has the steps of: sensing an engine speed; positioning the propulsion unit at a first trim angle when the engine speed is less than or equal to a first predetermined engine speed, the first trim angle being constant; positioning the propulsion unit at a second trim angle when the engine speed is greater than the first predetermined engine speed and less than the second predetermined engine speed; and positioning the propulsion unit at a third trim angle when the engine speed is greater than or equal to the second predetermined engine speed, the third trim angle being constant. A system for controlling a trim position of a marine propulsion unit for propelling a watercraft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A jet propulsion watercraft includes a vessel body, a steering nozzle, and a bucket. The steering nozzle includes a jet port from which a jet of water is ejected to propel the vessel body. The bucket is configured to move to a retracted position away from the jet of water ejected from the jet port and a jet receiving position to receive the jet of water ejected from the jet port. The bucket includes a right opening, a left opening, a first opening, and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening. The jet of water flows rightward from the right opening, leftward from the left opening, and rearward from the first opening and the second opening when the bucket is located in the jet receiving position. The first opening is located at least partially rightward of a right end of the jet port. The second opening is located at least partially leftward of a left end of the jet port.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal including at least a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in a port direction, and that is configured to provide a set of actuator control signals coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the set of actuator control signals so as to maintain the first reversing bucket substantially in a first discrete position and the second reversing bucket substantially in a second discrete position as long as the first vessel control signal includes a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in the port direction.

Abstract: A watercraft has a hull, an engine compartment, an engine disposed and a jet pump. A gate is pivotable relative to the jet pump about a gate axis between an up and a down position. A gate actuator assembly includes an actuator housing fixed to the hull, and an actuator arm movable along an actuation axis with respect thereto. The actuator arm is operatively connected to the gate for pivoting the gate about the gate axis. A sealing member encloses a portion of the actuator arm between the actuator housing and the gate. The sealing member extends between a first end fixed with respect to the actuator housing and a second end fixed with respect to the actuator arm, forming a variable volume outer chamber to prevent entry of fluid therein. A passage fluidly communicating with the outer chamber, extends through the hull into the engine compartment.

Abstract: A jet propulsion boat includes a boat body, an engine, a jet propulsion mechanism, and a reverse gate. The reverse gate is arranged rearward of the jet propulsion mechanism and is configured to move to a forward movement position that allows a jet flow from the jet propulsion mechanism to flow backward, a reverse movement position that allows the jet flow from the jet propulsion mechanism to flow forward and downward, and a neutral position that allows the jet flow from the jet propulsion mechanism to flow in the lateral direction. The reverse gate includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a downward opening and a pair of lateral openings open to the right and left when the reverse gate is positioned in the neutral position. The second member covers at least a portion of the downward opening when the reverse gate is positioned in the neutral position.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system includes a motor mounted in a container in a water-tight manner. A shaft extends from the motor through the bottom of the container to an impeller disposed in a housing outside the container. The impeller draws fluid into the housing through and opening on the back of the housing to propel a watercraft through the water.

Abstract: A trim tab assembly includes a trim tab and a support structure. The trim tab includes first and second ends. The first end includes a member or a curved surface. The member or the curved surface, when in an extended state, adjusts motion of a marine vessel. The second end attaches to the marine vessel via an attachment device. The member or the curved surface is convex-shaped such that the member or the curved surface curves outward in a direction away from the attachment device. The support structure attaches to the marine vessel. The support structure includes a scraper plate. The scraper plate is adjacent the member or the curved surface. The member or the curved surface moves relative to the scraper plate while transitioning between a retracted state and the extended state.

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 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 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 vessel propulsion apparatus includes a nozzle, a deflector, a reverse bucket, and a guide. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at a closed position and the deflector is positioned at a straight drive position, the guide generates a right branch stream flowing in an obliquely forward right direction and a left branch stream flowing in an obliquely forward left direction. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a right side, the guide generates the left branch stream. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a left side, the guide generates the right branch stream.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal including at least a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in a port direction, and that is configured to provide a set of actuator control signals coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the set of actuator control signals so as to maintain the first reversing bucket substantially in a first discrete position and the second reversing bucket substantially in a second discrete position as long as the first vessel control signal includes a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in the port direction.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises at least one seat including a driver seating portion and at least one passenger seating portion. At least one sensor is disposed on the watercraft for detecting at least one of a presence and an absence of a passenger on the watercraft. A control unit is electrically connected to the at least one sensor. The control unit enters a first control mode in response to a signal received from the at least one sensor indicative of the presence of a passenger on the watercraft. The control unit prevents at least one performance characteristic of the watercraft from exceeding a predetermined value when in the first control mode.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a nozzle, a deflector, and a forward bucket (hereinafter referred to as “F bucket”). In a state in which the F bucket is in a closed position and the deflector is positioned at a left side, water jetted obliquely rearward to the left from the deflector is guided by the F bucket in a left guiding direction that is tilted further to the left than a direction of jetting of water from the deflector. In a state in which the F bucket is in the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a right side, water jetted obliquely rearward to the right from the deflector is guided by the F bucket in a right guiding direction that is tilted further to the right than the direction of jetting of water from the deflector.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a nozzle, a deflector, a reverse bucket, and a guide. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at a closed position and the deflector is positioned at a straight drive position, the guide generates a right branch stream flowing in an obliquely forward right direction and a left branch stream flowing in an obliquely forward left direction. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a right side, the guide generates the left branch stream. In a state in which the reverse bucket is positioned at the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a left side, the guide generates the right branch stream.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, a jet propulsion unit, and a reverse gate. The jet propulsion unit includes a jet port arranged to jet water toward a rear of a hull. The reverse gate is arranged to be capable of being changed in opening degree between a fully closed position of covering an entirety of the jet port and a fully opened position of not covering the jet port at all. The reverse gate is arranged to be moved, between the fully closed position and the fully opened position, to a first partially closed position of only partially covering the jet port and a second partially closed position of only partially covering the jet port and being closer to the fully opened position than the first partially closed position.

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 lever position sensor assembly (90) has a main housing (92), a lever (48) pivotally connected to the housing about a first axis (100), and a lever position sensor (84). The lever has at least a portion thereof extending outside the housing. The lever position sensor has a fixed portion (120) and a pivoting portion (122). The fixed portion is connected to the housing. The pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the fixed portion about a second axis (124). The second axis is generally parallel to the first axis. The second axis is spaced from the first axis. The lever is operatively connected to the pivoting portion of the lever position sensor such that pivoting the lever about the first axis pivots the pivoting portion of the lever position sensor about the second axis. A vehicle having a lever position sensor assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal including at least a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in a port direction, and that is configured to provide a set of actuator control signals coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the set of actuator control signals so as to maintain the first reversing bucket substantially in a first discrete position and the second reversing bucket substantially in a second discrete position as long as the first vessel control signal includes a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in the port direction.

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 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 vessel propulsion apparatus includes a nozzle, a deflector, and a forward bucket (hereinafter referred to as “F bucket”). In a state in which the F bucket is in a closed position and the deflector is positioned at a left side, water jetted obliquely rearward to the left from the deflector is guided by the F bucket in a left guiding direction that is tilted further to the left than a direction of jetting of water from the deflector. In a state in which the F bucket is in the closed position and the deflector is positioned at a right side, water jetted obliquely rearward to the right from the deflector is guided by the F bucket in a right guiding direction that is tilted further to the right than the direction of jetting of water from the deflector.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a pair of jet propulsion devices arranged right and left of a hull centerline. Each jet propulsion device includes a jetting unit arranged to jet water, a deflector supported on the hull and arranged to rotate to right and left, the deflector including a forward drive jet port and a reverse drive jet port. Each jet propulsion device includes a bucket arranged to change between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The bucket includes a reflecting surface arranged to reflect the water jetted from the forward drive jet port when the bucket is at the reverse drive position, and an auxiliary nozzle including an entrance opened to the reflecting surface and arranged to jet water introduced into the entrance along a hull right/left direction.

Abstract: A method of operating a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft includes an engine, a jet propulsion system operatively connected to the engine, the jet propulsion system includes a reverse gate, and a steering assembly for steering the watercraft. The method comprises: determining if the steering assembly is turned; sensing an operating parameter of the watercraft, the operating parameter being related to a thrust generated by the propulsion system; determining if the operating parameter of the watercraft is within a predetermined range; and moving the reverse gate to a lowered position when the steering assembly is turned and the operating parameter of the watercraft is within the predetermined range. A watercraft capable of performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises a water jet pump configured to be driven by an engine to generate a rearward water jet, a reverse bucket mounted at a periphery of the water jet pump and movable between a forward driving position and a reverse driving position, a driving power operation member configured to control an engine driving power, a reverse driving operation member configured to change a position of the reverse bucket from the forward driving position to the reverse driving position, and a deceleration operation member, wherein the reverse bucket is in the forward driving position when the deceleration operation member and the reverse driving operation member are not operated, and the reverse bucket is in a deceleration position between the forward driving position and the reverse driving position when the deceleration operation member has been operated and the reverse driving operation member is not operated.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal including at least a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in a port direction, and that is configured to provide a set of actuator control signals coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the set of actuator control signals so as to maintain the first reversing bucket substantially in a first discrete position and the second reversing bucket substantially in a second discrete position as long as the first vessel control signal includes a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in the port direction.

Abstract: In a method for calibrating a system for controlling thrust and steering of a drive arrangement in a watercraft, the system includes an operating device adapted for indicating a requested direction of travel of the watercraft, the operating device being connected to a control unit for providing corresponding thrust and steering commands to the drive arrangement. The method includes receiving an activation command in the control unit, for beginning the calibration, detecting any movements of the operating device, storing values corresponding to the movements in the control unit together with corresponding thrust and steering values, and repeating the detecting step and the storing step until a termination command is received in the control unit, thereby using the stored values in subsequent operation of the operating device for indicating the direction of travel of the watercraft.

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 marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, a jet propulsion unit, and a reverse gate. The jet propulsion unit includes a jet port arranged to jet water toward a rear of a hull. The reverse gate is arranged to be capable of being changed in opening degree between a fully closed position of covering an entirety of the jet port and a fully opened position of not covering the jet port at all. The reverse gate is arranged to be moved, between the fully closed position and the fully opened position, to a first partially closed position of only partially covering the jet port and a second partially closed position of only partially covering the jet port and being closer to the fully opened position than the first partially closed position.

Abstract: An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprises a water jet pump configured to be driven by an engine to generate a rearward water jet, a reverse bucket mounted at a periphery of the water jet pump and movable between a forward driving position and a reverse driving position, a driving power operation member configured to control an engine driving power, a reverse driving operation member configured to change a position of the reverse bucket from the forward driving position to the reverse driving position, and a deceleration operation member, wherein the reverse bucket is in the forward driving position when the deceleration operation member and the reverse driving operation member are not operated, and the reverse bucket is in a deceleration position between the forward driving position and the reverse driving position when the deceleration operation member has been operated and the reverse driving operation member is not operated.

Abstract: An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal including at least a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in a port direction, and that is configured to provide a set of actuator control signals coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the set of actuator control signals so as to maintain the first reversing bucket substantially in a first discrete position and the second reversing bucket substantially in a second discrete position as long as the first vessel control signal includes a component corresponding to a translational thrust command in the port direction.

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 water jet propulsion watercraft includes a pair of jet propulsion devices arranged right and left of a hull centerline. Each jet propulsion device includes a jetting unit arranged to jet water, a deflector supported on the hull and arranged to rotate to right and left, the deflector including a forward drive jet port and a reverse drive jet port. Each jet propulsion device includes a bucket arranged to change between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The bucket includes a reflecting surface arranged to reflect the water jetted from the forward drive jet port when the bucket is at the reverse drive position, and an auxiliary nozzle including an entrance opened to the reflecting surface and arranged to jet water introduced into the entrance along a hull right/left direction.

Abstract: A method of indicating a deceleration of a watercraft is disclosed. The method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft. The spray of water extends above a water level of a body of water in which the watercraft operates. The spray of water is created when the reverse gate of the watercraft is in a lowered position and the watercraft is decelerating. An alternate method comprises creating a spray of water using a reverse gate of the watercraft only when decelerating the watercraft. A watercraft for carrying out at least one of the methods is also disclosed.

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 watercraft has a jet pump and a venturi. A variable trim system (VTS) support and a reverse gate are rotationally mounted relative to the venturi. A steering nozzle is rotationally mounted to the VTS support. A rotary actuator has an output portion operatively connected to at least one of the VTS support and the reverse gate. Rotation of the output portion between a first angle and a second angle causes a rotation of the VTS support while the reverse gate remains in a stowed position relative to the steering nozzle. Rotation of the output portion between the second angle and a third angle causes a rotation of the reverse gate between the stowed position and a second position while the VTS support remains in a fixed position. A jet propulsion system and a method of operating a jet propulsion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thrust bucket for use on a boat propeller including a plenum and a positioning system. The plenum includes a plenum wall with at least one water flow valve located on the plenum wall. The positioning system moves the plenum between inoperative and operative positions. The thrust bucket may include an annulus positioned in close proximity to a swept radius of the propeller when the plenum is in the operative position. The at least one operable water flow valve may be controlled to control a direction of water departing the plenum, or to control a quantity of water flow out of the plenum. The thrust bucket may further include a propeller guard mounted to the plenum and positioned at an inlet side of the propeller.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull, an engine attached to the hull, a jet propulsion device arranged to be driven using an output of the engine and to jet water toward a rear of the hull from a jet port provided on an outer side of the hull, a bucket arranged to be disposed in a manner enabling movement between a forward drive position of not blocking the water jetted from the jet port of the jet propulsion device and a reverse drive position of blocking the water jetted from the jet port and, at the reverse drive position, to convert a jetting direction of the water jetted rearward from the jet port to a forward direction, a hydraulic cylinder arranged to be disposed in an interior of the hull and to move the bucket between the forward drive position and the reverse drive position, and an oil passage arranged to connect the engine and the hydraulic cylinder and to cause a lubricating oil inside of the engine to pass through as a hydraulic oil of the hydraulic cylinder.

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.