Abstract: A trolling motor mount comprising a base for attaching the mount to a watercraft, an arm assembly pivotally attached to the base, a motor mount assembly pivotally attached to the arm assembly for rotatably securing the trolling motor, and an actuator adapted to move the arm assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The arm assembly may comprise a single elongated arm or a four bar linkage system. The mount may further comprise a user control such a switch, a wireless remote control, or wired remote control.

Abstract: Methods and systems are for controlling movement of at least one propulsion unit on a marine vessel. The method comprises plotting a first plurality of points representing a first surface of a first propulsion unit and plotting a second plurality of points representing a second surface. The method further comprises limiting movement of at least the first propulsion unit such that the first surface does not come within a predetermined distance of the second surface during said movement.

Abstract: Systems for maneuvering a marine vessel comprise an input device for requesting lateral movement of the marine vessel with respect to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of propulsion devices including at least a port propulsion device, a starboard propulsion device and an intermediate propulsion device disposed between the port and starboard propulsion devices. A control circuit controls orientation of the port and starboard propulsion devices inwardly towards a common point on the marine vessel, and upon a request for lateral movement of from the input device, operates one of the port and starboard propulsion devices in forward gear, operates the other of the port and starboard propulsion devices in reverse gear, and operates the intermediate propulsion device in reverse gear.

Abstract: A position indicator for tracking the position of the slide in relation to the support. The position indicator comprises an electronic signal generator device formed as a transducer which is capable of being activated, and an electronic signal generating device formed as a magnet. One of the transducer and the magnet is attached to the hydraulic cylinder. The electronic device is positioned near said activator wherein the signal output of the electronic device is regulated, in relation to ambient light, by a photoelectric cell.

Abstract: In a power steering apparatus for a small vessel, an electrically driven assist device (26) and a helm pump (27) formed of a swash plate type axial piston pump are arranged in parallel on a common base (28). The electrically driven assist device (26) and the helm pump 27 are connected through a transmission system (34) under the common base 28 and integrated into a steering oil pressure generating unit (6) functioning as the power steering apparatus. The electrically driven assist device (26) is carried on an instrument panel (3). The parallel arrangement of the electrically driven assist device (26) and the helm pump (27) allows the steering oil pressure generating device (6) to be reduced in vertical length, so that it is possible to shorten the distance between the instrument panel (3) and a bottom (2) of the vessel and to lower positions of a handle and an operator's seat, thereby realizing the low center of gravity.

Abstract: A collapsible and disconnectible for storage yet extending for use emergency motor drive unit for a boat. A motor is secured to a hollow drive-shaft pipe segment. Another pipe segment is attached to the end of that pipe segment and has a propeller at its end. A drive shaft of the motor is coupled to the propeller by flexible tubing passing through the hollow bores of the pipe segments. A third, and possibly fourth and fifth, pipe segment(s) is(are) provided between the other two segments to extend the length of the overall device. At least one pipe segment has a vertical support post which allows the device to be selectively held in the receptacle of an anchor light receptacle, when needed. A clamp block and ball swivel allow for rotational, lengthwise, and angular movement of the pipe segments to adjust the motor and the propeller to maximize efficiency of use.

Abstract: Systems for maneuvering a marine vessel comprise a plurality of marine propulsion devices that are movable between an aligned position to achieve of movement of the marine vessel in a longitudinal direction and/or rotation of the marine vessel with respect to the longitudinal direction and an unaligned position to achieve transverse movement of the marine vessel with respect to the longitudinal direction. A controller has a programmable circuit and controls the plurality of marine propulsion devices to move into the unaligned position when a transverse movement of the marine vessel is requested and to thereafter remain in the unaligned position after the transverse movement is achieved.

Abstract: An arrangement for the maneuver control of a twin-engine boat (1) includes an extendible rod (6) connected to the engines (8) from its ends for changing the boat thrust direction of the engines (8) and a mechanism for moving the extendible rod (6) relative to the boat (1) in the longitudinal axis direction thereof.

Abstract: An electric outboard motor transom clamping system with two spaced apart side plates pivotally connected by at least one main pivot bolt or pin. Each side plate includes a clamp configured to press against the transom and hold the side plate in a rearward extending fixed position. Each slide plate also includes a ratchet slot located below the main bolt and a plurality of downward oriented pin slots transversely aligned the pins slots on the opposite side plate. Each pin slot is angled upward and rearward between 5 and 25 degrees from the center axis to a line that extends from the bottom of each pin slot to the main pivot bolt. A block member with two longitudinally aligned pins extend into the two ratchet slots. The pins engage the pin slots on the two side plates and hold the block member in fixed position between the two side plates.

Abstract: A pod drive installation and hull configurations for mounting a pod drive unit to a hull which includes a horizontally disposed pod drive platform for supporting a rotational pod drive mount for mounting the pod drive unit with a vertically oriented steering axis. The pod drive platform is mounted to the hull, outward of the keel of the vessel, such that the pod drive platform intersects a plane defined by a bottom hull surface tilted from the horizontal along a contour of intersection, between an outboard boundary of the pod drive platform and an inboard boundary of the pod drive platform, and is connected to the bottom hull surface by at least one of an outboard sidewall and an inboard sidewall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trimmable pod drive assembly that includes a pod drive unit having a transmission assembly secured to a steering unit, a gear case assembly coupled to and rotatable by the steering unit about a steering axis, and a propeller rotatable about a propeller driveshaft axis extending through the gear case assembly so as to generate thrust along a thrust vector. The trimmable pod drive assembly further includes a trim assembly secured to the pod drive unit in a manner allowing for rotation of the pod drive unit about a trim axis that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, wherein actuation of at least one component of the trim assembly causes movement of the pod drive unit and the thrust vector about the trim axis.

Abstract: A marine vessel steering system includes a basic target turning angle computing unit that computes a basic target turning angle ?o* common to two outboard motors based on a steering angle ? detected by a steering angle sensor. A traveling state determining unit determines whether a traveling state of a marine vessel is a straight traveling state based on the received basic target turning angle ?o*. When the traveling state of the marine vessel is determined as being the straight traveling state, a target turning angle computing unit determines, based on the basic target steering angle ?o* and a straight traveling toe angle ?s stored in a nonvolatile memory, target turning angles ?* of the two outboard motors such that a toe angle between the two outboard motors is equal to the straight traveling toe angle ?s.

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: Boat (10) comprising a steering and propelling unit comprising at least one driving shaft (11, 11?) passing in an opening of the transom (12) for transmitting the motion from a motor to at least one propeller (21, 21?), at least one steering (14) provided at the top with at least one rotation pin (13), and a through-hull support (100) able to be associated with the opening and equipped with a plate portion (101) able to be fixed on the outside to the hull (12) of the boat (10) and with a through-hull tubular portion (102) for support of the at least one driving shaft (11, 11?), in which the through-hull support (100) also comprises at least one bush (103) passing through the plate portion (101) to support, in a rotary manner, the pin (13) bearing the steering (14) and in which the wall (12) of the hull where the passage opening of the at least one driving shaft (11, 11?) is formed is inclined from the top to the bottom in the direction of the stem of the boat (10).

Abstract: A watercraft has a hull with a first end and a second end and is equipped at its second end with a propulsion arrangement that includes at least three propulsion devices each provided with a propeller. A majority of the propulsion devices are rudder propeller devices, and the propeller of at least one of the propulsion devices is at a first distance from the second end of the hull and the propeller of at least another one of the propulsion devices is at a second distance, greater than the first distance, from the second end of the hull. In ice conditions the watercraft is operated with the second end ahead, so that at least one propeller at the first distance from the second end of the hull breaks ice and at least one propeller at the second distance from the second end of the hull moves disintegrated ice or ice chunks away from the ice build-up.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes an outboard motor, a transom bracket, a steering shaft, a first mount, a second mount, a tilt bracket, a tilt mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The tilt bracket is attached to a transom via the transom bracket and the steering shaft. The outboard motor is joined to the tilt bracket. The tilt bracket includes a first joint portion joined to the outboard motor via a first mount, a second joint portion joined to the outboard motor via a second mount, and a support portion arranged to support the outboard motor at a height different from heights of the first mount and the second mount.

Abstract: A boat propelling system capable of reducing electric power consumption includes an outboard engine main body, a swivel bracket arranged to allow the outboard engine main body to pivot in a right-left direction with respect to a hull, an electric motor arranged in the swivel bracket to pivot the outboard engine main body in the right-left direction, a transmission mechanism arranged in the swivel bracket to transmit a driving force of the electric motor to the outboard engine main body, a locking clutch arranged to lock the transmission mechanism so that the outboard engine main body will not be pivoted in the right-left direction by an external force acting on the outboard engine main body, a steering section arranged to steer the outboard engine main body, a steering angle sensor arranged to detect a steering angle of the steering section, a pivot sensor arranged to detect an actual pivot angle of the outboard engine main body, and an ECU arranged and programmed to control the electric motor based on a resu

Abstract: A single switch unit having a pair of switches is provided in the vicinity of a throttle grip which is provided in a distal end of a tiller handle. The single switch unit is provided with a function of performing the operation for changing a tilt angle of an outboard motor body with respect to a hull and a function of performing the operation for adjusting a rotational speed of an engine of the outboard motor at the time of trolling operation. Upon simultaneous pressing of a pair of the switches, these two functions of the switch unit are switched.

Abstract: One trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket is pivotably coupled to the base for rotation generally perpendicular to the cavity, and selectively defines a lower edge of the cavity. The bracket is also slidable relative to the base. Another trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket pivotably coupled to the base, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket has front and two side surfaces, and at least one channel for allowing the bracket to slide relative to the base.

Abstract: A multiple engine jack plate, comprising, in combination, a transom plate, a center plate connector, a pair of outer slides and a pair of inner slides. There is at least one hydraulic cylinder coupling the transom plate and the slides. There is a hydraulic pump system having a pump and a hydraulic fluid flow control valve and a hydraulic fluid reservoir holding a volume of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A device for detecting an angular position of a steering shaft (8), in particular for a steering unit of a boat drive (4, 5), using an angular sensor (13). The steering shaft (8) and the angular sensor (13) are kinematically interconnected, via a play-reducing intermediate gear (11, 16), which engages with a master gear (10) of the steering shaft (8) and a slave gear (12) of the angular sensor (13) to facilitate precise detection of angular rotation of the steering shaft (8).

Abstract: A propeller drive assembly, for steering and driving a ship (1), comprises a drive motor (2) and a transmission housing (4) secured to a ship hull and a control housing (7) secured to an exterior surface of the hull. The control housing (7) comprises a propeller (8) supported on a driven shaft (6) and the control housing (7) is pivotably coupled, via a steering shaft (10), to the transmission housing (4) for steering the ship (1). A transmission output shaft (5) is connected with the driven shaft (6) and a lubricant circuit of the transmission housing (4) is separate from a lubricant circuit of the control housing (7). At least one sealing element is provided, in a region of a shaft passage of the transmission output shaft (5) and in a region of a shaft passage of the steering shaft (10), for mutually sealing the transmission housing lubricant circuit and the control housing lubricant circuit.

Abstract: An outboard marine drive with an engine is described. The marine drive can include a drive housing with an upper drive housing and lower drive housing. The drive housing can be attached to a transom of a marine craft. An upper gear drive assembly can be located in the upper drive housing. A transmission can be provided with the upper gear drive assembly in the upper drive housing. In addition, a lower gear drive assembly can be located in the lower drive housing and coupled to the upper gear drive assembly. A propeller shaft may also be coupled to the lower gear drive assembly.

Abstract: An outboard motor attached to a hull includes a body, a body driving device, and a control device. The body includes an engine and a propeller shaft. The propeller shaft is configured to be rotated by a drive force from the engine. The body is configured to pivot about a tilt axis extending in a lateral direction of the hull. The body driving device is configured to drive the body about the tilt axis. The control device is programmed to control the body driving device so that a rear end of the propeller shaft is positioned higher than a front end of the propeller shaft when the control device determines that the propeller shaft is to rotate in a direction in which the hull is propelled in reverse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maneuvering a marine vessel limit interference by the hull of the vessel with reverse thrust. A marine propulsion device provides at least a reverse thrust with respect to the marine vessel. The propulsion device is vertically pivotable into a trim position wherein the hull does not impede or interfere with the reverse thrust. A control circuit controls the propulsion device to move into the trim position when the reverse thrust of the propulsion device is requested.

Abstract: In an outboard motor, a first damper member is disposed between a bracket and a casing such that the first damper member supports a weight of an outboard motor body. A second damper member is disposed between the bracket and the casing. The casing or the bracket includes a left first inclined surface and a right first inclined surface. The left first inclined surface and the right first inclined surface are inclined with respect to a front-back direction of the outboard motor body in a planar view of the outboard motor body. The second damper member includes a left second inclined surface and a right second inclined surface. The left second inclined surface is arranged to oppose the left first inclined surface. The right second inclined surface is arranged to oppose the right first inclined surface.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes a gearbox housing that is attached to the stern of a vessel hull, a pivot casing that can pivot relative to the gearbox housing for trim/tilt and a lower unit that can pivot relative to the pivot casing to steer. The gearbox housing houses an input shaft, which is connected via a gear set to an intermediate shaft, which is connected via a bevel gear set to a transverse shaft, which extends into the pivot casing. Inside the pivot casing, a drive shaft is connected to the transverse shaft via a clutch assembly and the drive shaft extends from the pivot casing to the lower unit, where it drives a propeller shaft. The pivot casing pivots about the axis of the transverse shaft to trim/tilt and the lower unit pivots about the axis of the drive shaft to steer.

Abstract: A suspension device includes a clamp bracket, a tilting shaft, a swivel bracket, and a steering shaft. An outboard motor is to be connected to the steering shaft. The steering shaft is to be driven about a central axis of the steering shaft by either one of an electric steering mechanism and a hydraulic steering mechanism. The swivel bracket includes a placing portion arranged to support the electric steering mechanism and a wall portion arranged to support the hydraulic steering mechanism at a position different from that of the electric steering mechanism, and supports either one of the electric steering mechanism and hydraulic steering mechanism.

Abstract: A suspension device includes a clamp bracket, a tilting shaft, a swivel bracket, a steering shaft, a case, an electric motor, and a transmitter. The electric motor and the transmitter are held in the interior of the case. The electric motor produces power to rotate the steering shaft about a central axis of the steering shaft. The transmitter transmits power from the electric motor to the steering shaft side. The case is located on a placing portion provided on the swivel bracket, and removably attached to the swivel bracket.

Abstract: This invention is The Floating Transom. The floating transom comes with manual control, and two 12 volt hydraulic systems, and clamps on the back of a boat, extending a new transom eighteen inches behind the boats transom. When traveling in ten inches of water the floating transom allows the boat motor to be picked up, lifting up the boat motor until the lower unit is flush with the bottom of the boat. The adjustable trim on the floating transom allows the back plate, which the boat motor clamps on. To adjust the angle of the boat motor, making the boat move flat on the top of the water. The lower unit of the boat motor rides in the wake the boat forms, making the water pump work, cooling the boat motor. Allowing you to move up or down shallow water rivers.

Abstract: An outboard motor control device is arranged to control a plurality of outboard motors. The outboard motor control device includes a malfunction determination unit arranged to determine whether any of the outboard motors is malfunctioning in turning angle control, a turning angle control stop unit arranged to stop turning angle control of an outboard motor determined as malfunctioning in turning angle control by the malfunction determination unit, a turning angle range limitation unit arranged to limit a turning angle range of other normally functioning outboard motor according to a turning angle of the outboard motor malfunctioning in turning angle control, and a turning angle control unit arranged to perform turning angle control of the normally functioning outboard motor in the turning angle range limited by the turning angle range limitation unit.

Abstract: A trim and tilt system comprises a trim cylinder unit including a trim cylinder and a trim rod reciprocatingly received by the trim cylinder. The trim rod has a chamfer at distal end thereof. A trim receiver mounted on a swivel bracket has a curved, three-dimensional surface for applying a force to the trim rod. The curved, three-dimensional surface of the trim receiver and the distal end of trim rod are able to self-align so that the force applied to the trim rod is applied substantially along a longitudinal axis of the trim rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device (1) for a watercraft (2) comprising a U or Z-shaped drive train. The drive torque is preferably deflected in the operating position at least twice about the angle (b, g)>0 via at least two bevel gears (23, 24, 20) between a motor shaft of a drive machine formed, preferably, by an internal combustion engine and at least one propeller shaft (13a, 13b). In order to control said drive device in a simple manner and to obtain achieve high shifting convenience, the housing (G) of the drive device (1) consists of one first, one second and one third housing part (4, 5, 6). The three housing parts (4, 5, 6) are rotationally connected to one another and the first housing part (4) can be securely connected to the pre-fabricated wall (2a) of the watercraft (2).

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion system includes first and second propulsion devices, a first operation lever arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the first propulsion device, a second operation lever arranged to be operated by the marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the second propulsion device, a first lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the first operation lever, a second lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the second operation lever, and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to set a target pivoting speed according to the positions of the first and second operation levers relative to each other and set a target travel speed according to amounts of displacement of the first and second operation levers with respect to neutral positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tie bar. The tie bar has a first subassembly and a second subassembly. The first subassembly includes an end portion configured to connect to a propulsion unit, a first tube that extends from the end portion and a threaded member operatively connected to the end portion and disposed within and at least partially extending along the first tube. The second subassembly includes an end portion configured to connect to a further propulsion unit and a second tube that extends from the end portion of the second subassembly. The second subassembly is configured to threadably engage with the threaded member. The distance of separation between the end portions is selectively adjustable thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an outboard motor installed on a watercraft of the type that comprises a transom for the stable coupling of adapted engagement elements that are jointly connected to the motor; the apparatus comprises a panel, which is articulated at least to bottom boards of the watercraft and at least partially superimposed on the transom, for the engagement of the engagement elements of the motor; the panel, by virtue of articulation elements, can move from a first configuration for navigation, in which it is partially superimposed on the transom and rigidly coupled thereto, to a second configuration for housing the watercraft, in which it is rotated substantially at right angles to the transom in the second configuration, the panel is almost parallel to a plane of the bottom boards of the watercraft.

Abstract: This invention is The Floating Transom. The floating transom comes with manual control, and two 12 volt hydraulic systems, and clamps on the back of a boat, extending a new transom eighteen inches behind the boats transom. When traveling in ten inches of water the floating transom allows the boat motor to be picked up, lifting up the boat motor until the lower unit is flush with the bottom of the boat. The adjustable trim on the floating transom allows the back plate, which the boat motor clamps on. To adjust the angle of the boat motor, making the boat move flat on the top of the water. The lower unit of the boat motor rides in the wake the boat forms, making the water pump work, cooling the boat motor.

Abstract: An adjustable skeg has a body formed by sidewalls including a closed bottom or base. The sidewalls converge to form a leading edge and a trailing end. The top is generally open and the top and sidewalls define a cavity for receiving a skeg or stub. The skeg may also be of unitary construction with the lower drive unit/gear case of a boat motor. The top and bottom portions of the trailing end project rearwardly to form extensions beyond a central portion of the trailing end. A torque vane is pivotally mounted between the top and bottom extensions. The vane is pivotable to subtend a preselected angle with a respective sidewall for eliminating steering torque. A plurality of receivers is positioned on either the top or bottom extension for locking the vane in place following adjustment. The receivers are identified by respective indicia for calibrating adjustment of the torque vane.

Abstract: A mounting for fastening an outboard engine on a boat, in particular a kayak, has a support arm with a first fastening element for fastening the support arm on the boat. The first fastening element is a clamping device for receiving and fixing a knob on the boat.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor mounted on a boat and having a torque converter equipped with a lockup clutch, it is configured to regulate a trim angle relative to the boat by trim-up operation and trim-down operation; calculate a speed ratio of the torque converter based on an input rotation speed and output rotation speed of the torque converter; and control operation of the trim angle regulator based on the calculated speed ratio. With this, it becomes possible to mitigate a deceleration feel to be generated after the acceleration is completed, and easily sets a trim angle of after the trim-up operation to an optimal value.

Abstract: A surface drive for a watercraft with at least two drive units that is operated in different speed-dependent driving modes. The trim angles (?—1, ?—2) of the drive units (140, 140) are adjusted automatically and independently of one another, in order to reach a defined rotational speed (n—40) at which the maximum speed (v—40) is reached, during the driving mode in which the maximum speed of the watercraft is reached.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft having a drive which can be pivoted about a control angle. A maximum adjustable control angle is automatically reduced by a defined gradient with an increasing speed. The drive is configured as a surface drive comprising at least two drive units, and the drive units are adjusted in the vertical direction about a trim angle (T) in a pre-adjustable automatic operating mode (301). During a driving mode in which the maximum speed is reached, once the control angle (?) exceeds a first threshold angle (?—41) which is smaller than the maximum adjustable control angle ?_L), the adjustment of trim angle (T) exits the automatic operating mode (301) and enters a stand-by operating mode (300) in which the trim angle (T) is manually adjusted until the control angle (?) falls below a second threshold control angle (?—42) and the automatic operating mode (301) is re-activated.

Abstract: A surface drive for a watercraft (100) that is operated in different operating ranges dependent on a speed of the watercraft (100). A trim angle (?) is adjusted automatically in at least one operating range, via a closed control loop, with detection of preset regulating parameters and is automatically controlled, in at least one other operating range, with detection of preset control parameters in a manner established for the operating range.

Abstract: A single switch unit having a pair of switches is provided in the vicinity of a throttle grip which is provided in a distal end of a tiller handle. The single switch unit is provided with a function of performing the operation for changing a tilt angle of an outboard motor body with respect to a hull and a function of performing the operation for adjusting a rotational speed of an engine of the outboard motor at the time of trolling operation. Upon simultaneous pressing of a pair of the switches, these two functions of the switch unit are switched.

Abstract: Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.

Abstract: A boat propelling system capable of determining operation accuracy of a transmission mechanism includes an outboard engine main body, a swivel bracket arranged to allow the outboard engine main body to pivot in a right-left direction with respect to a hull, an electric motor provided in the swivel bracket to pivot the outboard engine main body in the right-left direction, a pivot sensor provided in the electric motor to detect a pivot angle of a motor shaft, a transmission mechanism provided in the swivel bracket to transmit a driving force of the electric motor to the outboard engine main body, a pivot sensor arranged to detect an actual pivot angle of the outboard engine main body, and an Electronic Control Unit arranged and programmed to control an operation of the boat propelling system.

Abstract: A sectional barge assembly and a hydraulic thruster apparatus for maneuvering the sectional barge assembly. The hydraulic thruster apparatus includes a hydraulic power unit and a thruster unit. The hydraulic power unit includes an engine and a hydraulic pump connected to the engine. The thruster unit includes a hydraulic motor and a propeller drivingly connected to the hydraulic motor to provide a thrust force that acts to move the sectional barge assembly. The sectional barge assembly includes a plurality of barges interconnected by connector devices that are also used to interconnect the thruster unit to the sectional barge assembly. Further, a hydraulic connection panel is mounted on the thruster unit and includes a plurality of hydraulic connectors which allow a plurality of hydraulic lines to be removably connectable thereto, respectively.

Abstract: A marine propulsion assembly comprises or consists of a marine engine, a pair of parallel laterally spaced propeller shafts and a pair of marine propellers with one of the propeller fixed to each of the shafts for rotation. Each of the propellers includes a hub and four equally spaced blades and wherein the hub has a forward portion having the shape of a frustum of a cone with a decreasing radius from a forward edge thereof to the middle of the hub and a rear or second continuous portion having the shape of a frustum of a cone with an increasing radius from the middle of the hub to the rear of the hub. The bases or larger ends of the frustums are of equal size as are the tops of the frustums.

Abstract: An outboard motor control device is arranged to control a plurality of outboard motors. The outboard motor control device includes a malfunction determination unit arranged to determine whether any of the outboard motors is malfunctioning in turning angle control, a turning angle control stop unit arranged to stop turning angle control of an outboard motor determined as malfunctioning in turning angle control by the malfunction determination unit, a turning angle range limitation unit arranged to limit a turning angle range of other normally functioning outboard motor according to a turning angle of the outboard motor malfunctioning in turning angle control, and a turning angle control unit arranged to perform turning angle control of the normally functioning outboard motor in the turning angle range limited by the turning angle range limitation unit.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an operating method in which a present steering wheel rotational angle is detected, and a steering wheel rotational angle variation is calculated by subtracting a steering wheel rotational angle in a preceding control period from the steering wheel rotational angle. Next, a steering angle ratio is set. A target steering angle variation is calculated by multiplying the steering wheel rotational angle variation by the steering angle ratio. Finally, a target steering angle in a present period is calculated by adding the target steering angle variation to a target steering angle in a preceding control period. A steering device is steered based on the target steering angle.