Abstract: A method for displaying marine vessel information automatically selects a chosen visual display based on the magnitudes of one or more vessel-related parameters, such as engine speed, gear selector position, or vessel velocity. Based on the selected marine vessel operating condition, the chosen visual display is selected and the contents of that chosen visual display are presented on an information display device, such as a liquid crystal display or other type of monitor. As the marine vessel changes its operating condition, the process is repeated so that the marine vessel operator always is presented with the most appropriate screen images relating to the marine vessel at its current operating condition.

Abstract: A thrust control apparatus for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. The thrust control apparatus includes a throttle sensor for detecting a fully-closed operation of a throttle of the engine, a steering sensor for detecting steering of a steering device more than a predetermined amount from a neutral position of the steering device and a direction of the steering; a control device configured to control the engine such that the water jet pump generates a different thrust for rightward and leftward steering, in accordance with the steering direction detected by the steering sensor, when the throttle sensor detects the fully-closed operation of the throttle and the steering sensor detects steering of more than the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having three or more engines is disclosed. The three or more engines may be operated via one or two control levers from each of one or more control stations. The control system may include a first control lever and a second control lever, each of which has an associated operating range. The control levers operate the engine throttle and transmission controls for three or more engines in a plurality of modes. This may be accomplished under software control using a digital data link between respective engine control units associated with the engines.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled by an electronic control unit and the watercraft includes a security system. The security system includes a portable transmitter unit, and also includes a mounted receiver. The portable unit is waterproof and is buoyant. The portable unit includes a housing of transparent material that allows a user to see whether water has entered the portable unit. The security system has an antenna that provides improved reception between the portable transmitter unit and the mounted receiver.

Abstract: A watercraft control system is provided in which shift and thrust of outboard motors can be controlled through adjacent two operating levers in the watercraft having three or more outboard motors mounted in parallel on a transom plate. The control system can be provided with a control circuit for detecting lever positions of the operating levers and controlling the left unit according to the lever position of the left operating lever and the right unit according to the lever position of the right operating lever. The control circuit can be provided with a calculation circuit for calculating an imaginary lever position of the middle unit from the lever positions detected.

Abstract: In an outboard motor air intake system, there are equipped with a secondary air passage connected to an air intake pipe at a location downstream of the throttle valve in terms of intake air flow; a manual valve installed in the secondary air passage to be operable by the operator to regulate a sectional area of the secondary air passage, a knob positioned at a location remote from the outboard motor to be operable by the operator, and a wire connecting the knob to the manual valve, such that the sectional area of the secondary air passage can be regulated through the knob and the manual valve at the location remote from the outboard motor, thereby making it easy to realize fine regulation when the engine operates in a low-speed such as idling.

Abstract: A haptic throttle control mechanism includes a vibrating element that is connected in vibration transmitting relation with the control mechanism. The vibrating element can be a motor with an eccentric weight attached to its shaft or a piezoceramic component. The vibrating signal can be used to provide information to the operator of the marine vessel relating to the actual operating speed of the engine or, alternatively, it can be used to alert the operator of an alarm condition.

Abstract: A watercraft control system for a watercraft having multiple control stations routes operation control signals in a non-competing, non-contradictory manner. In an embodiment, the control system includes a plurality of links. When abnormalities affect one or more of the communication links, the control system maintains communication through one or more of the unaffected communication links.

Abstract: A tiller arm is provided with a lock mechanism that retains the tiller arm in an upwardly extending position relative to an outboard motor when the tiller arm is rotated about a first axis and the lock mechanism is placed in a first of two positions. Contact between an extension portion of the lock mechanism and the discontinuity of the arm prevents the arm from rotating downwardly out of its upward position.

Abstract: A method is provided in which a marine propulsion system with a charge air compressor is controlled through the use of a clutch or a multiple speed transmission that allows the charge air compressor to be engaged or disengaged. The engagement or disengagement of the charge air compressor can be a dual function of the demand for a change in torque and the engine speed.

Abstract: An engine control system for a marine propulsion system uses a portable control device that is configured to emit first and second signals that are receivable by first and second sensors. The first signal relates to the starting of the engine of the marine propulsion system by the operator. The second signal relates to the presence of the operator, wearing the portable control device, within a predescribed zone surrounding the second sensor near the helm position.

Abstract: In an engine speed control system for an outboard motor having a throttle valve that regulates air to be sucked and an actuator connected to the throttle valve to move it in an opening direction or in a closing direction, the actuator is driven to move the throttle valve in the closing direction such that the engine speed drops, if it is discriminated that a detected engine speed exceeds a predetermined speed (set to a speed at which the engine can assumably continue to run until the boat has returned to port), when a trouble has occurred in the engine. Thus, the system can lower the engine speed so as to allow the boat to return to port, without causing the engine to vibrate, when a trouble has occurred in the engine.

Abstract: An electric steering apparatus can include a rudder device driven by an electric motor, a steering wheel for operation by an operator to control the angle of the rudder device, a reaction torque motor for applying a reaction force to the steering wheel, a load sensor for detecting an external force acting on a boat or the rudder during steering, and a reaction torque calculator circuit for calculating a target torque for the reaction motor according to an input of the load sensor.

Abstract: An engine has an engine body having an outer surface that defines an outer area next thereto. An air intake system has an intake valve movable between a closed position and an open position. An intake camshaft that actuates the intake valve extends through the engine body and toward the outer area beyond the outer surface. A drive mechanism drives the camshaft. A portion of the drive mechanism is disposed in the outer area. A hydraulically operated change mechanism changes an angular position of the camshaft relative to a crankshaft. A control valve unit controls the change mechanism. The control valve unit at least in part is disposed within the outer area.

Abstract: A lever-support bracket apparatus for a small waterboat allows a lever-support bracket and a socket section to be increased in strength and rigidity, by combining these functions in a single unitary apparatus. Using the described apparatus, a lever-support bracket and a socket section can be laid out rather easily, and the number of members can be reduced. With a lever support bracket apparatus 30, a reverse operation lever 34 is allowed to operate a reverse bucket 21, and the reverse operation lever 34 is arranged proximate the front end of a seat 23 and is attached, to swing freely, to a hull 11 using the lever-support bracket 31. Further, to the lever-support bracket 31, a socket section 55 is formed, to be a piece therewith, into which a tongue-shaped piece 51 at a front end 50 of the seat 23 can be inserted.

Abstract: A running control device for a watercraft controls propulsion force and tilt angle of a propulsion device relative to the hull of the watercraft. The running control device also sets an optimum trim angle automatically. The running control device includes a propulsion force control section that controls the propulsion force of the propulsion device. The running control device also includes a tilt angle control section that controls the tilt angle of the propulsion device. A target propulsion force calculation module responds to first input information (e.g., watercraft velocity) to calculate a target propulsion force. An amount-of-operation calculation module responds to second input information to calculate an amount of operation of the propulsion device to produce the target propulsion force. The tilt angle control section includes a tilt angle calculation module that determines the tilt angle based on the propulsion force.

Abstract: A device for switching between different operation modes of an electrical system on board a boat with an electric motor for propelling the boat comprises a control member (7) adapted to be actuated by hand for carrying out switchings in the electrical system between states corresponding to different operation positions thereof. A movable part (10) provided with first contact members (11) is movable with respect to a fixed part (9) with second contact members (13) belonging to the electrical system by moving the control member (7) by hand so as to enter into contact therewith and establish electric connections corresponding to different said operation positions of the electrical system.

Abstract: A boat including a hull having a bow, a stern and first and second sides that extend between the bow and the stern. The boat also includes an interior sidewall that extends along at least a portion of the first side of the hull. A recess structure is defined by the interior sidewall. At least one shifter is mounted at the recess structure.

Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having one or more engines and a transmission associated with each engine is disclosed. The control system includes one or more control stations, each having a control arm and arm position means coupled to the control arm for providing an electrical signal that represents a position of the control arm within its operating range. The system includes one or more electronic control units, each of which is electro-mechanically coupled to an engine and a transmission. A first electronic control unit (ECU) includes input means for receiving the electrical signal, control means for controlling a throttle of a first engine and shift position of a first transmission based on the electrical signal, and output means for providing a control signal that represents a current position of the control arm to a second ECU.

Abstract: A joystick controller for modified steering system for boats with outboard motors. The system uses a directional nozzle for the jet output that is attached to a control cable system. This cable turns the directional nozzle, which causes the trust of the jet output to turn the boat. Thus, the boat can be steered without having to turn the entire motor. The system also has a reversing cup to change direction. The system uses a joystick that connects to a set of actuators, which in turn, connect to the directional nozzle, reverse cup and throttle. In this way, the joystick can control the movement of the boat in any direction. The joystick can be used with a conventional motor as well.

Abstract: A watercraft has multiple engines each having a starting device. A common switch mechanism provides a control device with at least an initiation signal to activate the starting devices, such that all of the engines can be started concurrently in response to operator activation of a single switch. A sensing device separately senses the start state of each engine, preferably by sensing an engine speed of each engine. The control device deactivates the starting device separately and asynchronously from one another based on the sensed start states of the engines.

Abstract: An outboard motor in which a location on a hull of a throttle operating unit (81) such as a throttle lever and a location on the hull of an outboard motor main body accommodating therein an engine are positioned away from each other on the hull and in which a control inputted by a crew member to the throttle operating unit is mechanically transmitted to a throttle valve of the engine accommodated in the outboard motor main body so as to drive the throttle valve to be opened and closed, the outboard motor being characterized in that an electric air control valve (14) for increasing and decreasing the volume of intake air to the engine via a separate system from the throttle valve and a control unit including an actuator for controlling the opening and closing of the air control valve 14 are provided on the engine accommodated in the outboard motor main body, and in that an engine speed operating unit (44, 46) is provided by which the crew member directly inputs an air increase or decrease signal into the contr

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 small watercraft comprises a four-cycle engine, an engine speed sensor configured to output a signal according to an engine speed of the engine, first and second hydraulic switches each configured to output a signal according to a pressure of oil, and an electrical control unit configured to control operation of the engine based on signals from the engine speed sensor, and the first and second hydraulic switches. The electrical control unit enters a first detection mode when the engine speed is within a first range, and limits the operation of the engine when detecting that the hydraulic pressure is not more than a first threshold. The electrical control unit enters a second detection mode when the engine speed is within a second range, and causes a notification lamp to be lighted when detecting that the hydraulic pressure is not more than a second threshold.

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: 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 display device 21 for electrically showing a state of an outboard motor according to a sensing result of various sensors is provided to a tiller handle such that a display surface 27 thereof faces in an oblique upward direction. Preferably, the display device is provided on an upper surface 26a of a substantially horizontally extending housing 26 of the tiller handle. Further the display device may be received in a projection 28 formed by a protruding part of the upper surface of the housing of the tiller handle.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine and a remote controller. The engine has a throttle valve unit. The remote controller provides a command signal indicative of a position of the throttle valve unit. A watercraft velocity sensor senses an actual speed of the watercraft to provide an actual speed signal. A control data input device selectively provides a control device with a manual mode signal and a constant speed mode signal. The constant speed mode signal is accompanied by a target speed signal. The control device controls the throttle valve unit based upon the command signal in the manual mode. The control device controls the throttle valve unit in the constant speed mode such that an actual speed of the watercraft coincides with the target speed of the watercraft once a state of equilibrium is reached.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a drive unit and a bracket assembly mounted on an associated watercraft to carry the drive unit. The drive unit has a steering shaft supported by the bracket assembly for pivotal movement about a steering axis that extends generally vertically. An engine of the outboard motor has throttle valves that regulate an amount of air to combustion chambers of the engine. A handle bar extends from the steering shaft. The handle bar includes a throttle valve control grip disposed at an end portion of the handle bar for pivotal movement about an axis of the handle bar. The control grip is connected to the throttle valves to operate the throttle valves. A lock mechanism can inhibit the control grip from rotating. The lock mechanism is positioned at a terminal end of the end portion.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a drive unit and a bracket assembly that supports the drive unit. The drive unit moves right and left. The drive unit has an engine that incorporates throttle valves and a transmission. A propeller is powered by the engine. The throttle valves move between closed and open positions. The transmission moves among shift positions to set the propeller to either forward, reverse or neutral mode. A steering actuator moves the drive unit right and left. A throttle valve actuator moves the throttle valves between the closed and open positions. A shift actuator moves the transmission among the shift positions. A stick generates a steering control command, a throttle valve position control command and a shift control command. The stick can swing right and left and back and forth. The control commands are selectively generated in response to the swing movement of the stick. A control device controls the actuators based upon the commands.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a control circuit and method for controlling the throttle valve position and shift mode of a watercraft's engine so as to reduce abrupt engine speed and shift mode transitions. The control circuit controls the actual shift mode (forward, reverse or neutral) and throttle valve position of the engine based on throttle and shift mode signals or commands generated by an operator via a control device, and based further upon the current shift mode and throttle valve position of the engine. When the operator abruptly adjusts the throttle, the control circuit more gradually adjusts the position of the throttle valve to smooth the transition in engine speed. The control circuit also delays operator-commanded transitions in the engine's shift mode, as necessary, so that changes in the engine's shift mode occur while the throttle valve is in the closed or nearly closed position.

Abstract: An engine has a combustion chamber. An air induction system communicates with the combustion chamber through an intake port. An exhaust system communicates with the combustion chamber through an exhaust port. Intake and exhaust valves move between an opening position and a closing position of the intake port and the exhaust port, respectively. A camshaft actuates either the intake valve or the exhaust valve. The camshaft extends generally vertically. A VVT mechanism changes an angular position of the camshaft. A sensor detects the angular position and generates a signal indicative of the angular position. The sensor is disposed below the VVT mechanism.

Abstract: A hybrid fuel/electric powered watercraft includes an electronic turning machine (ETM), and internal combustion engine, and a propulsion system, which are operatively connected to each other, preferably via one or more clutches. An electronic control unit (ECU) controls the ETM, clutch(es), and engine. At low speeds, the ECU disengages at least one clutch and solely uses the ETM to power the propulsion unit and propel the watercraft. At high speeds, the ECU engages the clutch and uses both the engine and the ETM or just the engine to power the propulsion system. When the watercraft's battery discharges, the ECU operates the ETM in a generator mode and runs the engine to charge the battery. The watercraft can also include a shore button feature that selectively limits/governs the speed of the watercraft. A clutch may be used to avoid driving the propulsion system when the engine is idling or being started.

Abstract: To provide a running control device for a watercraft capable of effecting an easy cruising control of the watercraft even by a beginner, especially allowing a stable running while turning, and capable of reducing cavitation. A running control device 16 for a watercraft with a propulsion device 15 capable of controlling propulsion, comprises a propulsion control section 17 which controls propulsion, based on predetermined input information, said propulsion control section 17 comprising a target propulsion calculation module 18 for determining a target propulsion, based on predetermined input information including at least velocity of said watercraft; and an operation amount calculation module 19 for determining the amount of operation of said propulsion device 15, based on predetermined input information so as to obtain the target propulsion determined by said propulsion calculation module 18.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to reduce the likelihood of engine damage and rider discomfort when the watercraft engine speed is rapidly increased due to a lack of load on the propulsion unit. The engine is controlled by a method that detects engine speed and reduces the power output of the engine by varying degrees or restores the power output of the engine by varying degrees depending on the speed of the engine relative to plural predetermine speeds.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to provide a slower operational watercraft speed during a reverse operation of the watercraft. The engine is controlled by detecting a reverse operation and an operator engine torque request. An operational characteristic of the engine (e.g., engine speed) is adjusted to decrease the engine output by a predetermined amount after it is determined that the watercraft is in reverse operation.

Abstract: A boat having a hull, a driver seat, an interior wall, a motor, a shifter and a shifter cover is disclosed herein. The shifter cover is positioned at a location between the driver seat and the interior wall. The shifter cover defines a shifter slot. The shifter is coupled to the motor and includes a shifter member that extends from beneath the shifter cover upwardly through the shifter slot. The shifter member includes a handle positioned above the shifter cover.

Abstract: The engine control apparatus includes: the stop switch body 6; the stop switch knob 3 that allows the engine to stop or to be in an idling state; the lock plate 5; the transponder 9 that can transmit a predetermined ID code; and the control section 11 that receives the ID code transmitted from the transponder 9 and that controls the engine operation based on the ID code; wherein the engine control apparatus is constituted such that, when the lock plate 5 is disengaged from the stop switch knob 3, the stop switch body 6 is activated to allow the engine to stop or to be in an idling state; and the attachment 10 incorporating the transponder 9 is provided separately from the lock plate 5 and is detachably attached to the lock plate 5.

Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus of a personal watercraft equipped with a main switch for opening/closing a main power-supply circuit including a starting circuit of an engine is provided. The apparatus inhibits the engine from starting when it detects the main switch being in an ON-state, no existence of a connection between an operating device of the main switch and the main switch, and a stopping of the engine. The apparatus prevents the engine from starting by inhibiting at least one of the starting circuits of the engine, an ignition circuit of the engine, and a fuel injection circuit of the engine from closing the circuit(s).

Abstract: The electronic controlled drive apparatus includes: a throttle actuator (11) that opens or closes a throttle of an internal combustion engine in accordance with a target throttle opening degree; a shift actuator (12) that actuates a shift in accordance with a target shift position; an engine rotation number holding unit (step S4) for obtaining an engine rotation number when the target shift position is released and holding the obtained engine rotation number; and a waiting time calculating unit (step S5) for calculating a shift drive waiting time in accordance with the held engine rotation number. In the electronic controlled drive apparatus, counting of the shift drive waiting time is started when the target shift position is released (steps S6 and S7), and the shift actuator is allowed to be drive (step S9) after a lapse of the shift drive waiting time (step S8).

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to reduce the likelihood of engine damage when the watercraft engine speed is rapidly increased due to a lack of load on the propulsion unit. The engine is controlled by a method that detects engine speed and reduces the power output of the engine by varying degrees depending on the speed of the engine relative to plural predetermine speeds.

Abstract: A small watercraft with an emergency shut-off system is provided. The emergency shut-off system is configured to shut off the engine of the small watercraft when the small watercraft is overturned. The emergency shut-off system comprises an electronic control unit that is operatively coupled to an overturn sensor and the engine. The electronic control unit is configured to sense a signal generated by the overturn switch. The electronic control unit is also configured to determine if the signal generated by the overturn switch continues for a period longer than a preset amount of time and to shut off the engine if the signal generated by the overturn switch continues beyond the preset amount of time.

Abstract: A foot-operated control for controlling both speed and steering of a trolling motor for a watercraft, the foot-operated control in communication with the trolling motor and comprising a base and a foot interface. The foot interface is pivotally connected at a generally central point by a pivot to the base, the pivot separating and defining a first end and second end of the foot interface, such that depressing the first end directs the trolling motor to steer the watercraft to the right and depressing the second end directs the trolling motor to steer the watercraft to the left.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.

Abstract: A marine drive has a propulsion device. A transmission is coupled with the propulsion device. A shift mechanism moves the transmission between a first position in which the propulsion device is set to a first mode and a second position in which the propulsion device is set to a second mode. The shift mechanism has a shift unit movable between a first shift position and a second shift position. The transmission moves to the first position while the shift unit moves toward the first shift position, and moves to the second position while the shift unit moves toward the second shift position. An electrically operable shift actuator is supported by the drive body. The shift actuator has an actuating member that preferably is detachably coupled with the shift unit.

Abstract: A power source system for a small boat is equipped with a main switch with a lanyard switch capable of turning OFF power source in case of an emergency by connecting to an occupant by wire. The power system controls the power source to accessories, including a fuel injection system. The power source system includes a main relay for turning ON/OFF power source to be supplied to the accessories, and a control unit (display control unit) connected in parallel to the main switch in order to control the main relay. An ON/OFF state of the main switch is monitored by the control unit (display control unit) to control the ON/OFF state of the main relay on the basis of the ON/OFF state of the main switch. With this system, it is possible to collectively control the ON/OFF of the power source supplied to the accessories, including the fuel injection system. Thus, the power source system can be simplified.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that enhances the responsiveness of the watercraft and eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion device. The engine control system is configured to maintain or increase engine speed under certain operating conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a leisure vehicle comprising a throttle device. The leisure vehicle comprises an engine; a switch operated when the engine starts; and a throttle device for controlling an engine speed of the engine, and the throttle device includes: a throttle operation means for controlling the engine speed; a throttle position sensor for detecting an operation state of the throttle operation means; a throttle valve for opening and closing an air-intake passage of the engine; an actuator for opening and closing the throttle valve; and a control unit for controlling the actuator for opening and closing the throttle valve according to a value of a detection signal output from the throttle position sensor, wherein the control unit is adapted to perform zero setting of the throttle valve such that the throttle valve is operated according to the value of the detection signal with the throttle operation means in a fully closed state, when the switch is operated.

Abstract: Provided is a system that allows navigation by GPS while underwater by locating the antenna above water and the display below water. In one embodiment, the GPS antenna is attached to a tow-able buoy having a diver-down flag. In another embodiment, the GPS antenna is carried by the diver and released to float to the surface when the diver wishes to navigate. A preferred embodiment uses a handheld computer to display GPS data, and can be expanded to also calculate and display depth and decompression data, and to provide for further expansion and integration to include other devices.