Abstract: Boat with a hull with double engines which are controlled by a respective electronic engine control unit and are coupled to a respective outboard drive, which drives are driven by electric servomotors/electronic drive control units. The drive control units communicate with the engine control units and continuously monitor the steering function of the drives and together with the engine control units, upon detection of a steering fault in a control system, gradually to reduce the speed of the engine in question to idling, to activate an alarm, to reduce the throttle of the other engine, to disengage and lock in neutral position the gear of the failing drive, and to lock the drive in the current angular position. After acknowledgement from the driver, neutral lock is cancelled and a gear can be engaged. The associated engine can then be used with but limited to approximately half throttle.

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

Abstract: A system is provided which stores data relating to the operation of a marine vessel during a water skier launch procedure. The data can include a plurality of throttle handle positions that are stored at a frequency which is suitable for reproducing the movement profile of the handle during a launch procedure. The water skier launch profile is then stored so that it can be recalled and reactivated to repeat the acceleration profile of the boat.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for controlling the speed of a watercraft that allows for engaging the speed control system without limitation to current engine or vessel speed.

Abstract: An outboard motor is provided with a bar handle equipped with a throttle grip enabling push-pull operation and rotate operation by the boat operator, and one or the other of the engine and the motor is connected to the propeller in accordance with the push-pull operation of the throttle grip. Owing to this configuration, switching between the power sources can be performed using the throttle grip of the bar handle. In addition, the engine speed and motor speed are regulated in accordance with the rotating operation of the throttle grip, thereby avoiding degradation of operability and increase in outboard motor size.

Abstract: In an outboard motor control system, equipped with two outboard motors and actuators for steering, changing shift position and regulating engine speed, two navigation units responsive to operations of the operator for producing outputs indicative of actuator operation commands, two ECUs that control the operation of the actuators based on the outputs from the navigation units, an output forwarding ECU which forwards the outputs of one of the navigation units to the ECUs, and two switchover buttons for changing the outputs to be forwarded. Therefore, only the set of outputs for the one navigation unit selected by the operator is sent to the ECUs. In other words, in the case where multiple navigation units are provided, use of the navigation units is limited to a desired one thereof, so that the outboard motors can be stably controlled even when the control inputs to the individual navigation units are different.

Abstract: An watercraft can include a steering unit including a steering member and a steering shaft, a propulsion system, a power output control mechanism for controlling the power output to the engine, a manually operated power output adjusting mechanism for adjusting the power output control mechanism, the power output adjusting mechanism being mounted on the steering wheel unit.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling a propulsion unit of a watercraft includes a plurality of remote controller side ECUs, all of which have the same construction in one embodiment. Each remote controller side ECU includes ECU discriminating terminal sections and an ECU determining section for determining a role of each remote controller side ECU based upon signals provided by the ECU discriminating terminal sections. The ECU determining section determines a role of the particular remote controller side ECU based upon the signals provided by the ECU discriminating terminal sections when the remote controller side ECU starts operating. The ECU determining section also reads out the most proper one of first through sixth exclusive use sections, which define the function of the ECU's role. A determination result is stored in first, second and third EPROMs so as to be used to determine the role.

Abstract: A shift device for a boat is operated by a shift lever. Movement of the shift lever causes movement of a mechanical actuator. The device comprises means for detecting the positions of the shift lever at specified time intervals and means for obtaining by calculation an estimated time at which the shift lever will reach an operation end position based on the data from the means for detecting. Means for controlling the drive speed of the actuator also are provided. The shift device corresponds the completion of shift lever movement to the completion of shifting by timing the actuator movement to encourage shifting at the time the shift lever is anticipated to stop movement.

Abstract: In an engine speed control system for an outboard motor, overrev prevention control is implemented which determines whether the engine overrevs by comparing the detected engine speed and a desired speed and responds to a determination that the engine overrevs (in which case the cause of the engine speed increase is probably reduced load caused by sucking in of air and/or exhaust gas by the propeller) by driving an electric throttle motor in the direction of reducing the throttle opening, thereby lowering the engine speed to the desired speed. Owing to this configuration, the problem of decline in thrust owing to intake of air and/or exhaust gas by the propeller can be quickly overcome irrespective of operator skill, thereby improving power performance and steerability.

Abstract: A remote operation system for an outboard motor includes a remote control box installed at a cockpit of the boat and a lever attached to a support shaft that is rotatably accommodated in the remote control box for being manipulated by an operator, a plurality of sensors, such as a potentiometer and a rotary encoder provided to generate outputs indicative of an angle of rotation of the support shaft through the lever manipulation, respectively, and a control unit which controls operation of a throttle actuator and a shift actuator based on at least one of the outputs of the sensors, thereby improving reliability and enabling continued regulation of throttle opening and change of shift position even if a failure occurs in one of sensors.

Abstract: In an outboard motor control system equipped with an electric throttle motor for moving the throttle valve of the engine mounted on the outboard motor, an electric shift motor for operating the shift mechanism to establish one from the in-gear, neutral and reverse shift positions, and a low-speed cruising switch for inputting the instruction to implement a low-speed cruising for causing the boat to cruise at a low speed, when the instruction is inputted, a throttle control is effected by controlling the operation of the motor to a set throttle opening and shift control is effected by controlling the operation of the motor to establish the in-gear position and neutral position alternatively, thereby enabling to cruise over a wide range of speeds including very slow, without requiring troublesome manual operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an instantaneous fan stopping method and structure thereof. The method and structure can eliminate the inertial rotating state of the fan when the power supplied to the fan is cut off. In accordance with the present invention, a closed circuit is formed between the two terminals of the coil used to drive the fan. When the closed circuit is formed, the inertial rotation of the fan can generate an induced current in this coil, which, in turn, generates a magnetic force to stop the fan.

Abstract: A steering handle assembly for an outboard motor has a low speed control switch with at least one lead wire that is not twisted during control of the watercraft. The low speed control switch provides precise control of the engine speed of the outboard motor. The steering handle assembly has a handle with an elongated handle body. The handle body is connected to the outboard motor. A grip is rotatably mounted to a distal end of the handle body and is rotatable about the axis of the handle body.

Abstract: An engine control device can include a throttle valve for adjusting an amount of air supplied to an engine, operation amount detecting sensors for detecting an operation amount of a throttle lever, a motor for driving the throttle valve between open and closed positions according to detection values of the operation amount detecting sensor 21a or the like, and throttle opening detecting sensors for detecting an opening of the throttle valve is provided with a limp-home mechanism for keeping the throttle valve in a mechanically neutral position when an abnormality occurs. When the throttle valve is in the mechanically neutral position, an ignition timing control can be switched in a stepwise manner over a predetermined time period from a regular ignition timing control to a limp-home ignition timing control.

Abstract: An operation control system for a planing boat can include a mode selection module configured to allow a driver to select a driving mode of either one of a normal operation mode, in which the boat cruises at a speed in response to the displacement of an acceleration controller, and a speed-fixing mode, in which the boat cruises at a fixed speed at a level when a speed-fixing controller is operated. The system can also include a planing condition determination module configured to determine whether a hull is at the stage of planing, in which the mode selection module is configured to prohibit the driving mode from switching to the speed-fixing mode if the planing condition determination module determines that the hull is not at the stage of planning. The mode selection module can also be configured to permit the driving mode to switch to the speed-fixing mode if the planing condition determination module determines that the hull is at the stage of planing.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for a small watercraft includes a reverse thrust arrangement. The reverse thrust arrangement includes a water diverter bucket assembly moveable between an open position and a closed position with respect to a steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit. An idle speed of the watercraft's engine can be manually and/or automatically adjusted between a low engine idle speed and a high engine idle speed. The lower engine idle speed allows comfortable shifting maneuvers. The higher engine idle speed provides for tighter turning when the throttle is released. The engine cannot be started unless the reverse trust arrangement is in a partially open position.

Abstract: A boat indicator enables a user to easily read engine speeds for boats which can switch between a low-speed trolling mode and a normal running mode at speeds higher than the trolling mode speed. The boat indicator includes an engine speed indicating section for indicating engine speed. The engine speed indicating section is adapted to switch between a normal mode display for indicating the engine speed over a relatively large range when the boat is in the normal mode and a trolling mode display for indicating engine speed over a relatively small, low-speed range when the boat is in the trolling mode. The normal mode display indicates engine speed detected with a first resolution over the large range. The trolling mode display indicates engine speed detected with a second resolution finer than the first resolution over the smaller range.

Abstract: A torsional throttle control system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the throttle control system is twist-style grip that has an axis with an angle adjustable to a housing. Another feature comprises trim and/or outboard motor control(s) atop the grip. Yet another feature comprises the internal mechanism adapted to effect throttle control. Methods associated with use of the throttle control hardware and systems including a boat are also covered.

Abstract: A control system for watercraft includes a mode switch allowing the watercraft to be operated in a number of different modes. The modes selectable by the rider can include a normal mode, a reduced output mode, a suppressed acceleration mode, an enhanced acceleration mode, and a steering mode, as well as other modes.

Abstract: An outboard motor engine speed control system includes two outboard motors, sensors which detect a travel speed of the boat and the engine speeds of the outboard motors, and a controller which controls the engine speeds of the outboard motors to be synchronized with a highest one of the detected engine speeds when the boat travel speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, while controlling the engine speeds of the outboard motors to be synchronized with a lowest one of the detected engine speeds when the boat travel speed is lower the predetermined value. The operations involved in engine speed control of the outboard motors mounted on the boat are thereby simplified and the feel of operation is enhanced.

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 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 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: 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: The control system establishes an engine warm-up protocol based, at least in part, on elapsed time from engine start. The control system provides a reduced reliance on engine temperature as a basis for determining an appropriate engine idle speed. The control system thus reduces the likelihood of unstable idling conditions when, for example, inadequate cooling water or extremely cold cooling water is being supplied to the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine body. A combustion chamber is formed in the engine body and has at least one valve seat. A valve is configured to move between an open position and a closed position of the valve seat. A valve actuator is configured to actuate the valve. A variable valve timing mechanism is configured to change an actuating timing of the valve actuator at which the valve actuator actuates the valve. At least one sensor configured to sense and operational condition of the engine. A control device is configured to determine if the engine is operating in a cruising mode. The control device is also configured to reduce engine speed fluctuations during the cruising mode by adjusting the actuating timing of the valve actuator.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a jet pump propulsion device. An engine powers the propulsion device and a control device controls engine speed. A steering mechanism steers a thrust direction of the propulsion device. An engine load sensor or an engine speed sensor senses an engine load or an engine speed, respectively. A steering position sensor senses an angular position of the steering mechanism. The control device decreases engine speed when the engine load or the engine speed is greater than a preset engine load or the engine speed, respectively, and the angular position of the steering mechanism is greater than a preset angular position.

Abstract: 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 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 boat has installed therein a primary propulsion system to produce a thrust at least in the longitudinal direction, manual controls for controlling the primary propulsion system, a transverse propulsion system for producing a transverse thrust, and a joystick control for controlling the primary and transverse propulsion systems for navigation at slow speed or in docking manoeuvres. An electronic control unit controls the propulsion systems and receives information on the instantaneous speed of the boat and on the instantaneous distance between the boat and an obstacle such as the coast, the bottom or floating or half-submerged bodies. The electronic unit is so arranged that when the boat is located at a distance from an obstacle less than a predetermined distance it controls the propulsion systems to reduce the speed of the boat to below a predetermined limit, disables the manual controls of the primary propulsion system and enables the joystick control.

Abstract: To provide an engine control unit that can easily realize reacceleration in a jet propulsion boat. In a controller mounted in a jet propulsion boat that jets water pressurized and accelerated by a water jet pump from a rear jet and is propelled by its reaction, in case a throttle angle of an engine narrows in a state in which the speed of the engine that drives the water jet pump is equal to or exceeds a predetermined value, advance angle control is made over the ignition timing of the engine.

Abstract: A throttle linkage for use with an internal combustion engine is disclosed which connects a throttle actuator to a throttle assembly. The throttle linkage is nonadjustable and interacts with a plurality of throttle stops integrally formed with an engine block. Such an arrangement prevents tampering in advanced two-stroke engines and ensures emission output at a level well below that allowed.

Abstract: In outboard motor mounted on a stern of a boat and equipped with an internal combustion engine at its upper portion and a propeller at its lower portion that is powered by the engine to propel the boat, having a throttle actuator moving a throttle valve installed at an air intake pipe of the engine for regulating an amount of air to be sucked into the engine to change a boat running speed, a shift actuator rotating a shift rod connected to a clutch such that the clutch moves from a neutral position to engage with at least one of a forward gear and a reverse gear, a steering actuator rotating a swivel shaft installed in the outboard motor such that the outboard motor is steered relative to the boat, a group of devices (i.e., a steering grip, a shift/throttle lever, etc.) is installed at a position other than the boat and each operable by an operator to generate a signal indicating that the operator's instruction to operate at least one of the actuators is inputted.

Abstract: A control unit is provided for increasing the number of engine revolutions per minute to a predetermined number of revolutions per minute when the throttle is closed and when the engine has been rotated for more than a prescribed time period at more than a prescribed number of revolutions per minute, and the throttle has been opened for more than a prescribed time period at more than a prescribed opening. The control unit increases the number of engine revolutions per minute to a predetermined number of revolutions per minute irrespective of the throttle and maintains the same for a predetermined retention time when the steering handle is turned to the left or the right by more than a prescribed angle. The time to start controlling the number of engine revolutions per minute may be delayed by providing a delay time for delaying the time to start controlling the engine revolutions. The number of engine revolutions per minute may be controlled after the hull is underwater.

Abstract: An electronic controlled drive apparatus includes: a remote control unit 3 for calculating a target throttle opening degree and target shift position based on an inputted position of an operational lever of a remote control device 1; a throttle actuator 11 that opens or closes a throttle of the engine in accordance with the target throttle opening degree; a shift actuator 12 that actuates a shift in accordance with the target shift position; and a throttle actuator control unit 5 for determining whether or not the target shift position is in a shift-in state, and when the target shift position is in the shift-in state, driving the throttle actuator to put the throttle into the small opening degree state. The shift actuator is driven to conduct shift connection after the throttle is put into the small opening degree state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of controlling an engine at the time of first combustion during start-up in which an increase in an engine speed can be regulated, and thus noises and vibrations of the engine are reduced, and a personal watercraft which does not unintentionally start moving at start-up. The method comprising the steps of detecting the start-up of the engine; detecting a warm-up condition of the engine; and controlling the engine to inhibit combustion of at least one of the cylinders of the engine according to the warm-up condition upon the detection of the start-up.

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: 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 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: An engine control system and a method control the engine speed of a watercraft that is propelled by a stream of water generated by propulsion unit driven by an engine. The system and method detect whether the propulsion unit is generating the stream of water. The system and method limit the maximum engine speed to a first speed when the propulsion unit is generating the stream of water and limit the maximum engine speed to a second speed, lower than the first speed, when the propulsion unit is not generating the stream of water.

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 engine output control device is configured to detect an actual engine speed and to determine a modified engine speed based on the actual engine speed that is more in proportion to the speed of the watercraft than the actual engine speed. The modified engine speed can be used to control the output of the engine so as to provide a more natural feeling for the operator of the watercraft. The modified engine speed can also be used as an indication of the speed of the watercraft. As such, the modified engine speed can also be used to determine the extent to which the output of the engine can be raised to provide additional thrust for steering purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling shift and throttle of an electronically controlled power train are disclosed. The system includes a throttle or shift controller having an operating range. An hydraulic slave is in fluid communication with the controller such that a movement of the controller within its operating range causes a flow or displacement of fluid between the controller and the hydraulic slave. The hydraulic slave has a shaft that rotates in response to the fluid flow between the controller and the hydraulic slave. The shaft is adapted to be coupled to a position sensor such that rotation of the shaft causes the position sensor to produce electrical throttle control signals that represent the movement of the controller within its operating range. The electrical signals can be adapted to cause the power train to set an engine throttle and a transmission shift position according to a current position of the controller within its operating range.

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: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion unit. The engine control system is configured to limit engine speed under certain conditions.

Abstract: A remote control system for a marine drive includes a change element that changes an operational condition of the marine drive. An actuator actuates the change element. An ECU controls the actuator. A remote controller is remotely placed from the ECU. The remote controller has a control lever. A mechanical cable has ends. One end is coupled with the control lever. A potentiometer outputs a command signal to the ECU. The potentiometer has an input lever. Another end of the mechanical cable is coupled with the input lever. The input lever moves along with the control lever when the control lever is operated. The potentiometer generates the command signal in accordance with a position of the input lever. The control device controls the actuator based upon the command signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a jet-propulsion personal watercraft utilizing an open-loop cooling type engine, capable of judging that sufficient warming up of the engine has been achieved, and of executing control so as not to increase an engine speed of the engine before completion of sufficient warming up. The personal watercraft is adapted to limit the engine speed to be lower than a predetermined engine speed when a temperature of cooling water of the engine is lower than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a jet-propulsion personal watercraft adapted to eject water pressurized and accelerated by a water jet pump from an outlet port so as to be propelled as the resulting reaction, the personal watercraft being provided with a cruising control switch to allow an electric control unit to control a throttle actuator in accordance with an operation of the cruising control switch so that the watercraft cruises at a predetermined cruising speed or engine speed.

Abstract: A multipurpose control mechanism allows the operator of a marine vessel to use the mechanism as both a standard throttle and gear selection device and, alternatively, as a multi-axes joystick command device. The control mechanism comprises a base portion and a lever that is movable relative to the base portion along with a distal member that is attached to the lever for rotation about a central axis of the lever. A primary control signal is provided by the multipurpose control mechanism when the marine vessel is operated in a first mode in which the control signal provides information relating to engine speed and gear selection. The mechanism can also operate in a second or docking mode and provide first, second, and third secondary control signals relating to desired maneuvers of the marine vessel.