A ship propulsion device includes three or more propulsion units, a malfunction detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control the three or more propulsion units. The three or more propulsion units are disposed with left-right symmetry. Based on a malfunction detected in any one of the three or more propulsion units by the malfunction detection unit while the three or more propulsion units are operating, the control unit is configured to stop the propulsion unit in which the malfunction is detected, and, on a left side and a right side of a hull, stop at least one propulsion unit of the three or more propulsion units disposed on the side opposite from the side on which the propulsion unit in which the malfunction is detected is disposed.

A method for using a system including a plurality of first fields and a plurality of second fields fixed to a first device and presenting a first physical characteristic and a second physical characteristic, respectively, the first and second fields being arranged in an alternating manner. First and second sensors are fixed to the second device and arranged to move along the array of fields when the second device moves in relation to the first device. The method includes detecting, by the first sensor and during a movement of the second device in relation to the first device, a transition from the first to the second physical characteristic, or vice versa, simultaneously detecting, by the second sensor, the first or the second physical characteristic, and determining, based on the detected transition and physical characteristic, the direction of movement of the second device in relation to the first device.

A marine vessel maneuvering system includes a controller configured or programmed to, when an operator is operated to move a marine vessel forward, perform a forward acceleration assist control to perform a control to generate a forward propulsive force in a propulsion generator of a marine propulsion unit that is not used when the operator is operated to move the marine vessel diagonally forward among three or more marine propulsion units.

A watercraft, associated motor pod, and associated methods are provided. The motor pod is operable to maintain an orientation of the watercraft relative to a reference datum while the watercraft is moving or stationary.

A marine propulsion control system for use with a marine vessel, includes a port side engine in electronic communication with a port side engine controller and a starboard side engine in electronic communication with a starboard side engine controller. A control station includes a port lever configured to control a throttle of the port side engine, a starboard lever configured to control a throttle of the starboard side engine, and a user interface. A propulsion control processor is in electronic communication with the port side engine controller, the starboard side engine controller, and control station. In a synchronized operating mode, the propulsion control processor transmits a throttle instruction to the port side engine controller and the starboard side engine controller pursuant to a throttle position of a master lever corresponding to the first of the port lever and starboard lever to be actuated upon activation of the synchronized operating mode.

A marine vessel propulsion control system that improves the operability of a marine vessel includes a controller configured or programmed to execute a dynamic positioning control to restrict movement of the marine vessel to make the marine vessel stay at a predetermined position. When the controller accepts an instruction to move the marine vessel during execution of the dynamic positioning control when a flow acting on a hull of the marine vessel exists, the controller is configured or programmed to move the marine vessel according to the instruction and then execute the dynamic positioning control again after moving the marine vessel.

A posture control system for a hull includes a movable posture control plate. An outboard motor is attached to the hull and is movable with respect to the hull. A controller is configured or programmed to control movement of the posture control plate and movement of the outboard motor so as to control the posture of the hull.

An adaptable tie bar assembly for use with a power boat having more than one engine. The adaptable tie bar assembly comprises a hollow tube for a first part, a rod for second part that slides within the first part of the adaptable tie bar assembly and a pin to secure the rod second part in fixed position in the hollow tube at which point the engines are parallel and the power boat is being operated at higher speeds. A solenoid may be used to insert and retract the pin. Physically aligned and secured engines improve safety when moving at high speeds. At lower speeds, being able to operate the engines independently enables better steering control.

A marine vessel propulsion control system that smoothly performs propulsion control of a marine vessel includes a controller configured or programmed to control a propulsion device that applies a thrust to a marine vessel. The controller is configured or programmed to adjust the thrust based on position information of the marine vessel and map information that includes an avoidance target.

A marine vessel propulsion control system includes a controller to control a movement of a marine vessel and propulsion devices each including a power source and a thrust generator to generate a thrust based on a drive force of the power source. The controller controls the movement of the marine vessel to navigate according to a preset sea route including a target position. The controller reduces the drive force of the power source of each of the propulsion devices when the marine vessel reaches a deceleration start position that is spaced apart from the target position by a required deceleration distance, and, after reducing the drive force of the power source of each of the propulsion devices, cuts off transmission of the drive force from the power source to the thrust generator in at least one of the propulsion devices depending on a predetermined condition.