A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a first transmission path that transmits the power of an engine to a propeller shaft, a second transmission path that transmits the power of a motor to the propeller shaft, and a controller. A first clutch cuts off the power transmission of the first transmission path in a first disconnection state, and permits the power transmission of the first transmission path in a first connection state. A second clutch cuts off the power transmission of the second transmission path in a second disconnection state, and permits the power transmission of the second transmission path in a second connection state. The controller executes tuning control of both the engine and the motor when the first clutch is switched between the first disconnection state and the first connection state and when the second clutch is switched between the second connection state and the second disconnection state.

A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a first transmission path that transmits the power of an engine to a propeller shaft, a second transmission path that transmits the power of a motor to the propeller shaft, and a controller. A first clutch cuts off the power transmission of the first transmission path in a first disconnection state, and permits the power transmission of the first transmission path in a first connection state. A second clutch cuts off the power transmission of the second transmission path in a second disconnection state, and permits the power transmission of the second transmission path in a second connection state. The controller executes tuning control of both the engine and the motor when the first clutch is switched between the first disconnection state and the first connection state and when the second clutch is switched between the second connection state and the second disconnection state.

A marine propulsion unit includes a motor driving force transmission shaft, a propeller shaft, and a shaft including one of a switching shaft and a drive shaft, and one of the motor driving force transmission shaft and the shaft includes a hollow member, and the other of the motor driving force transmission shaft and the shaft is disposed inside the hollow member.

A propeller includes a bushing, a propeller body, and a propeller damper. The bushing includes a first cylinder portion surrounding the propeller shaft and a first projection protruding outwardly in a radial direction of the propeller from an outer peripheral surface of the first cylinder portion. The propeller body includes a second cylinder portion surrounding the bushing and a second projection protruding inwardly in the radial direction from an inner peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion. The first and second projections are arranged along a rotation direction of the propeller. The propeller damper includes first and second dampers side by side along an axial direction of the propeller between the first and second cylinders. The first and second dampers are separated from each other by a separation portion, and are individually elastically deformable.

A propeller includes a bushing, a propeller body, and a propeller damper. The bushing includes a first cylinder portion surrounding the propeller shaft and a first projection protruding outwardly in a radial direction of the propeller from an outer peripheral surface of the first cylinder portion. The propeller body includes a second cylinder portion surrounding the bushing and a second projection protruding inwardly in the radial direction from an inner peripheral surface of the second cylinder portion. The first and second projections are arranged along a rotation direction of the propeller. The propeller damper includes first and second dampers side by side along an axial direction of the propeller between the first and second cylinders. The first and second dampers are separated from each other by a separation portion, and are individually elastically deformable.

In a marine hybrid system which includes an engine, an electric motor, a thrust generation device, and a clutch mechanism configured to be able to switch connection states therebetween, if it is determined that the engine is in an overload condition, the clutch mechanism is controlled such that a load of the engine is reduced.

Control system for controlling operations of a marine vessel having a first engine and a second engine is provided. Parity switches are operable to start/stop first and second engine. Each parity switch is actuated for first time to activate remote start/stop control of respective engine. Each switch is actuated for second time to switch respective engine to ON or OFF state. Operator console is communicatively coupled to parity switches to receive first and/or second user inputs. Propulsion control unit is communicably coupled to operator console via network communication channel, first engine control unit of first engine and second engine control unit of second engine. Propulsion control unit receives operational parameters for engines from engine control units and receives first and second user inputs from operator console. Propulsion control unit transmits engine operating signals for operating respective engines in response to first and/or second user input and based on operational parameters.

In a marine propulsion apparatus that transmits power of at least one of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a generator motor (GM) mounted on a ship to a propeller via a forward reverse switching mechanism, the marine propulsion apparatus can be downsized as a whole. The marine propulsion apparatus includes a connection switching mechanism capable of selectively connecting the GM to an upstream side and a downstream side of the power transmission from the ICE in the forward reverse switching mechanism. Then, the forward reverse switching mechanism is interposed between the ICE and the connection switching mechanism, and a large torque from the ICE is not directly transmitted to the connection switching mechanism. As a result, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the connection switching mechanism, and the connection switching mechanism and thus the marine propulsion apparatus can be downsized.

In a marine propulsion apparatus that transmits power of at least one of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a generator motor (GM) mounted on a ship to a propeller via a forward reverse switching mechanism, the marine propulsion apparatus can be downsized as a whole. The marine propulsion apparatus includes a connection switching mechanism capable of selectively connecting the GM to an upstream side and a downstream side of the power transmission from the ICE in the forward reverse switching mechanism. Then, the forward reverse switching mechanism is interposed between the ICE and the connection switching mechanism, and a large torque from the ICE is not directly transmitted to the connection switching mechanism. As a result, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the connection switching mechanism, and the connection switching mechanism and thus the marine propulsion apparatus can be downsized.

A propulsion system includes at least a first propeller and a second propeller. The propulsion system further includes a first engine configured to directly driving the first propeller and a second engine configured to directly driving the second propeller. The propulsion system further includes a first electric motor provided between the first engine and the first propeller, and a second electric motor provided between the second engine and the second propeller. When the first engine is stopped, the first propeller is configured to be driven by the first electric motor that rotates by power generated by the second electric motor.