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 novel emissions control watercraft (STAXcraft) solving a long-felt but unsolved need regarding disadvantages associated with prior-art emissions servicing watercraft, the disadvantages selected from the group, but not limited to, the use of tugboats, securing or mooring servicing watercraft to a serviced vessel, additional expenses and time-delays and inefficiencies of land-based approaches, increased toxic emissions, increased greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, danger from falling cargo, tanker safety, alongside mooring in narrow channels preventing other OGV's to pass safely, and cargo tank emissions.

A method is disclosed for controlling heading of a marine vessel having a steerable component coupled thereto, the steerable component being rotatable to affect a direction of movement of the vessel. The method is carried out by a control module and includes accepting a command to initiate a control mode in which the vessel's heading is to be maintained at a desired heading. The method includes receiving a current heading of the vessel and determining a heading error between the current heading and the desired heading. The method also includes determining if the vessel is on-plane or off-plane. In response to the vessel being off-plane, the method includes controlling the steerable component to rotate by at least a predetermined correction amount away from a starting position in a direction that will cause the vessel to rotate to reduce the heading error, and subsequently to rotate back toward the starting position.

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 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 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 device for redirecting the reverse jet stream flow created by a watercraft to provide a lateral thrust. A first and second main body of device is fixed to the deflector nozzle within first and second reverse nozzle outlet channels, respectively. Each main body has a channel disposed therein. Each channel has a bend that fluidly connects an inlet to an outlet. The reverse flow enters the respective inlet in a downward and backward direction with respect to deflector nozzle. The respective inlet and channel of main body bend the reverse flow such that, when the reverse flow exits the outlet, the reverse flow is primarily lateral.

A device for redirecting the reverse jet stream flow created by a watercraft to provide a lateral thrust. A first and second main body of device is fixed to the deflector nozzle within first and second reverse nozzle outlet channels, respectively. Each main body has a channel disposed therein. Each channel has a bend that fluidly connects an inlet to an outlet. The reverse flow enters the respective inlet in a downward and backward direction with respect to deflector nozzle. The respective inlet and channel of main body bend the reverse flow such that, when the reverse flow exits the outlet, the reverse flow is primarily lateral.

A bracket for mounting a thruster to a boat includes a horizontal portion, a vertical portion that provides a vertical surface that matches an angle of the vessel transom, generally. The horizontal portion includes an enclosure. The vertical portion forms a transom-facing surface in a plane that is generally at a right angle relative to a horizontal plane, within a small range of angles. The transom-facing surface can angled to match the angle of the transom of a boat to which the thruster bracket is mounted. A thruster is mounted to the thruster bracket on a rotatable thruster mount that allows the thruster to be rotated in a generally horizontal plane relative to the bracket and the vessel to facilitate low speed maneuvering.