Example steering control systems and methods for multiple devices are provided herein. A system includes a trolling motor assembly having a propulsion motor and a steering actuator and a sonar assembly comprising a transducer assembly and a directional actuator. The system further includes a user input assembly that is configured to detect user activity related to controlling operation of the trolling motor assembly and operation of the sonar assembly. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine a direction of turn based on user activity, generate an electrical turning input signal indicating the direction of turn, and direct either one or both of the steering actuator and the directional actuator, via the turning input signal, to adjust a direction of either one or both of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly accordingly.

A marine vessel maneuvering support system includes a steering apparatus including a wheel portion supported rotatably with respect to a hull, mode switches provided on the wheel portion and operable to execute lateral thrust generation modes to generate a thrust that moves the hull in a lateral direction, paddles provided on the steering apparatus and operable to cause a thrust to be applied to the hull in a front-rear direction, and a controller configured or programmed to control at least two propulsion devices and execute the lateral thrust generation modes in accordance with instructions from the mode switches. The controller is configured or programmed to control at least one propulsion device of the at least two propulsion devices to generate or change the thrust in the front-rear direction acting on the hull in response to operations of the paddles when the lateral thrust generation mode is being executed.

A marine vessel maneuvering support system includes a steering apparatus including a wheel portion supported rotatably with respect to a hull, mode switches provided on the wheel portion and operable to execute lateral thrust generation modes to generate a thrust that moves the hull in a lateral direction, paddles provided on the steering apparatus and operable to cause a thrust to be applied to the hull in a front-rear direction, and a controller configured or programmed to control at least two propulsion devices and execute the lateral thrust generation modes in accordance with instructions from the mode switches. The controller is configured or programmed to control at least one propulsion device of the at least two propulsion devices to generate or change the thrust in the front-rear direction acting on the hull in response to operations of the paddles when the lateral thrust generation mode is being executed.

A hull assembly for a pontoon boat includes a hull extending in a longitudinal direction between a front end and a rear end. A first thruster assembly is attached to a first lateral side of the hull. A second thruster assembly is attached to a second lateral side of the hull. The first and second thruster assemblies include respective thrust units that are each movable between a deployed position and a stowed position.

A watercraft includes a positioning system having a controller and at least two stationary mounted propulsion units that are stationary with respect to the watercraft for generating a forward and backward thrust with respect to the respective propulsion unit in a respectively fixed direction with respect to the watercraft. The controller is arranged for individually controlling the thrust generated by each of the two propulsion units for moving and steering the watercraft.

A watercraft includes a positioning system having a controller and at least two stationary mounted propulsion units that are stationary with respect to the watercraft for generating a forward and backward thrust with respect to the respective propulsion unit in a respectively fixed direction with respect to the watercraft. The controller is arranged for individually controlling the thrust generated by each of the two propulsion units for moving and steering the watercraft.

A method to control a marine vessel comprising two or more drive units. The method involves registering an operating command indicating a requested sideways or bow bollard push function; detecting a current vessel position; registering the current vessel position as a desired vessel position; executing the requested bollard push function; and monitoring the current vessel position in order to detect a deviation relative to the desired vessel position. If it is detected that a deviation between the desired vessel position has exceeded a predetermined value, then the requested bollard push function is deactivated. The disclosure further relates to a control unit arranged to control a marine vessel and a marine vessel comprising such a control unit.

A propulsion rudder for use with a water vessel, preferably an unmanned surface water vessel. The propulsion rudder includes a rotating base, a rudder assembly, and a thrust assembly. In one embodiment, the rudder assembly may comprise two vertical mast rudders connected by an upper horizontal wing, with the thrust assembly mounted on the horizontal wing. In a second embodiment, the rudder assembly may comprise an annular airfoil with the thrust assembly mounted on a mast and positioned in the center of the annular airfoil. The thrust assembly may be a propeller, a turbine, a ramjet, or a rocket.

A control apparatus for a plurality of outboard motors 4, 5 spaced apart at predetermined intervals in a width direction of a hull 2, comprises a first steering unit 26 that adjusts a steering angle of the first outboard motor 4, a second steering unit 26 that adjusts a steering angle of the second outboard motor 5, and a control unit 30, 40 that controls the first steering unit and the second steering unit such that the hull moves or turns in a direction in accordance with a steering instruction of an operator by differentiating the control of the steering angle of the first outboard motor from the control of the steering angle of the second outboard motor when propulsion of either the first outboard motor or the second outboard motor cannot be obtained.

A control apparatus for a plurality of outboard motors 4, 5 spaced apart at predetermined intervals in a width direction of a hull 2, comprises a first steering unit 26 that adjusts a steering angle of the first outboard motor 4, a second steering unit 26 that adjusts a steering angle of the second outboard motor 5, and a control unit 30, 40 that controls the first steering unit and the second steering unit such that the hull moves or turns in a direction in accordance with a steering instruction of an operator by differentiating the control of the steering angle of the first outboard motor from the control of the steering angle of the second outboard motor when propulsion of either the first outboard motor or the second outboard motor cannot be obtained.