A system for automatically starting and stopping engine(s) of a vessel based on the position of a handle. Movement of the handle out of neutral initiates the automatic starting of the engine(s) by an ECM. Movement of the handle into neutral initiates the automatic stopping of the engine(s), which may also require certain other prerequisite conditions. An ECM is in electrical communication with the engine(s), transmission, battery, initializer, starter, and various sensors providing information on the position of the handle and other conditions including engine speed, temperature, transmission speed, vessel speed and battery voltage. The ECM includes memory and processor(s), and is configured to receive information from the various sensors and operative components of the vessel and determine when to initiate automatic start and stop of the engine(s) based on thereon.

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.

In a first step of a watercraft control method, a command signal to activate an automatic cruise function is received. In a second step, a target vessel velocity of a watercraft is set. In a third step, an actual vessel velocity of the watercraft is obtained. In a fourth step, a command signal is generated that is a signal to perform an automatic cruise control to control a thrust of the watercraft such that a difference between the target vessel velocity and the actual vessel velocity falls in a predetermined range of values. In a fifth step, it is determined whether or not a predetermined interruption condition has been established. In a sixth step, a command signal is generated that is a signal to perform the automatic cruise control with the thrust having a different magnitude from the thrust to be generated under normal circumstances without establishment of the interruption condition when the interruption condition has been established.

The present disclosure relates to a control lever unit for an azimuth thruster. The control lever unit comprises a base plate, a main body rotatably connected to the base plate, and a handle movably connected to the main body. The handle includes a first handle portion extending away from the main body, and a second handle portion extending as a protrusion away from the first handle portion. The two handle portions may visually and haptically indicate the direction of thrust of the azimuth thruster to the operator.

A marine propulsion control system for use with a marine vessel includes an engine in electronic communication an engine controller, and a transmission having a gearbox and an oil pressure sensor in electronic communication with the engine controller and configured to measure a transmission oil pressure. The gearbox includes a feedback sensor configured to transmit a gear state. A propulsion device is rotatably connected to the gearbox, and a shaft fixedly attached to the propulsion device and rotatably coupled to the gearbox. The shaft includes a shaft rotation sensor configured to measure a rotational direction of the shaft. A propulsion control processor is in electronic communication with the engine controller, the shaft rotation sensor and the gearbox, and is configured to determine a current gear of the marine vessel based on the rotational direction of the shaft and one or more of the gear state and the transmission oil pressure.

A stern drive is for propelling a marine vessel in a body of water. The stern drive has a powerhead, a mounting assembly configured to affix the powerhead to the transom, inside the marine vessel, and a drive assembly coupled to the mounting assembly, the drive assembly being trimmable up and down relative to the mounting assembly, the drive assembly comprising a driveshaft and an output shaft which extends transversely to the driveshaft. The drive assembly has a driveshaft housing for the driveshaft and a gearcase housing for the output shaft, wherein the gearcase housing is steerable relative to the driveshaft housing. A universal joint couples the powerhead to the driveshaft so that operation of the powerhead causes rotation of the driveshaft, which in turn causes rotation of the output shaft.

A system for a marine vessel propelled by a propulsion device includes a controller operable in an automatic navigation mode in which the controller automatically controls a thrust of the propulsion device to propel the marine vessel through a body of water. A portable device is carried on an individual on the marine vessel. The controller enables a person overboard detection algorithm in response to enablement of the automatic navigation mode. The person overboard detection algorithm disables the automatic navigation mode in response to detecting a given status of the portable device.

Conventional surfboards enable a rider to catch a wave and ride towards the shoreline while utilizing the power of the ocean to enjoy the ocean waves uniquely. A low-profile motorized surfboard has been developed to assist riders who may have a disability or struggle to get into the position necessary to begin riding the waves. The surfboard may comprise at least one propeller and electromechanical motor, which may provide propulsion for the rider. The surfboard may have an internal power system and supporting circuitry for safe and reliable propulsion. The motorized surfboard may have a low-profile system that is collapsible and allows for the rider to enjoy the surf as if the surfboard were a conventional system. The system may also function to return the rider to the shoreline.

A hydrofoiling watercraft is disclosed that includes a board having a top surface for supporting a user and a bottom surface. Extending from the top surface of the board is a handlebar. Extending from the bottom surface of the board is a hydrofoil including a strut and a hydrofoil wing. A propulsion system is attached to the hydrofoil.

An outboard motor is provided with: an encoder which detects the rotational speed of an engine; a position sensor which detects an operating position of a shift lever; and a state quantity detection unit which detects a state quantity of a shift actuator. A control device of the outboard motor determines whether the state quantity is more than or equal to a stop-initiating threshold value when the operating position has been switched. If the state quantity is more than or equal to the stop-initiating threshold value, the control device implements a stop control to stop ignition and/or fuel injection in the engine.