Some embodiments relate to a control system for a marine vessel having a first propulsion system and a second propulsion system, the control system comprising: a processor configured to: receive a steering command and a thrust command; and control at least the first propulsion system and the second propulsion system based on the steering command and the thrust command.

A user interface apparatus for controlling a marine vessel. The apparatus includes concentric positioned mechanical stick, block and ring for setting a control parameter, electric motors, and electric visual elements. The apparatus also includes one or more processors configured to operate the user interface apparatus in a plurality of operation modes, each operation mode with a distinct configuration, retrieve distinct settings for the tactile feedback and/or the visual feedback, and control the tactile feedback given by the one or more electric motors and/or the visual feedback given by the one or more electric visual elements based on the retrieved distinct settings during setting a selected control parameter mapped to the mechanical stick, block or ring.

A system for controlling a marine vessel comprises an input device for inputting an operator command, a sensor which senses and signals an engine function variable or a vessel dynamic variable, and a first structural element and a second structural element. The first structural element and the second structural element each control speed or direction of motion of the marine vessel, and the first structural element and the second structural element each affect the marine vessel dynamic variable. There is a controller which receives the operator command and the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable. The controller moves the first structural element and the second structural element based on the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable, after receiving the single operator command.

A watercraft control system comprises a digital controller that controls outboard propulsion units to produce a predetermined lateral thrust to hold a watercraft against a docking structure during a dock holding mode, sets at least one of a target position and a target heading based on at least one of a current position and a current heading during the dock holding mode, and performs a correction operation to restore at least one of the target position and the target heading by generating at least one of a forward-rear thrust using the outboard propulsion units upon determining a deviation of the current position from the target position and a moment using the outboard propulsion units upon determining the current heading has deviated from the target heading while generating the predetermined lateral thrust during the dock holding mode.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.

A watercraft includes a hull having a lengthwise-extending keel and a transom extending perpendicularly to the keel about an aft end of the hull. An electrically-powered propulsion pod is engaged with the hull on opposite sides of the keel. A single control unit is in communication with the propulsion pods, wherein the single control unit is arranged to interact with the propulsion pods to control steering, direction, and velocity of the hull. An associated method of forming a watercraft is also provided.

Disclosed is a boat with at least one combustion engine positioned on or symmetrical with the vertical median plane of the boat and two engines provided symmetrical with respect to the vertical median plane, each including a propeller in a duct with: a central section on which the propeller is positioned, a rear section leading via a rear opening onto the transom of the hull, a front section with a continuous curved profile, leading via a side opening to the outside wall of the hull, the side opening having a larger cross-section than the cross-section of the rear opening in order for the duct to include at least one converging nozzle, the front section being oriented so that the stream of water exiting from the side opening is directed towards the front and forms an angle of 20° to 60° with respect to the wall of the hull.

A system includes a data communication module, a position sensor, and a controller. The position sensor is operable to detect a position of a watercraft. The controller is configured or programmed to send at least one of functional information, trouble information, or operational information to an external computer through a data communication module. In the functional information, an automatic control function of a marine propulsion device and the position of the watercraft when the automatic control function is used are associated with each other. In the trouble information, a trouble in the marine propulsion device and the position of the watercraft when the trouble occurred are associated with each other. In the operational information, an operational pattern performed by a user for the marine propulsion device and the position of the watercraft when the operational pattern is performed are associated with each other.

A marine vessel maneuvering support apparatus includes a controller configured or programmed to execute a lateral movement mode, in which a lateral thrust is applied to a hull, by controlling at least two propulsion devices in response to receiving an instruction to laterally move the hull. The controller is configured or programmed to control the propulsion devices so as to generate a thrust to pivot-turn the hull at least at a start of the lateral movement mode.

A controller controls a shift operation of a propulsion device between forward, neutral, and reverse, and steering of the propulsion device in accordance with a tilt operation of a joystick. The controller stores a control state of the propulsion device according to the tilt operation of the joystick when a switch is operated. The controller maintains the propulsion device in the control state even when the joystick is returned to the neutral position.