A marine autopilot system is disclosed. While in autopilot mode, the marine vessel's autopilot system autonomously steers the marine vessel's rudder. Steering input provided using the helm typically results in counter-steering to the autopilot. If the autopilot is following a current heading or course (route), the autopilot may continue its efforts to remain on the heading or course in response to the deviation caused by steering input to the helm. The disclosed autopilot system improves this problem by including one or more sensors that measure helm movement and wirelessly transmit helm movement data to one or more components of the marine vessel's electronic network. If the operator of the marine vessel manually steers the helm to deviate from a current heading or course, helm movement exceeding a predetermined autopilot disengagement threshold may cause the autopilot control to temporarily disengage, allowing a user to manually steer the marine vessel.

An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake. A wake modifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water may include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein the fin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relative to the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowing an operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to a desired angle θd relative to the centerline.

An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake. A wake modifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water may include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein the fin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relative to the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowing an operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to a desired angle θd relative to the centerline.

This disclosure describes flanking rudders, including asymmetrically shaped flanking rudders and methods of manufacturing and using asymmetrically shaped flanking rudders. An exemplary asymmetrically shaped flanking rudder includes an exterior surface having a first shape and an exterior surface having second shape different from the first shape.

This disclosure describes flanking rudders, including asymmetrically shaped flanking rudders and methods of manufacturing and using asymmetrically shaped flanking rudders. An exemplary asymmetrically shaped flanking rudder includes an exterior surface having a first shape and an exterior surface having second shape different from the first shape.

A maneuvering system for a ship provided with, in the stern, a port-side propulsion system, and a starboard-side propulsion system. For controlling the system, a forward or backward force of the ship 1 is obtained by the difference between the forward and backward propulsion forces of the propulsion systems and a first turning moment in a turning direction of the ship generated by the propulsion forces is offset by a second turning moment in the turning direction of the ship generated by steering a port-side rudder, whereby the ship moves in a transversal manner toward its starboard side while rotation of the ship is avoided. A high degree of maneuverability is thereby achieved with a relatively simple maneuvering operation.

A maneuvering system for a ship provided with, in the stern, a port-side propulsion system, and a starboard-side propulsion system. For controlling the system, a forward or backward force of the ship 1 is obtained by the difference between the forward and backward propulsion forces of the propulsion systems and a first turning moment in a turning direction of the ship generated by the propulsion forces is offset by a second turning moment in the turning direction of the ship generated by steering a port-side rudder, whereby the ship moves in a transversal manner toward its starboard side while rotation of the ship is avoided. A high degree of maneuverability is thereby achieved with a relatively simple maneuvering operation.

A clamp assembly for connecting a rudder to an aquatic device having a body with a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A clamp having a screw connected to a pivot pin disposed within a clamp head is removably connected to the top of the body for selectively applying a clamping force on the body. The clamp handle in some bodies tapering to an end to allow placement within a retaining slot of a fin box.

A pedal assembly and steering assembly are disclosed for converting an inflatable, drop stitch paddle watercraft into a pedal watercraft. The pedal assembly includes a mounting plate and mounting bracket for supporting a geared drive shaft in an opening extending through the floor of the watercraft. The steering assembly includes a rudder connected to a tiller through push pull cables.

A pedal assembly and steering assembly are disclosed for converting an inflatable, drop stitch paddle watercraft into a pedal watercraft. The pedal assembly includes a mounting plate and mounting bracket for supporting a geared drive shaft in an opening extending through the floor of the watercraft. The steering assembly includes a rudder connected to a tiller through push pull cables.