One or more propulsion arrangements for water vessels, and in particular propulsion arrangements that include flanking rudders with bidirectional high-lift sections to improve performance, particularly in the reverse direction. The flanking rudders are positioned adjacent a propulsor for directing a slipstream flow when the vessel is travelling in the reverse direction. Each flanking rudder has an elongated profile extending from a first edge to a second edge, and in which each elongated profile has a first bulb portion, a convex middle portion, and a second bulb portion.

One or more propulsion arrangements for water vessels, and in particular propulsion arrangements that include flanking rudders with bidirectional high-lift sections to improve performance, particularly in the reverse direction. The flanking rudders are positioned adjacent a propulsor for directing a slipstream flow when the vessel is travelling in the reverse direction. Each flanking rudder has an elongated profile extending from a first edge to a second edge, and in which each elongated profile has a first bulb portion, a convex middle portion, and a second bulb portion.

A device for improving steering in a watercraft. The device has a frame attached to two parallel blades. The device pivotally attaches to an attachment point on a steerable nozzle of a watercraft. Frame of device has two curved mount brackets that are substantially parallel to one another having a first end and second end. A mount bracket connector connects the two mount brackets at the first end. The mount bracket connector includes a down force regulator, that folds back over mount bracket connector. Each mount bracket terminates at its second end with a lift tab. Lift tabs direct water flow in a generally downward and outward direction as watercraft moves through the water. Each mount bracket bolts to a blade, thereby holding the two blades securely parallel to one another.

A grounding skeg for a landing craft configured for stem landing onto, and setting off from, a ground surface, the grounding skeg including: an elongate grounding body having a fore end and an aft end; and a removable pulling propeller functionally connected to the fore end of the body; wherein the pulling propeller is able to drive the landing craft ahead and astern; and the grounding body is locatable on the landing craft such that: the grounding body provides contact with the ground surface during stem landing of the landing craft; the fore end of the grounding body faces a bow end of the landing craft; and the aft end of the grounding body faces a stem end of the landing craft.

A grounding skeg for a landing craft configured for stem landing onto, and setting off from, a ground surface, the grounding skeg including: an elongate grounding body having a fore end and an aft end; and a removable pulling propeller functionally connected to the fore end of the body; wherein the pulling propeller is able to drive the landing craft ahead and astern; and the grounding body is locatable on the landing craft such that: the grounding body provides contact with the ground surface during stem landing of the landing craft; the fore end of the grounding body faces a bow end of the landing craft; and the aft end of the grounding body faces a stem end of the landing craft.

In order to provide an arrangement with at least one rudder and with at least one accommodating space for a propeller, which accommodating space is formed in the direction of travel of the watercraft in front of the rudder and allows for a reduction of a propulsion power requirement of a watercraft with such an arrangement, it is proposed that, in the direction of travel in front of the accommodating space of the propeller, at least one pre-nozzle comprising at least one guide surface and at least one side fin is arranged on the rudder.

In order to provide an arrangement with at least one rudder and with at least one accommodating space for a propeller, which accommodating space is formed in the direction of travel of the watercraft in front of the rudder and allows for a reduction of a propulsion power requirement of a watercraft with such an arrangement, it is proposed that, in the direction of travel in front of the accommodating space of the propeller, at least one pre-nozzle comprising at least one guide surface and at least one side fin is arranged on the rudder.

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 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 kit is provided which can be installed on a sailboat and used to selectively control the position of the tiller of the sailboat to allow the helmsman to leave the tiller unattended for a limited period of time. The kit is to be mounted on the transom of the sailboat and comprises: a mounting receiver adapted to be attached to the transom; an arm having a rearward end adapted to be attached to said mounting receiver and to extend forwardly therefrom and a forward end; and a saddle mount adapted to be attached to the forward end of said arm and having a u-shape adapted to receive a said tiller.