Described is an acceptor/adapter device for securing an outboard jet motor to a watercraft. The acceptor/adapter comprises a shrouded opening for communication with an intake of the outboard jet motor. Sidewalls of the acceptor/adapter device can form a tunnel, wherein the tunnel is configured for directing a flow of water through the tunnel, into the adapter/acceptor device, and into the intake of the outboard jet motor. Also described is a hull with a tunnel for directing a flow of water to an intake of an outboard jet motor, as well as a directional device which allows for vertical or horizontal adjustments to the jet output or reversing the jet output.

Described is an acceptor/adapter device for securing an outboard jet motor to a watercraft. The acceptor/adapter comprises a shrouded opening for communication with an intake of the outboard jet motor. Sidewalls of the acceptor/adapter device can form a tunnel, wherein the tunnel is configured for directing a flow of water through the tunnel, into the adapter/acceptor device, and into the intake of the outboard jet motor. Also described is a hull with a tunnel for directing a flow of water to an intake of an outboard jet motor, as well as a directional device which allows for vertical or horizontal adjustments to the jet output or reversing the jet output.

A jet propulsion system for a watercraft includes a duct defining an inlet, a venturi unit, an impeller housing disposed between the inlet and the venturi unit, and an impeller disposed within the impeller housing. The impeller is rotatable in a forward direction and a reverse direction. The venturi unit includes a venturi conduit and at least one door connected thereto. The venturi conduit has a peripheral wall defining at least one aperture. The at least one door is movable between a closed position when the impeller rotates in the forward direction, and an open position when the impeller rotates in the reverse direction. In the closed position, the at least one door closes the at least one aperture. In the open position, the at least one door opens the at least one aperture such that water flows into the venturi conduit via the at least one aperture.

A control system for jet-powered boats includes a water jet propulsion group; an ejection nozzle of the water jet oriented to direct the water jet at least in a longitudinal direction; a jet deflector changing flow direction of at least part of the water relative to the longitudinal axis of the boat, the deflector being controllable to progressively adjust the part of the diverted water jet and set a neutral thrust condition, in which the boat is stationary, thrusting forward with variable speed and thrusting backward with a predetermined or variable speed; a control member of the deflector position; a setting member of the deflector that adjusts the deflector to achieve a neutral thrust condition, the deflector being adapted for a predetermined and pre-set neutral thrust position; and a control member of the deflector in the preset position of neutral thrust, canceling any subsequent customization settings.

A jet pump includes a propulsion system including an impeller coupled to a rotatable shaft configured to receive torque from an engine and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the exhaust system is integrated with the propulsion system. In another embodiment, a jet pump includes a propulsion system including a water intake configured to take in water from a body of water, the water intake including an intake grate and an intake base, and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the intake base of the water intake is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a hull of the watercraft.

A jet pump includes a propulsion system including an impeller coupled to a rotatable shaft configured to receive torque from an engine and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the exhaust system is integrated with the propulsion system. In another embodiment, a jet pump includes a propulsion system including a water intake configured to take in water from a body of water, the water intake including an intake grate and an intake base, and an exhaust system including an exhaust flow path configured to direct exhaust from the engine to an exterior of the watercraft, wherein the intake base of the water intake is configured to be coupled to an exterior surface of a hull of the watercraft.

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.

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.

Various aspects provide for parking an apparatus in a parking position. A parking position may be a configuration of an apparatus that minimizes damage resulting from extended exposure during periods of inactivity. An apparatus may comprise a marine apparatus, which may be configured to be disposed in an environment comprising saltwater, salty air, brackish water, freshwater, and the like. An apparatus may comprise a propulsion system (e.g., for a ship) and/or a steering system. Some aspects include a water jet based propulsion system having a scoop and a nozzle operable to redirect the water jet, providing a range of forward/backward and port/starboard thrusts. A control cylinder and/or a linkage may be parked in a configuration that segregates damage incurred during periods of inactivity to portions of an apparatus not needed for normal operation.

Various aspects provide for parking an apparatus in a parking position. A parking position may be a configuration of an apparatus that minimizes damage resulting from extended exposure during periods of inactivity. An apparatus may comprise a marine apparatus, which may be configured to be disposed in an environment comprising saltwater, salty air, brackish water, freshwater, and the like. An apparatus may comprise a propulsion system (e.g., for a ship) and/or a steering system. Some aspects include a water jet based propulsion system having a scoop and a nozzle operable to redirect the water jet, providing a range of forward/backward and port/starboard thrusts. A control cylinder and/or a linkage may be parked in a configuration that segregates damage incurred during periods of inactivity to portions of an apparatus not needed for normal operation.