A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

A vessel with auxiliary steering includes a vessel hull with a bow/stern centerline and a port and starboard side. The vessel has (i) a main propulsion unit including at least one propeller and at least one main rudder, and (ii) a secondary propulsion unit including at least one directional water jet thruster on each of the port and starboard side of the vessel hull. The water jet thrusters are configured to direct water outwardly and perpendicularly to the centerline of the hull, and a control system coordinates the direction of the main rudder and the flow direction of at least one water jet thruster.

A vessel with auxiliary steering includes a vessel hull with a bow/stern centerline and a port and starboard side. The vessel has (i) a main propulsion unit including at least one propeller and at least one main rudder, and (ii) a secondary propulsion unit including at least one directional water jet thruster on each of the port and starboard side of the vessel hull. The water jet thrusters are configured to direct water outwardly and perpendicularly to the centerline of the hull, and a control system coordinates the direction of the main rudder and the flow direction of at least one water jet thruster.

A jet boat basically includes a hull, a first jet propulsion unit, a second jet propulsion unit, and a steering unit. The first jet propulsion unit is provided to the hull. The first jet propulsion unit has a first steering deflector with a first propulsion axis. The first steering deflector is movable with respect to the hull. The second jet propulsion unit is provided to the hull. The second jet propulsion unit has a second steering deflector with a second propulsion axis. The second steering deflector is movable with respect to the hull. The steering unit is operatively coupled to the first and second jet propulsion units. The first and second steering deflectors are oriented such that the first and second propulsion axes are non-parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the hull while the steering unit is in a straight steering position.

A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

A jet boat includes a hull, a jet propulsion nozzle mounted to a rear of the hull, and an articulating keel attached at the rear of the hull. The articulating keel is connected to the jet propulsion nozzle via a connecting portion such that when the jet propulsion nozzle is turned, at least a portion of the articulating keel is turned with the jet propulsion nozzle. The jet propulsion nozzle turns about a first pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically, and the articulating keel turns about a second pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically. The first pivot axis of the jet propulsion nozzle is coaxial with the second pivot axis of the articulating keel.

A jet boat includes a hull, a jet propulsion nozzle mounted to a rear of the hull, and an articulating keel attached at the rear of the hull. The articulating keel is connected to the jet propulsion nozzle via a connecting portion such that when the jet propulsion nozzle is turned, at least a portion of the articulating keel is turned with the jet propulsion nozzle. The jet propulsion nozzle turns about a first pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically, and the articulating keel turns about a second pivot axis extending vertically or substantially vertically. The first pivot axis of the jet propulsion nozzle is coaxial with the second pivot axis of the articulating keel.

A boat includes a propulsion device and a surf device. The propulsion device is configured to move the boat in a forward direction through a body of water to generate a wake having a port-side wave and a starboard-side wave. The surf device includes an inlet, an impeller, and an outlet. The surf device is configured to draw water from the body of water through the inlet, accelerate the water by rotating the impeller, and discharge the accelerated water through the outlet to create a surfable wake.