A method of automatically moving, by an automatic location placement system, a marine vessel includes receiving, by a central processing unit, from a vision ranging photography system, at least one optical feed including data providing a mapping of an environment surrounding a marine vessel. The method includes displaying, by the central processing unit, on a touch screen monitor, the mapping of the environment. The method includes receiving, by the central processing unit, from the touch screen monitor, target location data. The method includes directing, by the central processing unit, at least one element of a propulsion system of the marine vessel, to move the marine vessel to the targeted location, using the mapping.

Methods and systems described herein can assist a user when loading a watercraft onto a trailer (e.g., at a boat ramp). For example, position data generated by sensor(s) coupled to the watercraft and/or trailer can cause one or more propulsion devices associated with the watercraft to automatically (e.g., without user intervention) position the watercraft onto the trailer, for example, by controlling the power and/or thrust direction of the propulsion device(s).

Methods and systems described herein can assist a user when loading a watercraft onto a trailer (e.g., at a boat ramp). For example, position data generated by sensor(s) coupled to the watercraft and/or trailer can cause one or more propulsion devices associated with the watercraft to automatically (e.g., without user intervention) position the watercraft onto the trailer, for example, by controlling the power and/or thrust direction of the propulsion device(s).

This automatic ship handling system includes a ship and a communication device, the ship includes an actuator that has a function of generating a propulsion force for the ship and a function of generating a turning moment on the ship, an operation unit that receives an input operation for activating the actuator, and a ship control device that activates the actuator on the basis of at least the input operation received by the operation unit, the ship control device has a manual ship handling mode in which the actuator is activated on the basis of the input operation received by the operation unit, and an automatic ship handling mode in which the actuator is activated without a need for the operation unit to receive the input operation, and in the automatic ship handling mode, the ship control device controls a speed of the ship on the basis of a relative distance between the ship and the communication device.

This automatic ship handling system includes a ship and a communication device, the ship includes an actuator that has a function of generating a propulsion force for the ship and a function of generating a turning moment on the ship, an operation unit that receives an input operation for activating the actuator, and a ship control device that activates the actuator on the basis of at least the input operation received by the operation unit, the ship control device has a manual ship handling mode in which the actuator is activated on the basis of the input operation received by the operation unit, and an automatic ship handling mode in which the actuator is activated without a need for the operation unit to receive the input operation, and in the automatic ship handling mode, the ship control device controls a speed of the ship on the basis of a relative distance between the ship and the communication device.

A system for guiding a first watercraft remotely has a rudder proximate the stern of the first watercraft, having a rudder shaft extending upward from a deck area at the stern, a servo device having an output servo horn coupled to the rudder shaft by a linkage, adapted to turn the rudder shaft in concert with the servo horn, a radio receiver/controller adapted for receiving radio signals for guiding the first watercraft, the radio receiver/controller coupled to the servo device, and a radio transmitter having an input wheel for providing steering commands. The system is characterized in that the input wheel of the radio transmitter is manipulated by a user remote from the watercraft, the radio signals for guiding the first watercraft are transmitted from the radio transmitter to the radio receiver/controller on the first watercraft, and the radio receiver/controller provides operating signals to the servo device to rotate the servo horn either clockwise or counterclockwise, guiding the first watercraft.

A control system for an outboard motor is provided which enables safe navigation over a shoal. A control system for an outboard motor including a propeller includes: a trim angle adjustment motor for changing the attitude of the outboard motor with respect to a watercraft; and a controller configured to selectively implement first control that operates the trim angle adjustment motor and controls the vertical position of the propeller to a first position, and second control that operates the trim angle adjustment motor and controls the vertical position of the propeller to a second position closer to a water surface than the first position. The controller acquires information on the depth of water a predetermined distance ahead in the travel direction of the watercraft, and determines which of the first control and the second control is implemented, on the basis of at least the information on the depth of water.

A control system for an outboard motor is provided which enables safe navigation over a shoal. A control system for an outboard motor including a propeller includes: a trim angle adjustment motor for changing the attitude of the outboard motor with respect to a watercraft; and a controller configured to selectively implement first control that operates the trim angle adjustment motor and controls the vertical position of the propeller to a first position, and second control that operates the trim angle adjustment motor and controls the vertical position of the propeller to a second position closer to a water surface than the first position. The controller acquires information on the depth of water a predetermined distance ahead in the travel direction of the watercraft, and determines which of the first control and the second control is implemented, on the basis of at least the information on the depth of water.

An attitude detection device includes a rudder angle sensor, a speed sensor, an inertia sensor, and a control device. The rudder angle sensor detects a rudder angle of a ship. The speed sensor detects a speed of the ship. The inertia sensor detects information related to an inertial force applied to the ship. The control device finds a centrifugal force applied to the ship on the basis of a signal output from each of the rudder angle sensor and the speed sensor. The control device acquires an inclination of the ship on the basis of the signal output from the inertia sensor. The control device corrects the inclination of the ship on the basis of the output of the inertia sensor according to the centrifugal force applied to the ship.

An attitude detection device includes a rudder angle sensor, a speed sensor, an inertia sensor, and a control device. The rudder angle sensor detects a rudder angle of a ship. The speed sensor detects a speed of the ship. The inertia sensor detects information related to an inertial force applied to the ship. The control device finds a centrifugal force applied to the ship on the basis of a signal output from each of the rudder angle sensor and the speed sensor. The control device acquires an inclination of the ship on the basis of the signal output from the inertia sensor. The control device corrects the inclination of the ship on the basis of the output of the inertia sensor according to the centrifugal force applied to the ship.