A steering system for a marine vessel includes a cable translatable in response to a steering input command. The steering system also includes a rudder pivotable to steer the marine vessel. The steering system further includes a link member operatively coupled to the rudder. The steering system yet further includes a sensor positioned to detect a load associated with the cable in response to the steering input command. The steering system also includes an electric power steering system in operative communication with the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor and provide a powered assist to the link member.

A steering system for a marine vessel includes a cable translatable in response to a steering input command. The steering system also includes a rudder pivotable to steer the marine vessel. The steering system further includes a link member operatively coupled to the rudder. The steering system yet further includes a sensor positioned to detect a load associated with the cable in response to the steering input command. The steering system also includes an electric power steering system in operative communication with the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor and provide a powered assist to the link member.

A watercraft includes a steering unit, a rudder unit, a transmission unit configured to connect the steering unit and the rudder unit and mechanically transmit an input operation on the steering unit to the rudder unit, a drive unit configured to operate the rudder unit without any need of an input operation on the steering unit, and a watercraft control device for controlling the drive unit.

A watercraft includes a steering unit, a rudder unit, a transmission unit configured to connect the steering unit and the rudder unit and mechanically transmit an input operation on the steering unit to the rudder unit, a drive unit configured to operate the rudder unit without any need of an input operation on the steering unit, and a watercraft control device for controlling the drive unit.

A steering system for a marine vessel includes a cable translatable in response to a steering input command. The steering system also includes a rudder pivotable to steer the marine vessel. The steering system further includes a link member operatively coupled to the rudder. The steering system yet further includes a sensor positioned to detect a load associated with the cable in response to the steering input command. The steering system also includes an electric power steering system in operative communication with the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor and provide a powered assist to the link member.

A steering system for a marine vessel includes a cable translatable in response to a steering input command. The steering system also includes a rudder pivotable to steer the marine vessel. The steering system further includes a link member operatively coupled to the rudder. The steering system yet further includes a sensor positioned to detect a load associated with the cable in response to the steering input command. The steering system also includes an electric power steering system in operative communication with the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor and provide a powered assist to the link member.

A handle section has an interior tube slidably received in an exterior tube. A locking mechanism is secured to the exterior tube and includes a cylindrical finger reciprocable between an unlocking position and a locking position to allow for lengthening and shortening. A head is coupled to the interior tube. The head has a central tube formed as an extension of the interior tube. The head has a first wing with a first upper edge extending horizontally across the first wing. The first wing has a first outer edge extending vertically from the first wing parallel with and spaced from the central tube. The first wing has a first lower edge extending in a major arc between the first outer edge and the central tube.

A handle section has an interior tube slidably received in an exterior tube. A locking mechanism is secured to the exterior tube and includes a cylindrical finger reciprocable between an unlocking position and a locking position to allow for lengthening and shortening. A head is coupled to the interior tube. The head has a central tube formed as an extension of the interior tube. The head has a first wing with a first upper edge extending horizontally across the first wing. The first wing has a first outer edge extending vertically from the first wing parallel with and spaced from the central tube. The first wing has a first lower edge extending in a major arc between the first outer edge and the central tube.

Systems provide and methods utilize a multi-bar linkage in conjunction with an actuator to provide mechanical advantage which increases as a control surface moves towards the extremes of its operating envelope.

Systems provide and methods utilize a multi-bar linkage in conjunction with an actuator to provide mechanical advantage which increases as a control surface moves towards the extremes of its operating envelope.