A watercraft running system includes a propulsion device, a steering device, a course changing operator, a port-side attitude control plate and a starboard-side attitude control plate, a port-side actuator and a starboard-side actuator, and a controller. The controller is operable in a first control mode in which the steering device is controlled according to the operation of the course changing operator and a second control mode in which the port-side actuator and the starboard-side actuator are controlled according to the operation of the course changing operator. The controller is configured or programmed to prohibit shifting from the first control mode to the second control mode if the steering position of the steering device is not a neutral position, and to permit the shift from the first control mode to the second control mode if the steering position is the neutral position.

A watercraft running system includes a propulsion device, a steering device, a course changing operator, a port-side attitude control plate and a starboard-side attitude control plate, a port-side actuator and a starboard-side actuator, and a controller. The controller is operable in a first control mode in which the steering device is controlled according to the operation of the course changing operator and a second control mode in which the port-side actuator and the starboard-side actuator are controlled according to the operation of the course changing operator. The controller is configured or programmed to prohibit shifting from the first control mode to the second control mode if the steering position of the steering device is not a neutral position, and to permit the shift from the first control mode to the second control mode if the steering position is the neutral position.

A control system for posture control tabs of a marine vessel assists operations of a steering control. The posture control tabs are mounted on a stern of a hull to move up or down to control a posture of the hull. Actuators actuate the respective posture control tabs. When a steering instruction is provided through the steering control, a processor determines the posture control tab to be actuated and controls the actuator corresponding to the posture control tab determined to be actuated so as to change the position of the determined posture control tab.

A control system for posture control tabs of a marine vessel assists operations of a steering control. The posture control tabs are mounted on a stern of a hull to move up or down to control a posture of the hull. Actuators actuate the respective posture control tabs. When a steering instruction is provided through the steering control, a processor determines the posture control tab to be actuated and controls the actuator corresponding to the posture control tab determined to be actuated so as to change the position of the determined posture control tab.

A system for controlling a marine vessel comprises an input device for inputting an operator command, a sensor which senses and signals an engine function variable or a vessel dynamic variable, and a first structural element and a second structural element. The first structural element and the second structural element each control speed or direction of motion of the marine vessel, and the first structural element and the second structural element each affect the marine vessel dynamic variable. There is a controller which receives the operator command and the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable. The controller moves the first structural element and the second structural element based on the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable, after receiving the single operator command.

A system for controlling a marine vessel comprises an input device for inputting an operator command, a sensor which senses and signals an engine function variable or a vessel dynamic variable, and a first structural element and a second structural element. The first structural element and the second structural element each control speed or direction of motion of the marine vessel, and the first structural element and the second structural element each affect the marine vessel dynamic variable. There is a controller which receives the operator command and the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable. The controller moves the first structural element and the second structural element based on the engine function variable or the vessel dynamic variable, after receiving the single operator command.

A wake control system aft of the driveshaft, propeller, and rudder of a vessel includes a fin base and at least one fin slidingly engaged with the fin base. The fin(s) are vertically oriented and extend down into the water surface. The fins are transversely adjustable along the fin base to redirect a wake generated by the boat. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a starboard fin tab adjacent to a port fin tab, each of the independent fin tabs hingeably attached to the aft section of the hull, at the transom. Each fin tab includes at least one extending fin. Fin tabs are selectively deployable and retractable into and out of the water surface to redirect a wake generated by the vessel from one side to the other. A novel underwater exhaust system redirects exhaust depending on speed of the vessel and complements the wake control system.

An amphibious vehicle, which enables wave making resistance upon traveling on water to be reduced and propulsive performance of its vehicle main body to be improved, is to be provided. An amphibious vehicle of the present invention includes: a vehicle main body that is movable on water and on land; a rear portion flap having a front end portion fixed to a rear portion of the vehicle main body; and end plates respectively provided at both side end portions of the rear portion flap.

An amphibious vehicle, which enables wave making resistance upon traveling on water to be reduced and propulsive performance of its vehicle main body to be improved, is to be provided. An amphibious vehicle of the present invention includes: a vehicle main body that is movable on water and on land; a rear portion flap having a front end portion fixed to a rear portion of the vehicle main body; and end plates respectively provided at both side end portions of the rear portion flap.

A watercraft drag apparatus may extend into the water from either the port or the starboard side of a watercraft or a hull of the watercraft. The drag apparatus may cause an increase in drag on one side of the watercraft. The increase in drag may slow the watercraft to a slower speed than the watercraft can typically maintain under normal power. The increase in drag may also cause the watercraft to change heading, requiring a watercraft pilot to repeatedly correct the heading to maintain an intended course. The watercraft drag apparatus may be useful for fishing, such as when trolling.