Bombardier Inc.

Camille Michel

Alain Rheault

A watercraft with a steer-responsive speed controller generates thrust when the steerable propulsion unit is turned beyond a predetermined angular threshold. Turning the steering wheel beyond the threshold causes the speed controller to increase engine speed so that the propulsion unit produces thrust at least equal to the minimal propulsive force needed to effectively steer the watercraft. This system ensures that there is always sufficient thrust for steering the watercraft. This system is applicable to single-engine personal watercraft, twin-engine jet boats or motorboats equipped with swivel-mounted outboard motors. In one form of the system, rotation of the steering wheel beyond the angular threshold causes an actuating cable to open the throttle to increase engine speed. Alternatively, an electronic control system regulates the engine by calculating the optimal power settings based on measurements derived from a speed sensor, a steering angle sensor and, optionally, a throttle position sensor.

Watercraft with steer responsive engine speed controller

A steering control system is provided that provides thrust for steering control in a watercraft that is powered by a propulsion unit. The steering control system is applicable to various types of watercraft, including boats and personal watercraft, that are powered by inboard jet propulsion systems or outboard engines. The steering control system is activated by the steering helm assembly and/or an electronic control mechanism. Thrust is provided by preferably controlling the throttle, or more particularly the air-fuel mixture of the carburetor of the engine. The system is particularly, although not solely, suited for steering while the watercraft is operated at low speeds.

Watercraft with steer-response engine speed controller

A watercraft with a steer-responsive throttle generates thrust when the steerable propulsion unit is turned beyond a predetermined angular threshold. The turning of the steering wheel beyond the threshold causes the throttle to be opened so that the steerable propulsion unit produces a thrust at least equal to the minimal propulsive force needed to effectively steer the watercraft. A watercraft equipped with a steer-responsive throttle ensures that there is always sufficient thrust for steering the watercraft even when the operator fails to open the throttle manually. This steer-responsive throttle is applicable to single-engine personal watercraft, twin-engine jet boats or motorboats equipped with swivel-mounted outboard motors. In a first embodiment of the steer-responsive throttle, rotation of the steering wheel beyond the angular threshold causes an actuating cable to open the throttle. In a second embodiment, an electronic control system regulates the throttle by calculating the optimal throttle setting based on measurements derived from a speed sensor, a steering angle sensor and, optionally, a throttle position sensor.

Watercraft with steer-responsive throttle

A turning-aid nozzle mounted in the region of the outlet of a watercraft's propulsion system comprises a starboard inner surface and a port inner surface protruding radially inwardly from the nozzle in such a manner as to obstruct the flow of water from the watercraft's propulsion system. When turning to port, the starboard inner surface obstructs a portion of the water jet exiting the propulsion system, thereby producing an additional turning moment that aids the nozzle in turning to port. Similarly, when turning to starboard, the port inner surface obstructs a portion of the water jet exiting the propulsion system, thereby producing an additional turning moment that aids the nozzle in turning to starboard.

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Ste-Foy, Canada

Camille Michel