Bombardier Motor Corporation of America

Peter Van Lancker

Gerald F Bland

Thomas E Griffith, Sr

A system for propelling and steering a watercraft is provided that includes a pair of electric motor propulsion units provided aft of a transverse centerline of the watercraft hull. A rudder is provided forward of the transverse centerline. The propulsion units may be driven to provide resultant thrust to navigate the watercraft in desired directions, automatically or in response to operator command inputs. The rudder, which may be extendable and retractable, may also be angularly positionable. Where angular positioning is provided, the orientation of the rudder may also be controlled in cooperation with the propulsion units to provide reactive forces by impingement of the rudder against the water, thereby enhancing the steering offered by the propulsion units.

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Palm City, FL, United States of America

Peter Van Lancker