Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.

Bombardier Inc.

Rénald Plante

Richard Simard

Rick Adamczyk

Normand Lebreux

Yves Berthiaume

Yves Berthlaume

A hybrid fuel/electric powered watercraft includes an electronic turning machine (ETM), and internal combustion engine, and a propulsion system, which are operatively connected to each other, preferably via one or more clutches. An electronic control unit (ECU) controls the ETM, clutch(es), and engine. At low speeds, the ECU disengages at least one clutch and solely uses the ETM to power the propulsion unit and propel the watercraft. At high speeds, the ECU engages the clutch and uses both the engine and the ETM or just the engine to power the propulsion system. When the watercraft's battery discharges, the ECU operates the ETM in a generator mode and runs the engine to charge the battery. The watercraft can also include a shore button feature that selectively limits/governs the speed of the watercraft. A clutch may be used to avoid driving the propulsion system when the engine is idling or being started.

Personal watercraft having a hybrid power source

A watercraft is disclosed that includes a hull having port and starboard sides and a propulsion system that generates a stream of pressurized water that exits through a nozzle. A helm operatively connects to the nozzle, whereby turning the helm turns the nozzle. A vane is connected to either or both of the port or starboard sides and is operatively connected to the nozzle. The vane is capable of pivoting inwardly and outwardly in response to steering signals. The vane can also move between an operative position and an inoperative position based on pressure in the propulsion system. The vanes are designed to provide steering assistance when insufficient thrust is generated by the propulsion system to effectively steer the watercraft.

Personal watercraft having off-power steering system

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Rock-Forest, Canada

Rénald Plante