Security system for watercraft

• US 20050003716A1
• Filed: 06/07/2004
• Published: 01/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Inventors: Hattori, Toshiyuki, Takashima, Sumihiro
• Granted Patent: US 7,186,154 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 440/85
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2017/0009 Methods or devices specially adapted for preventing theft, or unauthorized use of vessels, or parts or accessories thereof, other than by using locks
• CPC Class Codes: B63J 99/00 Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass

Abstract

A watercraft has an engine that is controlled by an electronic control unit and the watercraft includes a security system. The security system comprises a portable transmitter and a mounted receiver. A predetermined mounting location on the watercraft of a receiver of the security system allows for improved serviceability and improved reception between the transmitter and a corresponding receiver.

Claims

1. A watercraft comprising a hull, a seat, a control mast, an engine disposed within the hull, a controller communicating with at least one engine parameter, the controller configured to control engine operation, a security system configured to communicate with the engine controller, a receiver communicating with the security system, and a portable transmitter transmitting at least one signal to the receiver, the security system determining how the engine controller controls the engine in response to a signal received from the receiver, the receiver being located in a remote location, the remote location being located above the water level of the watercraft and adjacent to an access opening.

2. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the signal sent by the transmitter is a signal prohibiting engine operation.

3. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the signal sent by the transmitter is a signal permitting engine operation.

4. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is buoyant.

5. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the remote location is located vertically lower than a handlebar that forms a portion of the control mast.

6. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the remote location is located in front of the control mast.

7. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the receiver has an antenna that extends from the receiver.

8. The watercraft of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is removably mounted to the watercraft and the transmitter communicates by radio waves with the receiver.

9. A watercraft comprising a hull, a seat positioned along a portion of the hull, an engine positioned within the hull generally below the seat, an ECU communicating with the engine, a receiver communicating with the ECU and being mounted on a surface positioned within the hull, an opening positioned proximate the surface, the receiver being positioned proximate the opening, and the receiver being adapted to receive a signal from a portable transmitter.

10. The watercraft of claim 9, wherein the receiver comprises a portion of a security system and said security system comprises an immobilizing unit, the immobilizing unit receiving a signal from the receiver and sending a signal to the ECU such that the receiver is in communication with the ECU.

11. The watercraft of claim 9 further comprising a storage compartment defined within the hull, the storage compartment comprising a rear wall, the opening defined through the rear wall at a location generally forward of the receiver and a removable lid closing the opening.

12. The watercraft of claim 9 further comprising a removable storage compartment, the removable storage contain extending through and closing the opening.

13. The watercraft of claim 9, wherein the receiver is attached to a side wall of the hull and a removable lid closes the opening.

14. The watercraft of claim 9, wherein the receiver is positioned within a compartment and at least one gauge is mounted within the compartment.

15. The watercraft of claim 14 further comprising a removable lid closing the opening.

16. The watercraft of claim 15, wherein the opening is positioned generally above the receiver and forms an outer surface of the watercraft.

17. The watercraft of claim 9 further comprising a storage compartment for a portable transmitter, the storage compartment being positioned between the opening and the seat.

18. The watercraft of claim 9 further comprising a deck hatch, the deck hatch being pivotally connected to the hull and at least a portion of the deck hatch overlying the receiver.

19. The watercraft of claim 9, wherein the receiver comprises an antennae that is formed in a substantially closed loop configuration.

20. The watercraft of claim 9, wherein the transmitter comprises a buoyant body.