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Autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system for boats

  • US 6,604,479 B2
  • Filed: 10/24/2002
  • Issued: 08/12/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/19/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A waterjet boat in which forward and reverse propulsion is provided by one or more jets of water directed generally longitudinally, the boat comprising:

  • a steering system including at least one nozzle capable of rotation about a generally vertical axis for deflecting at least one jet to impart a side component of force to the stem of the boat and a bow thruster that tends to rotate the boat about a vertical axis and to produce a sideward movement of the bow of the boat;

    a joystick device for use by the operator of the boat for manual control of the steering system;

    an autopilot configured to be engaged when the boat is moving at a very low speed (less than about 4 knots) and that controls the steering system to maintain the bow of the boat pointed in a desired direction, wherein the bow thruster is manually controlled by a first movement of the joystick device, wherein the nozzle is manually controlled by a second movement of the joystick device, and wherein forward and aft thrust of the waterjet is manually controlled by a third movement of the joystick device.

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