The present technology relates to trim systems for watercraft, watercraft having trim systems, and methods for controlling a trim angle of a watercraft.
There are many ways to propel a watercraft. One way is to use what is known as a jet propulsion system which is powered by a motor of the watercraft. The jet propulsion system typically consists of a jet pump and a venturi. The jet pump pressurizes water pumped from a body of water and expels it through the venturi as a jet directed rearwardly of the watercraft to create thrust. Usually, a nozzle is pivotally mounted rearwardly of the venturi for pivoting the nozzle about a steering axis. The nozzle is connected to a steering input of the watercraft which causes the nozzle to pivot left or right to redirect the jet of water and thereby steer the watercraft.
To allow trimming of the watercraft, the nozzle is usually also pivotable with respect to the venturi about a trim axis. The nozzle is connected to a trim input device of the watercraft which causes the nozzle to pivot upward to trim up positions or downward to trim down positions to redirect the jet of water accordingly. In a neutral trim position, the nozzle is aligned with the venturi for directing the jet of water rearwardly of the watercraft. In trim up positions, the nozzle is directed upwardly with respect to the venturi, thereby pushing down a stern of the watercraft and lifting a bow of the watercraft (i.e. trim up or positive trim). In the trim down positions, the nozzle is directed downwardly with respect to the venturi, thereby lifting the stern of the watercraft and pushing down the bow of the watercraft (i.e. trim down or negative trim).
A driver may want to adjust trim angle for a number of reasons. For example, reducing the trim angle can help get the watercraft on plane while increasing the trim angle can increase top speed. Also, reducing the trim angle when at speed can increase maneuverability and responsiveness to steering inputs by pushing the bow down and increasing the amount of hull in the water. Furthermore, adjusting the trim angle can help adapt the watercraft to various riding conditions (presence of passengers or other loads, wind, current) so as to ensure that it is at a riding attitude that does not cause porpoising.
Additionally, at least for personal watercraft, increasing the trim angle can increase playfulness at low speeds and can make it easier to perform certain maneuvers by making it easier to pop the bow of the watercraft up, out of the water. However, this is less desirable when operating the watercraft at high speed.
It would therefore be desirable to have a trim system for a watercraft that can control trim according to operating conditions of the watercraft.
It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.
According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a watercraft comprising a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a motor disposed between the hull and the deck, and a jet propulsion system operatively connected to the motor and connected to the hull. The jet propulsion system comprises a jet pump operatively connected to the motor and a nozzle pivotally connected about a trim axis. The nozzle is disposed at least in part rearward of the jet pump. The nozzle is at least in part aligned with an outlet of the jet pump for selectively redirecting a jet of water expelled by the jet pump. A trim actuator is operatively connected to the nozzle for pivoting the nozzle about the trim axis. At least one sensor senses at least one operating condition of the watercraft. The at least one operating condition of the watercraft is at least one of watercraft speed, motor speed, motor speed input device position, water pressure in the jet propulsion system, and water flow speed in the jet propulsion system. A control unit is electronically connected to the at least one sensor for receiving a sensor input signal from the at least one sensor and to the trim actuator for controlling the trim actuator. The sensor input signal is indicative of the at least one operating condition. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis in a selected one of at least a first trim control mode and a second trim control mode. In the first trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a first range of trim angles. In the second trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a second range of trim angles. The first range of trim angles is greater than the second range of trim angles. The control unit controls the trim actuator in the first trim control mode when the at least one operating condition is below a threshold value of the at least one operating condition until the at least one operating condition exceeds the threshold value. The control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode when the at least one operating condition is above the threshold value of the at least one operating condition.
In some embodiments, the first range of trim angles is defined between a first trim down angle and a first trim up angle. The second range of trim angles is defined between the first trim down angle and a second trim up angle. The first trim up angle is greater than the second trim up angle.
In some embodiments, the first trim down angle is a maximum trim down angle. The first trim up angle is a maximum trim up angle.
In some embodiments, the second trim up angle is half the first trim up angle.
In some embodiments, the watercraft comprises a driver-actuated trim input. The control unit is electronically connected to the driver-actuated trim input for receiving a trim input signal indicative of a desired trim setting. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis based at least in part on the trim input signal. When the desired trim setting is above a threshold desired trim setting, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a first trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the first trim control mode. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a second trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode. The first trim angle is greater than the second trim angle.
In some embodiments, when the desired trim setting is below the threshold desired trim setting, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a third trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the first trim control mode. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a fourth trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode. The third trim angle is equal to the first trim angle.
In some embodiments, when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode and the at least one operating condition falls below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition, the control unit continues to control the trim actuator in the second trim control mode until the at least one operating condition has been below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition for a predetermined delay. The control unit returns to controlling the trim actuator in the first trim control mode when the at least one operating condition has been below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition for at least the predetermined delay.
In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is a watercraft speed sensor. The at least one operating condition is the watercraft speed.
In some embodiments, the nozzle is pivotally connected about a steering axis. The steering axis is perpendicular to the trim axis. The watercraft further comprises a steering actuator operatively connected to the nozzle for pivoting the nozzle about the steering axis.
In some embodiments, the jet propulsion system further comprises a trim support operatively pivotally connecting the nozzle to the jet pump. The trim support pivots with the nozzle about the trim axis. The nozzle pivots relative to the trim support about the steering axis.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a trim system for a watercraft comprising a nozzle adapted for being pivotally connected about a trim axis, a trim actuator operatively connected to the nozzle for pivoting the nozzle about the trim axis, and at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of the watercraft. The at least one operating condition of the watercraft is at least one of watercraft speed, motor speed, motor speed input device position, water pressure in a jet propulsion system of the watercraft, and water flow speed in the jet propulsion system. The trim system comprises a control unit that is electronically connected to the at least one sensor for receiving a sensor input signal from the at least one sensor and to the trim actuator for controlling the trim actuator.
The sensor input signal is indicative of the at least one operating condition. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis in a selected one of at least a first trim control mode and a second trim control mode. In the first trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a first range of trim angles. In the second trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a second range of trim angles. The first range of trim angles is greater than the second range of trim angles. The control unit controls the trim actuator in the first trim control mode when the at least one operating condition is below a threshold value of the at least one operating condition until the at least one operating condition exceeds the threshold value. The control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode when the at least one operating condition is above the threshold value of the at least one operating condition.
In some embodiments, the first range of trim angles is defined between a first trim down angle and a first trim up angle. The second range of trim angles is defined between the first trim down angle and a second trim up angle. The first trim up angle is greater than the second trim up angle.
In some embodiments, the first trim down angle is a maximum trim down angle. The first trim up angle is a maximum trim up angle.
In some embodiments, the second trim up angle is half the first trim up angle.
In some embodiments, the trim system further comprises a driver-actuated trim input. The control unit is electronically connected to the driver-actuated trim input for receiving a trim input signal indicative of a desired trim setting. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis based at least in part on the trim input signal. When the desired trim setting is above a threshold desired trim setting, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a first trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the first trim control mode. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a second trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode. The first trim angle is greater than the second trim angle.
In some embodiments, when the desired trim setting is below the threshold desired trim setting, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a third trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the first trim control mode. The control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a fourth trim angle when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode. The third trim angle is equal to the first trim angle.
In some embodiments, when the control unit controls the trim actuator in the second trim control mode and the at least one operating condition falls below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition, the control unit continues to control the trim actuator in the second trim control mode until the at least one operating condition has been below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition for a predetermined delay. The control unit returns to controlling the trim actuator in the first trim control mode when the at least one operating condition has been below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition for at least the predetermined delay.
In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is a watercraft speed sensor. The at least one operating condition is the watercraft speed.
In some embodiments, the trim system further comprises a trim support for operatively pivotally connecting the nozzle to a jet pump of the watercraft. The trim support pivots with the nozzle about the trim axis. The nozzle pivots relative to the trim support about a steering axis. The steering axis is perpendicular to the trim axis. A steering actuator is operatively connected to the trim support for pivoting the trim support and the nozzle about the steering axis.
According to another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for controlling a trim of a watercraft comprising sensing at least one operating condition of the watercraft. The at least one operating condition of the watercraft is at least one of watercraft speed, motor speed, motor speed input device position, water pressure in a jet propulsion system of the watercraft, and water flow speed in the jet propulsion system. The method comprises controlling a trim actuator to pivot a nozzle of a jet propulsion system of the watercraft about a trim axis in a first trim control mode when the at least one operating condition is below a threshold value of the at least one operating condition until the at least one operating condition exceeds the threshold value. The method comprises controlling the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis in the second trim control mode when the at least one operating condition is above the threshold value of the at least one operating condition. In the first trim control mode, the trim actuator is controlled to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a first range of trim angles. In the second trim control mode, the trim actuator is controlled to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a second range of trim angles. The first range of trim angles is greater than the second range of trim angles.
In some embodiments, the first range of trim angles is defined between a first trim down angle and a first trim up angle. The second range of trim angles is defined between the first trim down angle and a second trim up angle. The first trim up angle is greater than the second trim up angle.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a desired trim angle from a driver-actuated trim setting. Based at least in part on the desired trim setting, when the desired trim setting is above a threshold desired trim setting, controlling the trim actuator in the first trim control mode controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a first trim angle, and controlling the trim actuator in the second trim control mode controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a second trim angle. The first trim angle is greater than the second trim angle.
In some embodiments, based at least in part on the desired trim setting, when the desired trim setting is below a threshold desired trim setting, controlling the trim actuator in the first trim control mode controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a third trim angle. Controlling the trim actuator in the second trim control mode controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis to a fourth trim angle. The third trim angle is equal to the fourth trim angle.
In some embodiments, the method comprises, when the trim actuator is controlled in the second trim control mode, determining if the at least one operating condition falls below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition. The method comprises, if the at least one operating condition falls below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition, continuing to control the trim actuator in the second trim control mode until the at least one operating condition has been below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition for a predetermined delay, and returning to control the trim actuator in the first trim control mode when the at least one operating condition has been below the threshold value of the at least one operating condition for at least the predetermined delay.
In some embodiments, the at least one operating condition is watercraft speed.
For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation such as forward, rearward, upward, downward, left, and right, are as they would normally be understood by a driver of the watercraft sitting thereon in a normal driving position. Terms related to spatial orientation when referring to the jet propulsion system alone and components thereof should be understood as they would normally be understood when the jet propulsion system is installed on a watercraft. The explanations of terms provided herein take precedence over explanations of these terms that may be found in the document incorporated herein by reference.
Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
Embodiments of a trim system 150 according to the present technology will be described in combination with a personal watercraft 10. However, it is contemplated that embodiments of the present trim system 150 could be used with other types of jet propelled watercraft.
The general construction of the personal watercraft 10 will be described with respect to
The personal watercraft 10 of
The space between the hull 12 and the deck 14 forms a volume commonly referred to as the motor compartment 20. The motor compartment 20 accommodates a motor 22 (shown schematically in
As seen in
A grab handle 38 is provided between the pedestal 30 and the rear of the seat 28 to provide a handle onto which a passenger may hold. This arrangement is particularly convenient for a passenger seated facing backwards for spotting a water skier, for example. Beneath the handle 38, a tow hook 40 is mounted on the pedestal 30. The tow hook 40 can be used for towing a skier or floatation device, such as an inflatable water toy.
As best seen in
Located on both sides of the watercraft 10, between the pedestal 30 and the gunnels 42 are the footrests 46. The footrests 46 are designed to accommodate a rider's feet in various riding positions. To this effect, the footrests 46 each have a forward portion 48 angled such that the front portion of the forward portion 48 (toward the bow 56 of the watercraft 10) is higher, relative to a horizontal reference point, than the rear portion of the forward portion 48. The remaining portions of the footrests 46 are generally horizontal. Of course, any contour conducive to a comfortable rest for the riders' feet could be used. The footrests 46 are covered by carpeting 50 made of a rubber-type material, for example, to provide additional comfort and traction for the feet of the riders.
A reboarding platform 52 is provided at the rear of the watercraft 10 on the deck 14 to allow the driver or a passenger to easily reboard the watercraft 10 from the water. Carpeting or some other suitable covering covers the reboarding platform 52. A retractable ladder (not shown) may be affixed to the transom 54 to facilitate boarding the watercraft 10 from the water onto the reboarding platform 52.
Referring to the bow 56 of the watercraft 10, as seen in
As best seen in
Sponsons 70 are located on both sides of the hull 12 near the transom 54. The sponsons 70 have an arcuate undersurface that gives the watercraft 10 both lift while in motion and improved turning characteristics. The sponsons 70 are fixed to the surface of the hull 12 and can be attached to the hull 12 by fasteners or molded therewith. It is contemplated that the position of the sponsons 70 could be adjusted with respect to the hull 12 to change the handling characteristics of the watercraft 10 and to accommodate different riding conditions.
As best seen in
As schematically shown in
Turning now to
The helm assembly 60 also has a key receiving post 85 located near a center of the central helm portion 72. The key receiving post 85 is adapted to receive a key (not shown) that is used to authorize starting of the watercraft 10. The key is typically attached to a safety lanyard (not shown). Once the key is connected to the key receiving post 85, pressing the start/stop button 84 will start the motor 22. Pressing the start/stop button 84 again or disconnecting the key from the key receiving post 85 will stop the motor 22. It should be noted that the key receiving post 85 may be placed in any suitable location on the watercraft 10. In one embodiment, the key receiving post 85 includes a key communication terminal capable of detecting a key proximity signal emitted by the key for starting the watercraft 10 without requiring physical contact between the key and the key receiving post 85. Also, the key receiving post 85 is connected to the ECU 24 for sending a key setting signal indicative of watercraft operating parameter settings associated with the key. As non-limiting examples, watercraft operating parameters include maximum watercraft speed and trim control mode, for which settings may be stored on the key for driver convenience or for driver training purposes. As such, when a key such as a Learning Key™ from Sea-Doo™ is used for storing selected watercraft operating parameter settings, the ECU 24 receives the key setting signal and controls operation of the watercraft 10 according to the stored settings. It is contemplated that multiple keys (e.g. a Learning Key™ and a normal key) can be used with the watercraft 10.
The watercraft 10 is propelled by a jet propulsion system 86 which will now be described with reference to
With reference to
More specifically, the trim actuator 156 is an electrical linear actuator 156, and includes an actuator housing 160 disposed in the motor compartment 20. The linear actuator 156 also includes an electrical actuator motor (not shown) disposed in the housing 160 and an actuator arm 162. The actuator arm 162 is connected at its front end to the actuator motor. The actuator arm 162 extends rearward of the actuator housing 160 and is connected at its rear end to a reverse gate 164. The reverse gate 164 is pivotally connected to the brackets 104 about a reverse gate axis 168. The actuator motor imparts linear motion to the actuator arm 162 along an actuation axis 166 for pulling or pushing on the reverse gate 164. This causes the reverse gate 164 to pivot upward or downward about a reverse gate axis 168. Thus, in the present embodiment, the trim actuator 156 is also a reverse gate actuator.
Rotation of the reverse gate 164 about the reverse gate axis 168 causes rotation of the trim support 154 about the trim axis 158. Tracks 170 of the reverse gate 164 and followers 172 of the trim support 154 are structured and arranged so as to cause the trim support 154, and therefore the nozzle 152, to pivot upward or downward about the trim axis 158 when the reverse gate 164 pivots upward or downward about the reverse gate axis 168. When the reverse gate 164 is at its fully raised position, the nozzle 152 is at its maximum trim up angle 192 (
Turning now to
The method starts at step 200 when the watercraft 10 is started. When the watercraft 10 starts, the ECU 24 controls the trim actuator 156 in the extended trim control mode 182 at step 202. Then at step 204, the GPS 80 senses the watercraft speed and sends a signal indicative of this speed to the ECU 24. Then at step 206, the ECU 24 determines if the watercraft speed sensed at step 204 is above a watercraft speed threshold value stored in the ECU 24 or a separate memory device. In the present embodiment, the watercraft speed threshold value is 30 km/h. It is contemplated that the watercraft speed threshold could have a different value depending on the particular characteristics of the watercraft 10 and/or a different desired trim operation of the watercraft 10. If the watercraft speed is below or equal to the watercraft speed threshold value, then at step 208 the ECU 24 determines a trim setting selected by the driver based on the trim input signal. Then at step 210, the ECU 24 controls the trim actuator 156 to pivot the nozzle 152 about the trim axis 158 to a trim position corresponding to the trim setting determined at step 208. As at step 210 the ECU 24 controls the trim actuator 156 in the extended trim control mode 182, the trim position of the nozzle 152 is within an extended range of trim angles 186.
Referring to
In
As can be seen in
From step 210, the ECU 24 returns to step 204. It should be noted that the ECU 24 does not wait until the nozzle 152 has reached the trim angle corresponding to the trim setting determined at step 208 before returning to step 204.
The ECU 24 continues to control the trim actuator 156 in the extended control mode 182 until it determines at step 206 that the watercraft speed exceeds the watercraft speed threshold value. At step 206, if the watercraft speed is above the watercraft speed threshold value, the ECU 24 goes to step 212 and begins to control the trim actuator 156 in the limited trim control mode 184.
From step 212, at step 214, the GPS 80 senses the watercraft speed and sends a signal indicative of this speed to the ECU 24. Then at step 216, the ECU 24 determines if the watercraft speed sensed at step 214 is below the watercraft speed threshold value. If the watercraft speed is above or equal to the watercraft speed threshold value, then at step 218 the ECU 24 determines a trim setting selected by the driver based on the trim input signal. Then at step 220 ECU 24 controls the trim actuator 156 to pivot the nozzle 152 about the trim axis 158 to a trim position corresponding to the trim setting determined at step 218. As at step 220 the ECU 24 controls the trim actuator 156 in the limited trim control mode 184, the trim position of the nozzle 152 is within a limited range of trim angles 188.
Referring to
In
As can be seen in
From step 220, the ECU 24 returns to step 214. It should be noted that the ECU 24 does not wait until the nozzle 152 has reached the trim angle corresponding to the trim setting determined at step 218 before returning to step 214.
If at step 216 the ECU 24 determines that the watercraft speed determined at step 214 is below the watercraft speed threshold value, then at step 222 the ECU 24 determines if the watercraft speed has been below the watercraft speed threshold value for longer than a predetermined delay value stored in the ECU 24 or a separate memory device. In the present embodiment, the predetermined delay value is three seconds, but it could be more or less. If at step 222 the watercraft speed has not been below the watercraft speed threshold value for longer than three seconds, the ECU 24 goes to step 218 and continues to control the trim actuator 156 in the limited trim control mode 184. If at step 222 the watercraft speed has been below the watercraft speed threshold value for longer than three seconds, the ECU 24 returns to step 202 and begins to control the trim actuator 156 in the extended trim control mode 182. It is contemplated that step 222 could be omitted and that the ECU 24 could go directly from step 216 to step 202 if it is determined at step 216 that the watercraft speed is below the watercraft speed threshold value.
As can be seen in
In this embodiment, when the watercraft speed is below the watercraft speed threshold value, and until it exceeds the watercraft speed threshold value, the ECU 24 controls the trim actuator 156 in the extended control mode 182. Under such circumstances, selecting a high trim setting (i.e. 8 or 9) results in a high trim up angle which can enhance the playfulness of the watercraft 10. When the watercraft 10 accelerates past the watercraft speed threshold value, the ECU 24 automatically selects the limited control mode 184 and if the ECU 24 determines that the trim setting corresponds to trim setting 8 or 9, the nozzle 152 is automatically pivoted downward to a lower, limited trim up angle. For example, if the trim setting is 9, the nozzle 152 will be pivoted down from a 10-degree (100%) trim angle to a 5-degree (70%) trim angle. This occurs without any intervention from the driver. Thereafter, when the watercraft speed falls below the watercraft speed threshold value for longer than the predetermined delay value and the trim setting corresponds to trim setting 8 or 9, the nozzle 152 is automatically pivoted upward to an extended trim up angle. For example, if the trim setting is 9, the nozzle 152 will be pivoted up from a 5-degree (70%) trim angle to a 10-degree (100%) trim angle. This also occurs without any intervention from the driver.
It is contemplated that watercraft operating condition threshold values, trim setting values, trim setting threshold values, trim angle values, trim extending factor values or delay values could be at least partially driver-programmable settings.
It is also contemplated that depending on the information stored on the key used with the watercraft 10, the trim may be controlled differently. For example, when inserting a normal key, the ECU 24 can control the trim in both the extended and limited control modes 182, 184 and when a key such as the Learning Key™ described above is inserted, the ECU 24 only controls the trim in the limited control mode 184 regardless of watercraft speed.
It is also contemplated that at steps 206, 216 and 222 threshold values for watercraft operating conditions other than watercraft speed may be used. Non-limiting examples of watercraft operating conditions that could be used instead of watercraft speed include: motor speed, motor speed input device 76 position, water pressure in the jet propulsion system 86, water flow speed in the jet propulsion system 86. In such embodiments, the ECU 24 would receive a signal indicative of such a watercraft operating condition from a suitable sensor. It is also contemplated that the ECU 24 could consider two or more watercraft operating conditions in determining whether to control the trim actuator 156 in the extended trim control mode 182 or the limited trim control mode 184.
It is also contemplated that the trim setting could be selected automatically by the ECU 24 based on operating conditions and that the trim input device 83 could be omitted.
In some watercraft, the ECU 24 controls the motor 22 in a reduced performance control mode, such as a “limp home” control mode, when receiving a fault or an error signal from one or more sensors of the watercraft 10. Such reduced performance control modes cause the motor speed to be limited. In some embodiments, when the ECU 24 controls the motor 22 in a reduced performance control mode, the ECU 24 also controls the trim actuator 156 in the limited trim control mode 184 even if the watercraft speed is below the watercraft speed threshold value.
It is also contemplated that the ECU 24 could control the trim control actuator 156 in more modes than just the extended and limited trim control modes 182, 184. For example, the ECU 24 could control the trim control actuator 156 in an idle trim control mode when the watercraft speed is below an idle speed of 5 km/h for example. In such an idle trim control mode, the ECU 24 would control the trim actuator 156 to pivot the nozzle 152 to a predefined trim up angle regardless of the selected trim setting, such that the nozzle 152 would already be ideally positioned upon acceleration of the watercraft 10.
Modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/691,849, filed on Jun. 29, 2018, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62691849 | Jun 2018 | US |