Patent ID: 6676462
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
A watercraft comprising a hull, an engine supported by the hull, a jet propulsion unit driven by the engine, the jet propulsion unit comprising a discharge nozzle configured to direct a water jet in a generally rearward direction, a water diverter bucket assembly mounted near the discharge nozzle and movable between an opened position and a closed position wherein the bucket assembly at least partially redirects the water jet, a control assembly for moving the bucket assembly between the opened and closed position, the control assembly comprising an electric motor, an actuator configured to operate the electric motor, and a cable clutch mechanism, the cable clutch mechanism comprising at least one spool driven by the electric motor, at least one operation cable being wound around the at least one spool and having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the actuator and the second end being coupled to the bucket assembly, wherein movement of the actuator moves the first end of the operation cable and activates the electric motor, the at least one operation cable frictionally engaging the spool to move the second end of the operation cable and thereby moving the bucket assembly toward one of the open and closed positions.