Patent ID: 7418912
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A steering system for a vessel comprising: an electric motor assembly for generating a rotational output; a rudder defining a rudder angle relative to a length of the vessel; and a steering linkage configured to transmit the rotational output of the electric motor assembly to the rudder in order to control the rudder angle, the steering linkage having at least a first linkage member, a second linkage member, and a third linkage member; and wherein the first linkage member extends between the electric motor assembly and the second linkage member; the second linkage member extends between the first linkage member and the third linkage member; and the third linkage member extends between the second linkage member and the rudder such that the rotational output is transmitted from the electric motor assembly through at least the first, second, and third linkage members to the rudder; and wherein the rudder further defines an axis of rotation and wherein the first, second, and third linkage members are coupled together such that movement of one of the linkage members within a first plane generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rudder encourages movement of the other linkage members within the first plane or another plane parallel to the first plane and wherein at least two of the linkage members are coupled together such that one of the linkage members is at least partially isolated from movement of the other linkage member within a second plane generally parallel to the axis of rotation of rudder.