Patent ID: 7217165
Filing Date: 2007-05-15
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. Steering and reversing apparatus for a waterjet-powered marine vessel, the waterjet having an intake duct, a diffuser, and a steering nozzle and producing a water stream flowing from the steering nozzle, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle pivot pivotably attaching the nozzle to the diffuser about a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the water stream; at least one reversing duct affixed to and positioned substantially below the nozzle and having an opening to the nozzle; a reverse deflector pivotably attached to the diffuser about a horizontal axis that is on the diffuser and substantially perpendicular to the water stream, the deflector having a sealing portion and being movable to varying positions between a fully-open forward-thrust position and a fully-closed rearward-thrust position; and a sealing face formed on the nozzle, the face mating with the sealing portion of the reverse deflector to provide sealing engagement of the reverse deflector and the nozzle at any angular position of the nozzle, whereby, when there is sealing engagement, the water stream is deflected forward and underneath the vessel through the opening to the nozzle, steerably reversing the vessel.