Patent ID: 8317556
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A boat propulsion system comprising: a power source arranged to generate a rotational force; a boat propulsion section having a propeller arranged to be driven by the rotational force to generate a propulsive force; a shift position switching mechanism disposed between the power source and the propulsion section and arranged to switch among a first shift position, a second shift position in which the rotational force of the power source is transmitted to the propulsion section in a direction opposite to the direction in the first shift position, and a neutral position in which the rotational force of the power source is not transmitted to the propulsion section; a gear ratio switching mechanism disposed between the power source and the propulsion section and arranged to switch a gear ratio between the power source and the propulsion section between a low-speed gear ratio and a high-speed gear ratio; a control lever arranged to allow a boat operator to switch the shift position of the shift position switching mechanism and to switch the gear ratio of the gear ratio switching mechanism; an actuator arranged to drive the shift position switching mechanism and the gear ratio switching mechanism; and a control section programmed to control the actuator to switch the shift position of the shift position switching mechanism and the gear ratio of the gear ratio switching mechanism based on a detected position of the control lever; wherein when switching is to be performed from the neutral position to the first shift position and the high-speed gear ratio, the control section causes the actuator to: