Patent ID: 6230642
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: B63H,G05D,G05G

Abstract:
A waterjet boat in which forward and reverse propulsion is provided by one or more jets of water directed generally longitudinally, the boat comprising:a steering system including a nozzle capable of rotation about a generally vertical axis for deflecting the jet to impart a side component of force to the boat;a rotational thrust system that tends to rotate the boat about a vertical axis and to produce a sideward movement of the bow of the boat;a joystick device for use by the operator of the boat for manual control of the steering system; andan autopilot configured to be engaged when the boat is moving at a very low rate of speed (less than about 4 knots) and that controls the steering system to maintain the bow of the boat pointed in a desired direction,wherein a movement of the joystick device activates the rotational thrust system, thereby producing a corresponding sideward movement of the bow of the boat, and the autopilot automatically causes a movement of the nozzle to return the bow to the desired direction, thereby producing an overall sideward movement of the boat.