Patent ID: 6702630
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
An auxiliary keel system for a jet propelled watercraft having a directional nozzle drive assembly at the stern of the watercraft and a movable hood that rotates over a directional nozzle to downwardly direct and force water from the directional nozzle below the watercraft for providing reverse thrust, the auxiliary keel system comprising:two tie rod members, each having a first end and a second end; means for attaching the first end of each tie rod member to an external portion of the directional nozzle drive assembly, wherein the means for attaching the first end of each tie rod member to the external portion of the directional nozzle drive assembly moves in unison with the movement of the directional nozzle; the first end of each tie rod member and the means for attaching the first end of each tie rod member to the external portion of the directional nozzle drive assembly being engaged such that the first end of each tie rod member is allowed to pivot with the movement of the directional nozzle; a keel connected at each of the second end of each tie rod member; each keel being formed as a generally planar member with a generally rounded bottom edge, each keel further having a generally horizontal upper edge, the second end of each tie rod member being pivotally connected near a proximal end of said upper edge, the rounded bottom edge having a radius of {fraction (3/16)} inches or greater; and means for attaching each keel to the stern of the watercraft, each means for attaching the keel to the stern of the watercraft further having means for pivotally connecting the upper edge of the keel at a predetermined location between a distal end of the upper edge and the proximal end of the upper edge, wherein when the directional nozzle moves, each keel moves in unison with the directional nozzle to provide enhanced steering performance.