Patent ID: 7153174
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A system for controlling speeds of internal combustion engines of outboard motors each adapted to be mounted on a stern of a boat and each having a propeller with a rudder powered by the engine to propel and steer the boat, comprising: a sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of a travel speed of the boat; engine speed sensors each installed at the engines and detecting a parameter indicative of engine speeds of the outboard motors; and an engine speed controller implementing a synchronization control to control the engine speeds of the outboard motors to be synchronized with a highest one of the detected engine speeds when the travel speed parameter is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, while controlling the engine speeds of the outboard motors to be synchronized with a lowest one of the detected engine speeds when the travel speed parameter is lower than the predetermined value.