Patent ID: 7399210
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: B63H,F02B,F02D

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling an engine associated with a watercraft having a reverse propulsion device and an engine power output request device operable by a rider of the watercraft, the method comprising controlling the power output of the engine such that the power output of the engine is proportional to a position of the power output request device in accordance with a first proportional relationship when the watercraft is not operating in reverse, determining whether the rider has operated the reverse propulsion device to propel the watercraft in reverse and controlling the power output of the engine such that the power output of the engine is changed proportionally to changes in the power output request device at all points over a range of movement of the power output request device in accordance with a second proportional relationship between the power output of the engine and the position of the power output request device when the watercraft is operated in reverse such that the power output of the engine is less than that corresponding to a state of the power output request device under the first proportional relationship.