Patent ID: 7398742
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling a marine propulsion system of a marine vessel, comprising the steps of: providing a first marine propulsion device attached to said marine vessel and configured to provide a first thrust on said marine vessel; providing a second marine propulsion device attached to said marine vessel and configured to provide a second thrust on said marine vessel; sensing an occurrence of a steering wheel movement associated with said marine vessel; causing said first and second marine propulsion devices to be aligned, said first and second thrusts being generally parallel to each other; varying the relative thrusts of said first and second marine propulsion devices as a result of said steering wheel movement; and measuring a speed of said marine vessel, wherein said varying step comprises the step of creating a differential thrust between said first and second marine propulsion devices which is determined as a function of said measured speed of said marine vessel, and said steering wheel rotation wherein the average magnitude of said first and second thrusts after said affecting step is performed is substantially equal to the average magnitude of said first and second thrusts before said affecting step is performed.