Patent ID: 7540793
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A watercraft comprising a hull supporting a first propulsion device and a second propulsion device, the propulsion devices adapted to generate thrust for propelling the watercraft, a control device adapted to receive control inputs from a user and having a housing that encloses a first electronic control unit (ECU) and a second ECU, the first ECU adapted to send signals to control the first propulsion device and to receive operation information signals including at least an engine speed from the first propulsion device, the second ECU adapted to send signals to control the second propulsion device and to receive operation information signals including at least an engine speed from the second propulsion device, wherein a communication line electronically links the first and second ECUs so that operation information is transmitted between the first and second ECUs, and wherein the first ECU, second ECU and communication line are enclosed within the control device housing, wherein the control device is configured to determine a first moving average of an engine speed of the first propulsion device, a second moving average of an engine speed of the second propulsion device, and an estimated watercraft speed based on an average of the first and second moving averages.