Patent ID: 7128011
Filing Date: 2006-10-31
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A tiller control system for use with a boat having a hull; the tiller being pivotably mounted to one portion of the hull of the boat; the system comprising: a drive unit adapted to be fixed to the tiller; the drive unit including a motor and a gear; the motor adapted to drive the gear in first and second directions; the first direction being opposite to the second direction; the drive unit also including a rack having a plurality teeth disposed along an arc; the gear meshingly engaging the teeth of the rack; the rack being moveably mounted with respect to the motor; and a control arm connected to the rack; the control arm being adapted to be connected to a second portion of the hull of the boat such that rotation of the gear creates a force that moves the tiller with respect to the hull of the boat.