Patent ID: 6565397
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: F02B,F02D

Abstract:
An engine speed control system for a watercraft that is propelled by a stream of water generated by a propulsion unit driven by an engine, the engine control system comprising:means for detecting whether the propulsion unit is generating a stream of water, the means for detecting comprising a first sensor that senses ambient atmospheric pressure and a second sensor that senses a pressure responsive to the movement of the stream of water, the means for detecting comparing the ambient atmospheric pressure and the pressure responsive to the movement of the stream of water to determine whether the stream of water is being generated by the propulsion unit; and a controller responsive to the means for detecting, the controller limiting the maximum engine speed to a first speed when the propulsion unit is generating the stream of water, the controller limiting the maximum engine speed to a second speed, lower than the first speed, when the propulsion unit is not generating the stream of water.