Control and audio systems for a boat

A boat includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to a control screen. The controller has stored therein a plurality of modes corresponding to an activity and includes a plurality of controls corresponding to the activity. The controller is configured to display on the control screen, when one of the modes is activated, the plurality of controls for the activated mode. The activated mode may also be an operating mode that corresponds to an operational condition of the boat. The boat may include a processor that is configured to generate an adjusted audio signal by selecting one or more of a plurality of subranges of frequencies of an audio signal and adjusting the selected subranges to compensate for at least one environmental condition associated with the operational condition of the boat corresponding to the operating mode.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to control systems, including displays, and control methods for boats, in particular, recreational boats used for water sports. This invention also relates to audio systems for boats including control systems and control methods for the audio systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational boats are designed for multiple activities on the water, and in recent years, have become more complex. Boats may be designed for multiple water sports, such as water skiing, wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, and the like. Increasingly, multiple different pieces of equipment are included on the boat for each of these sports, contributing to the increased complexity. These boats are also designed for a variety of different users. Different users have different settings and preferences for the boat and equipment within each of the different water sports. Boats are also used for general cruising as well as transiting to and from the areas where the boat is used for water sports activities. In addition, these boats are often used for other leisure activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing on the water.

With such versatility comes added complexity in the controls, control systems, and displays for those controls and settings. There is thus desired improved, efficient, effective, and user-friendly control systems, including displays, for these recreational boats.

Audio systems, such as those used to play music, are often used with each of the various activities discussed above. Therefore, users desire audio systems, including speakers and control systems, that provide high-quality sound under each of the varying uses of the recreational boat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention relates to a boat including a hull, a control console, and a controller. The hull includes a bow, a transom, and port and starboard sides. The control console includes a control screen. The controller is communicatively coupled to the control screen and includes a processor and a memory. The memory has stored therein a plurality of modes. Each mode corresponds to an activity for which the boat is capable of being used and includes a plurality of controls corresponding to the activity. The controller is configured to display on the control screen, when one of the modes is activated, the plurality of controls for the activated mode.

In another aspect the invention relates to a boat including a hull, a control system, an audio source, a processor, and a plurality of speakers. The hull includes a bow, a transom, and port and starboard sides. The control system for the boat is configured to operate in an operating mode. The operating mode is selectable from a plurality of modes, and each mode of the plurality of modes corresponds to a different operational condition of the boat. The audio source provides an audio signal having a range of frequencies in the audio spectrum. The range of frequencies is divisible into a plurality of subranges of frequencies. The processor is configured to generate an adjusted audio signal by selecting one or more of the plurality of subranges of frequencies to be adjusted. The one or more selected subranges are less than all of the plurality of subranges and are dependent on the operating mode. The subranges not selected are unmodified subrange frequencies. The processor is also configured to generate an adjusted audio signal by adjusting the gain of the one or more selected subranges to compensate for at least one environmental condition associated with the operational condition of the boat corresponding to the operating mode. The one or more selected subranges are adjusted subrange frequencies. The processor is further configured to output the adjusted audio signal comprising the unmodified subrange frequencies and the adjusted subrange frequencies. The plurality of speakers is configured to generate a sound based on the adjusted audio signal.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, directional terms forward (fore), aft, inboard, and outboard have their commonly understood meaning in the art. Relative to the boat, forward is a direction toward the bow, and aft is a direction toward the stern. Likewise, inboard is a direction toward the center of the boat and outboard is a direction away from it.

FIGS. 1 and 2show a boat100in accordance with an exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention. The boat100includes a hull110with a bow112, a transom114, a port side116, and a starboard side118. The port and starboard sides116,118have port and starboard gunwales122,124, respectively. The boat100has a centerline102running down the middle of the boat100, halfway between the port and starboard sides116,118. Collectively, the bow112, the transom114, and the port and starboard sides116,118define an interior130of the boat100.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the boat100is a bowrider having both a bow seating area132positioned in the bow112of the boat100and a primary seating area134(sometimes also referred to as the cockpit) positioned aft of a windshield104. The boat100shown inFIGS. 1 and 2also has a pair of aft-facing seats136, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,650,117, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Also within the boat's interior130is a control console300for operating the boat100. Here, the control console300is positioned on the starboard side of the boat100proximate to and aft of the windshield104. The boat100is driven by a single inboard motor (engine550inFIG. 16) connected to a propeller (not shown) by a drive shaft (not shown). However, this invention can be utilized with other types of boats and propulsion systems, including but not limited to outboard motors, sterndrives, and the like. Although described in reference to a bowrider this invention may be used with any suitable boat including cuddies, center consoles, and cruisers, for example. The invention is also not limited to boats with single decks but may also be used with other boats that have multiple decks such as a flybridge.

A user may turn the boat100by rotating a steering wheel312located at the control console300. Any suitable steering system that is appropriate for the propulsion system may be used. For example, when the boat100is an inboard, the boat may be turned by a main rudder positioned aft of the propeller or the rudder system shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,611,009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The boat100includes a horizontal swim platform106attached to the transom114to make it easier for people to get into the water from the boat100or into the boat100from the water. A top view of the swim platform106is shown inFIG. 2, but the swim platform is omitted fromFIG. 1for clarity. The swim platform106should be capable of supporting a human and is preferably capable of supporting at least 500 lbs., and even more preferably 1250 lbs. The swim platform106may be constructed from any suitable material that may be used in a marine environment including, for example, fiberglass or teak. In this embodiment, the swim platform105is attached to the transom114of the boat100using two brackets screwed to the transom114; however, the swim platform106may be attached to the transom114by any suitable means. While the swim platform106is described as an attachable/detachable platform, it is not so limited. For example, the swim platform106may be integrally formed with the stern of the boat100.

The boat100may include the capability to add ballast140. Ballast may be used to increase the weight and displacement of the boat100and increase the size of the wake for water sports such as wakeboarding or wake surfing. Any suitable means to add ballast may be used including ballast bags (sacks) or ballast tanks. The boat100shown inFIG. 1includes three ballast tanks. Preferably, two ballast tanks are positioned in the stern of the boat near the bottom of the hull, one on each side of the boat (port ballast tank142and a starboard ballast tank144), and a third ballast tank146(seeFIG. 10) is positioned along the boat's centerline near the bottom of the hull, forward of the two stern ballast tanks142,144. Ballast bags may be used in addition to the ballast tanks142,144,146and may be plumbed into the ballast system of the boat100. Preferably, the ballast bags are positioned above the stern ballast tanks142,144in a compartment underneath the aft-facing seats136. Both the ballast tanks142,144,146and the ballast bags operate similarly in that water may be pumped into the tank or bag by ballast pumps148(seeFIG. 16) to add weight.

The boat100may be equipped with surf devices152,154, which may be used to shape the wake of the boat for wake surfing. Any suitable surf devices may be used including, for example, the port and starboard wake-modifying devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,286, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Each of the port and starboard surf devices152,154includes a plate-like member that is pivotably attached to the transom114of the boat100. The plate-like members pivot about pivot axes to move between a non-deployed position and a deployed position. In this embodiment, the pivot axes are hinges. Here, the hinges are piano hinges that are welded to a leading portion of each plate-like member and attached to the transom114of the boat100using screws. However, any suitable pivotable connection may be used and may be affixed to the transom114of the boat100and the port and starboard surf devices152,154using any suitable means, including but not limited to bolts, screws, rivets, welding, and epoxy. Each of the port and starboard surf devices152,154also may include one or more downturned and/or upturned surfaces, such as downturned surfaces at the trailing edge of the plate-like members that are angled at a downward angle relative to the plate-like member. However, as noted above, any suitable surf device may be used and other suitable surf devices may include, for example, the port and starboard wake-modifying devices disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0175242, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

As shown inFIG. 1, the boat100is also equipped with a central trim device (center tab156) positioned to span the centerline102of the boat. Any suitable trim device may be used, but in this embodiment, the center tab156is a generally rectangular trim tab that is pivotably attached to the transom114of the boat100. The center tab156includes a plate-like member and pivots about a pivot axis to move between a non-deployed position and a deployed position. Like the pivot axes of the surf devices152,154, the pivot axis of the center tab156may be any suitable pivotable connection affixed to the transom114of the boat100.

Each of the surf devices152,154and the center tab156is moveable between the deployed position and the non-deployed position by a drive mechanism158. In the embodiment shown, one drive mechanism158is used for each surf device152,154and the center tab156, allowing them to be independently operated. Each of the drive mechanisms158shown in this embodiment is a linear actuator. The linear actuator preferably is an electric linear actuator, such as one available from Lenco Marine. One end of the linear actuator is connected to the transom114of the boat100and the other end is connected to the surf device152,154or center tab156. Any suitable means may be used to move the surf devices152,154and the center tab156between the deployed and non-deployed positions, including but not limited to hydraulic linear actuators, gas assist pneumatic actuators, and electrical motors.

The boat100is also equipped with an apparatus for towing a water sports participant. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the towing apparatus is a tower160that is particularly used for towing a wakeboarder. Any suitable tower160may be used including, for example, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,580,155 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,791, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. The tower160includes two legs: a port leg162and a starboard leg164. The port leg162is attached on the port side of the centerline102of the boat100, and the starboard leg164is attached on the starboard side of the centerline102of the boat100. Preferably, the port and starboard legs162,164are attached to the port gunwale122and to the starboard gunwale124, respectively. The tower160also includes a header166. The header166is connected to an upper portion of each of the two legs162,164and spans the interior130of the boat100at a height suitable for passengers to pass underneath while standing. In addition, the tower160has a tow-line-attachment structure168at an upper portion of the tower160(the header166in this embodiment). This tow-line-attachment structure168may be used to connect a tow-line suitable for towing a water sports participant, such as a wakeboarder. Any suitable tow-line-attachment structure may be used, including but not limited to the integrated light and tow-line-attachment assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,539,886, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The boat100has a deck170which includes a floor172. Passenger seating, such as port and starboard bench seating182,184,186,188in both the bow seating area132and primary seating area134, may be constructed on elevated portions (seat support structures174) of the deck130. As used herein, these portions are elevated with respect to the level of the floor172. Other seating locations within the boat's interior130include a captain's chair192at the control console300and a reversible bench seat194. Although the invention is described with reference to a particular seating arrangement, different seating arrangements are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

The deck170also includes two support structures176,178(elevated portions of the deck), one on the starboard side176of the boat100and one on the port side178of the boat100. As shown in more detail inFIG. 3, the support structure on the starboard side176is the control console support and is used to support and enclose various controls for operating the boat100(discussed further below). As shown in more detail inFIG. 4, the support structure178on the port side of the boat100supports a passenger side console302. The support structure178on the port side of the boat100is opposite the control console support176. Together the two support structures174,176separate the bow seating area132from the primary seating area134as seen inFIG. 2. A walkway138connects the bow seating area132with the primary seating area134and separates the two support structures174,176.

The windshield104is mounted, in part, on forward portions of the support structures174,176. In this embodiment, the windshield104is mounted directly to a forward portion of the support structures174,176and the gunwales122,124. Near the walkway138or centerline102of the boat100, the windshield104is oriented such that it is perpendicular to the centerline102of the boat100. Moving outboard from the centerline102of the boat100, the windshield104is curved such that it smoothly transitions to an orientation that is parallel to or co-planar with the port or starboard side of the hull116,118near the gunwales122,124, which in this embodiment is generally parallel to the centerline102of the boat100.

The boat100also includes an audio system200. Sound is output from the audio system200by speakers210positioned throughout the boat100(seeFIG. 21). The speakers210may be located in any suitable location in or on the boat100. In this embodiment, at least two speakers are attached to the tower160and are positioned to direct sound in an aft direction. These are referred to herein as tower speakers212and may be used, for example, to project sound outside of the boat and, when applicable, to a watersport participant, such as a wakeboarder, surfer, or skier. Preferably, the tower speakers212are attached to the underside of the header166.

Speakers may also be positioned within the interior130of the boat100to provide sound to the occupants of the boat. For example, two speakers may be located in the bow112of the boat (bow speakers214) to project sound in the bow seating area132, and two speakers (cockpit speakers216) may be located in the primary seating area134to project sound into the primary seating area134. The interior130of the boat100includes port and starboard sidewalls126,128. The bow speakers214and cockpit speakers216may be located on port and starboard sidewalls126,128and below the gunwales122,124.

With the bow speakers214and cockpit speakers216located below the gunwales122,124, much of the sound emanating from these speakers214,216will be projected at a level that is lower than an occupant's ear. Even when seated, an occupant's head (for the typical adult and many school age children) will be above the level of the gunwales122,124and thus the speakers214,216. It is desirable, however, to position speakers that direct sound toward the occupant's ears. The inventors have found that this can be accomplished by positioning the speakers such that sound is reflected off of surfaces within the boat100and toward the occupant's ears. In this embodiment, two dash speakers218are positioned to reflect the sound off the windshield104in an aft direction. One dash speaker218is located in the control console300and the other is located in the passenger side console302, although any suitable number of dash speakers218may be used, including multiple speakers located in each console300,302.

The speakers212,214,218are preferably marine grade speakers designed for the marine environment (e.g., sealed electrical components and materials suitable for the marine environment). For example, the speakers212,214,218may be high fidelity marine grade speakers with cast aluminum baskets and a titanium horn. The speakers may be round speakers having a diameter of 7 inches or 8.5 inches. Any suitable speakers212,214,218may be used.

A detailed view of the control console300is shown inFIG. 3, andFIG. 5is a cross-section view of the control console taken along line5-5inFIG. 2. A dash320houses instrumentation, displays, and controls for the boat100, as will be discussed in further detail below. The dash320is supported by the control console support176and is positioned proximate the windshield104. The dash320includes at least one upper surface322. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the dash320has multiple upper surfaces322,324that are not co-planar with each other. In this embodiment, a generally horizontal upper surface322is generally parallel to the floor172, and an angled upper surface324is slanted at a non-zero angle relative to the floor172.

A detailed view of the passenger side console302is shown inFIG. 4, and like the control console300, the passenger side console302also includes a dash304that is positioned proximate the windshield104. Although the following description describes the dash speaker218located in the control console300, the description is also applicable to the dash speaker218located in the passenger side console302.

The dash speaker218is positioned below at least one of the top surfaces322,324of the dash320. In this embodiment, the dash speaker218is positioned below the angled upper surface324, and the angled upper surface324includes an opening326for the dash speaker218. The opening326is configured to allow sound waves emanating from the dash speaker218to pass through the angled upper surface324of the dash320. In this embodiment, a grille328covers the opening326(seeFIG. 2). The grille328protects the speaker and can be a decorative element on the dash320. The grille328preferably is designed to minimize any effect of the grille328on the sound emanating from the dash speaker218. The grille328is omitted fromFIG. 5for clarity.

The windshield104extends upward from the generally horizontal upper surface322of the dash320and, in this embodiment, from the control console support176, to which the windshield104is mounted. The windshield104is slanted with respect to the floor172(or the generally horizontal upper surface322of the dash320). In this embodiment, the windshield104is inclined at a non-zero angle (angle α) with respect to the floor172(or the generally horizontal upper surface322of the dash320). Preferably angle α is between 30 degrees and 45 degrees. As a result of the slant, the windshield104extends over the opening326in the dash320. In this embodiment, the portion of the windshield104that extends over the opening326in the dash320is a generally planar surface, but it can also be curved. This curvature not only includes curvature in the inboard and outboard directions (e.g., as the windshield104transitions between the orientation of the windshield104near the centerline102of the boat and the orientation of the windshield104at the gunwales122,124), but also curvature in the fore and aft directions.

The dash speaker218is oriented to project sound upward, through the opening326and toward the windshield104. As can be seen inFIG. 5, the sound waves222emanating from the speaker pass through the opening326and toward the windshield104in a direction represented by a centerline224of the sound waves222. As shown inFIG. 6, the sound waves222then reflect off of the windshield104as reflected sound waves226in a direction represented by a centerline228of the reflected sound waves226. The reflected sound waves226are reflected off the windshield104in an aft direction and into the primary seating area134. For clarity in the following descriptions and figures, centerlines (such as centerlines224,228) will be used illustrate and describe the behavior of sound waves emanating from the various speakers discussed herein.

The relative orientation of the dash speaker218and the windshield104can be controlled so that the reflected sound waves226are directed toward the ears202of a person204located in a listening position. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the listening position may be, for example, the captain's chair192at the control console300, and in particular, the ear level of a person204seated in the captain's chair192. Preferably, the ear level of a person204seated in the captain's chair192(or other position) is set in a range from the sitting height of the fifth percentile female to the sitting height of the ninety-fifth percentile male, which is preferably between 30 inches and 60 inches above the floor. More preferably, the sound is directed to a location that is between 38 inches and 54 inches above the floor. Other suitable listening positions within the boat100include the reversible bench seat194or the port and starboard bench seating186,188in the primary seating area134, and in particular, the ear level of a person seated in one of those locations.

The dash speaker218is preferably inclined relative to the floor172(or the generally horizontal upper surface322of the dash320). In this embodiment, dash speaker218is inclined at a non-zero angle (angle β) with respect to the floor172(or the generally horizontal upper surface322of the dash320). Preferably angle β is between 1 degree and 20 degrees, and more preferably it is between 5 degrees and 15 degrees. Because the angle of incident sound waves222equals the angle of reflected sound waves226, the angle of the dash speaker218(angle β) and the angle of the windshield104(angle α) are coordinated to direct the reflected sound waves226to the desired listening position. In addition to directing the sound for an improved listening experience, inclining the dash speaker218has a number of other benefits. For example, water is a concern in the marine environment. Inclining the dash speaker218at a non-zero angle (angle β) with respect to the floor172can help prevent water damage to the speaker218because inclining the speaker218prevents or minimizes water from pooling therein.

Although this embodiment has been described with a single dash speaker218under the dash320, any suitable number of speakers may be used. When multiple dash speakers218are used in the same console300, the dash speakers218may be inclined at the same angle (angle β) or different angles. They may be positioned and inclined (angle β) such that the reflected sound waves226are directed toward the same listening position or toward different listing positions. When directed toward the same listening position, one speaker may be directed toward the left ear of a person204seated in the listening position and another speaker may be directed toward the right ear of the person204to provide stereo sound. When multiple dash speakers218are used, the sound emanating from each speaker218may be directed through the same opening326or through different openings326formed in the dash320.

InFIGS. 5 and 6, the dash speaker218is located within the dash320, below the upper surface324of the dash320.FIG. 7is a cross-section taken along line5-5inFIG. 2showing an alternative assembly of the control console300and, in particular, the dash speaker218. In this embodiment, the dash speaker218is mounted below the generally horizontal upper surface322, at the bottom412of a dash speaker enclosure410. The enclosure410may be used, for example, to provide aesthetic or cosmetic benefits, in addition to providing long-term environmental protection. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the dash speaker enclosure410is integrally formed in the deck170and, in particular, the control console support176. However, the enclosure410is not limited to this construction and may, for example, be a separate assembly mounted to the control console support176or dash320.

The dash speaker218and dash speaker enclosure410are shown inFIG. 8A. In this embodiment, the dash speaker enclosure410has a generally cubic structure with each of four sidewalls414intersecting an adjacent sidewall414and the bottom412at a right angle. The bottom412is inclined at the angle β with respect to the floor. The top of the dash speaker enclosure410includes an opening416, and the dash speaker enclosure410is positioned to allow the sound waves222emanating from the speaker218to pass out of the enclosure410through the opening416in the top of the enclosure410and the opening326in the dash320. Although shown as a generally cubic structure, the dash speaker enclosure410may have any suitable geometric shape including, for example, a cylindrical shape.

As discussed above, multiple dash speakers218may be positioned in the control console300.FIGS. 8B and 8Cshow alternative dash speaker enclosures410and provide examples of how multiple speakers218may be used with the dash speaker enclosure410. InFIG. 8B, two dash speakers218are mounted to the bottom412of the same enclosure410, and inFIG. 8C, each speaker218is mounted to the bottom412of a different enclosure410.

The sound waves emanating from the dash speaker218may be reflected off of other surfaces in addition to the windshield104before reaching the listening position.FIG. 9is a cross-section taken along line5-5inFIG. 2showing another alternative dash speaker enclosure410. In this embodiment, the dash speaker218is mounted on one of the sidewalls414of the enclosure410, instead of the bottom412. Here the dash speaker218is mounted at an inclination angle β that is perpendicular to the floor. The sound waves emanating from the speaker218travel in the direction indicated by centerline224. Before being reflected off of the windshield104, the sound waves are reflected off of a reflective surface418and travel in the direction indicated by centerline228a. In this embodiment, the reflective surface418is an inner surface of one of the sidewalls414of the enclosure the enclosure410. After being reflected off of the reflective surface418, the sound waves travel through the openings326,416in both the enclosure410and the dash320, and are then reflected off of the windshield104aft toward a listening position (in the direction indicated by centerline228b). The angle (angle γ) of the reflective surface418is coordinated with the angle of the dash speaker218(angle β) and the angle of the windshield104(angle α) to direct the reflected sound waves226to the desired listening position. In this embodiment, the angle (angle γ) of the reflective surface418is at a non-zero angle with respect to the floor172.

Using an enclosure to direct the sound to listening positions may be useful in other speaker applications, including, for example, a subwoofer220. Subwoofers220are often large and heavy, which limits the mounting locations for the subwoofers220when directly emitting sound to the passenger compartments such as the bow and primary seating areas132,134. These mounting structures, such as the seat support structures174, likewise impose limitations on the size of the subwoofer220they are capable of supporting. The distribution of weight in a boat, particularly a boat used for wake surfing and wakeboarding, is also an important consideration. A subwoofer enclosure420may thus be advantageous, for example, because it enables flexibility in the positioning and mounting locations of the subwoofer220.

One suitable location for a subwoofer enclosure420is in a cavity442formed between the deck170and the hull110.FIG. 10shows the hull110of the boat100with the deck170removed. (Also visible inFIG. 10are the two stern ballast tanks142,144and the third ballast tank146.) The longitudinal stringers444and athwartship stringers446can be considered to create multiple cavities442between the deck170and the hull110. A subwoofer enclosure420may be suitably located in one of these cavities442. Placing the subwoofer220in one of these cavities positions a heavy subwoofer220low in the boat100, lowering the boat's center of gravity.

The subwoofer enclosure420is shown inFIG. 11, andFIG. 12is a cross-section of the subwoofer enclosure420taken along plane12-12inFIG. 10. The subwoofer enclosure may have any suitable geometry, but in this embodiment, the subwoofer enclosure420has the geometry of an inverted L-shape. The subwoofer enclosure has a bottom422, walls424, and an opening426. A grille328may be formed over the opening426. The subwoofer220is mounted at the bottom422of the subwoofer enclosure422. In this embodiment, the subwoofer220(and also the bottom422of the subwoofer enclosure420) is mounted to the boat100such that the subwoofer220is generally parallel to the floor172of the boat. However, the subwoofer220(and also the bottom422of the subwoofer enclosure420) may be mounted at a non-zero angle (angle δ) relative to the floor172, as shown inFIG. 13, for example.FIG. 13is a cross-section of an alternative subwoofer enclosure420taken along plane12-12inFIG. 10.

The sound waves emanating from the subwoofer220travel in the direction indicated by centerline224, which in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 12 and 13is upward. The sound waves are then reflected off of a reflective surface428and travel in the direction indicated by centerline228. In this embodiment, the reflective surface428is an inner surface of one of the walls424of the enclosure the enclosure420. The reflected sound waves then travel in a direction indicated by centerline228through the opening326and into the primary seating area134as can be seen inFIG. 1. The angle (angle ε) of the reflective surface428is coordinated with the angle of the subwoofer220(angle δ) to direct the sound waves to the desired location. In this embodiment, the angle (angle ε) of the reflective surface428is at a non-zero angle with respect to the floor172.

The sound waves emanating from the subwoofer220may be reflected off of multiple surfaces before reaching the desired location.FIG. 14is a cross-section of another alternative subwoofer enclosure420taken along plane12-12inFIG. 10. In this embodiment, the sound waves emanating from the subwoofer220are reflected off of two reflective surfaces432,434, which are two inner surfaces of the walls424of the subwoofer enclosure420. As with the previous embodiments, the reflective surfaces432,434are not limited to walls424of the subwoofer enclosure420and may be other suitable surfaces on or within the boat100.

The subwoofer220is mounted on a wall424of the enclosure with an inclination angle (angle δ) that is perpendicular to the floor172. The sound waves emanating from the subwoofer220are directed in the direction indicated by centerline224and are reflected off of the first reflective surface432in a direction indicated by centerline228a. The first reflective surface432is oriented at a non-zero angle (angle with respect to the floor172. The sound waves are then reflected off of the second reflective surface434(in a direction indicated by centerline228b), through the opening426, and into the primary seating area134. The second reflective surface434is oriented at a non-zero angle (angle η) with respect to the floor172. The angles (angles ζ and η) of the reflective surfaces432,434are coordinated with each other and the angle of the subwoofer (angle δ) to direct the reflected sound waves to the desired listening position.

The subwoofer220and subwoofer enclosure420may be configured to direct sound into other seating areas and listening positions in the boat100, including for example the bow seating area132as shown inFIG. 15. Here, the enclosure may be positioned in a cavity442to the port side of the third ballast tank146. Instead of being located in the cavity and directing sound upward, the subwoofer enclosure420may be arranged such that it is above the deck170and may be included in the passenger side console302. In this embodiment, for example, the sound waves emanating from the subwoofer220may be initially directed forward and then reflected off of reflective surface418into the bow seating area132.

The audio system200described herein includes features that are integrated with the control system500of the boat. Additional details of the audio system200will be described after describing the control system500of the boat.FIG. 16is a schematic diagram of the control system500for the boat100shown inFIG. 1. Various features of the control system500may also be seen inFIG. 3.

The control system500includes a controller510. In this embodiment, the controller510is a microprocessor-based controller that includes a processor512for performing various functions, discussed further below, and a memory514for storing various data. The controller510may also be referred to as a CPU. In one embodiment, the various methods discussed below may be implemented by way of a series of instructions stored in the memory514and executed by the processor512.

The controller510is communicatively coupled to at least one display screen520. In this embodiment, the controller510is communicatively coupled to two display screens, a center display522and a side display524. As can be seen inFIG. 3, the center display522is located at the top of the dash320above and forward of the steering wheel312. The center display522is positioned and oriented so that the operator can be aware the information displayed on the center display522without substantially deviating his or her attention from the boat's heading. In this embodiment, for example, the operator is able to view the information displayed on the center display522without turning his or her head. With this positioning in mind and as will be discussed further below, the control system500is designed to display information on the center display522that is pertinent to the operator of the boat100while he or she is operating the boat100and not overburden him or her with information that is not relevant to the type of operation for which he or she is currently using the boat100.

In this embodiment, the center display522is a 12-inch display having a generally rectangular shape in a landscape orientation and rounded inboard and outboard edges. The shape of the rounded inboard and outboard edges corresponds to the shape of the digital gauges discussed below. Although the center display522may be a touchscreen, the center display522in this particular embodiment is not because of the positioning of the center display522and the type of information displayed on it. The positioning of the center display522makes it difficult or awkward for a user to reach with his or her hand, so to the extent user-selectable options are displayed on the center display522, they may be selected by using a switch pad530or another suitable input device540.

Many of the input devices540(operator controls) on the boat100are conveniently located on the control console300to the side of the steering wheel312. In this embodiment, the input devices540are located on the outboard side of the steering wheel312and can be conveniently operated by the operator's right hand. One of the main input devices540is the side display524. In this embodiment, the side display524is a 10 inch, rectangular, touchscreen display that has a portrait orientation.

The side display524, in concert with the center display522, enables the use of dynamic controls. Users view the boat through different activity lenses. Put another way, users view the boat based on the type of activity they want to do. Instead of providing user-selectable options for every major feature of the boat on the side display524(and/or center display522), the user-selectable controls displayed on the side display524and the corresponding information presented on the center display522are dynamic and change depending upon how the boat is currently being used. This dynamic control system thus provides a user-friendly interface for operating the boat100.

In this embodiment, the dynamic control system is implemented by modes. Each different mode corresponds to a different activity, and each mode includes a plurality of controls corresponding to the activity of the mode. The plurality of controls of each mode is a subset of the major controls of the boat. There are three different modes (a drive mode, a tow mode, and a chill mode) in this embodiment, and when a mode is activated, the controller510displays on the side display524the plurality of controls in that mode. Similarly, each mode also includes a plurality of parameters of the boat (also referred to herein as operational parameters) corresponding to the activity of the mode. These operational parameters are also a subset of the major operational parameters of the boat. The information displayed on the center display522changes based on the active mode, and the controller510displays on the center display522the plurality of parameters of the boat corresponding to the activity of the mode. The plurality of controls and plurality of operational parameters for each of the three modes in this embodiment will be described in further detail below.

Other input devices540(controls) include the switch pad530, an ignition button542, and other static buttons and switches that are part of a switch pack544. The buttons and switches of the switch pack544may be used to control various aspects of the boat100. For example, the switch pack544may include a rocker switch to increase and decrease the volume of the audio system200, as well as a mute button. Other buttons or switches of the switch pack544may be used to fill or empty the ballast140and to raise or lower the surf devices152,154and center tab156.

Located near the control console300on the starboard side wall128is a keyed switch314. A key316unique to the boat can be inserted in the switch314and then rotated to turn on (or off) the electrical system of the boat. With the key316in the on position, an operator can press the ignition button542to turn on (or off) the engine550. Also located near the control console300on the starboard side wall128is a control lever318to operate a throttle552of the engine550and engage the engine550with the drive shaft. The control lever318has a neutral position, and the operator may move the control lever318forward from the neutral position to engage a running gear with the drive shaft, accelerate the engine550using the throttle552, and rotate the propeller to drive the boat100forward. To move the boat100in reverse, the operator may move the control lever318back from the neutral position to engage a reverse gear with the drive shaft, accelerate the engine550using the throttle552, and rotate the propeller.

When the key316is rotated to turn on the electrical system of the boat, the controller510boots up in a default mode. In this embodiment, the default mode is the drive mode. The controller510displays, at the top of the side display524, a plurality of user-selectable options to change between modes (seeFIGS. 17C, 19C, 19D, 19E, and 20C). The plurality of user-selectable options are icons displayed on the side display524that may be selected by a user pressing the icon. The terms icon, virtual button, and button will be used interchangeably herein to describe these and other user-selectable options displayed by the controller510on the side display524. One of the buttons702activates the drive mode, and another button704activates the chill mode. There are three different modes in the tow mode, and each of these three modes can be considered a sub-mode. One of these three sub-modes can be activated by selecting one of three buttons706a,706b,706c. In this embodiment, a user can change between the various modes, with the control lever318in the neutral position, by selecting one of the buttons702,704,706a,706b,706ccorresponding to the desired mode. The controller510may also be configured to automatically switch between modes. For example, the controller510may automatically switch from the chill mode to the drive mode when the speed of the boat exceeds a predetermined speed. As discussed below, the controller510is communicatively coupled to a GPS system562and may be configured to receive the speed of the boat from the GPS system562. With the chill mode active, the controller510compares the speed of the boat to a predetermined threshold (e.g., two miles per hour). When the speed of the boat exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller510then activates the drive mode.

Various different visual indicators may be used with the displays522,524to distinguish between modes. For example, each different mode may have a different color scheme. In this embodiment, for example, all of the modes have a common background (black and grays), but the accent color changes with the mode. In the drive mode, the accent color is white. In the tow mode, the accent colors are red and orange. And, in the chill mode, the accent color is blue.

Starting first with the drive mode, each of the modes in this embodiment will now be described. The drive mode corresponds to the activity of driving from one location to another (point-to-point transportation). For example, this mode corresponds to traveling from the dock to a location where the boat will be used for water sports and/or returning to the dock from that location after doing so. The drive mode may be suitably used, however, when the boat is transiting between any number of suitable locations including, for example, the places where the boat will be used for the activities discussed below relative to the chill mode or just general cruising. The information displayed on the center display522and the controls on the side display524thus correspond to point-to-point transportation.FIGS. 17A and 17Bshow two configurations of the center display522in the drive mode, andFIG. 17Cshows the configuration of the side display524in the drive mode.

Operational parameters of the boat that are pertinent to point-to-point transportation include, for example, the speed of the boat100; the speed of the engine550; cruise control, including set speed; water depth; the temperature of the engine550; total accumulated operating hours of the engine550; the voltage of the battery554; and fuel level. In this embodiment, the controller510displays each of these parameters on the center display522when in the drive mode. Other parameters that are measured or tracked by the boat100and controller510may also be considered operational parameters of the boat100and can include, for example, the water temperature, the air temperature, and time of day. These other parameters may also be displayed by the controller510on the center display522when operating in drive mode. In addition to measured values, other operational parameters that can be displayed on the center display522by the controller510when operating in drive mode include digital navigation charts (or maps), camera views, and an identifier of the audio sound being played through the audio system200.

In more detail, the controller510displays these parameters of the boat100on the center display522as shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B. In the configuration shown inFIG. 17A, the center display522contains two digital gauges, one on the left (inboard)610and one on the right (outboard)620, that resemble analog gauges. The left gauge610is a digital speedometer gauge. The controller510is communicatively coupled to a GPS system562, or other suitable speed sensing device, and receives the speed of the boat100from the GPS system. The controller510then displays, using an indicator such as a bar612that rotates about a central axis of the left gauge610next to a scale614, the current speed of the boat100. The scale614includes marks and numerals indicating the speed of the boat100in miles per hour, for example. Instead of the bar612, any suitable indicator may be used, such as a rotatable image that resembles a needle on an analog gauge. The current speed of the boat100may also be digitally displayed on the upper half616aof the center616of the left gauge610. On the lower half616bof the center616of the left gauge610, an indicator may be displayed to indicate if cruise control is on and the speed at which the cruise control is set.

The right gauge620is a digital tachometer gauge. The controller510is communicatively coupled to the engine550and receives the speed of the engine550from the engine550. The controller510then displays, using an indicator such as a bar622that rotates about a central axis of the right gauge620next to a scale624, the current speed of the engine550. The scale624includes marks and numerals indicating the speed of the engine550in revolutions per minute (RPM) of the crankshaft, for example. Instead of the bar622, any suitable indicator may be used, such as a rotatable image that resembles a needle on an analog gauge. The current speed of the engine550may also be digitally displayed in the center626of the right gauge620.

Between the left and right gauges610,620is a center screen630. The center screen630can be used to display information pertinent to traveling from one point to another. For example, an operator may select one of three options to display on the center screen630. These three options may include a digital navigation map, a camera (such as a video camera564positioned near the towline attachment structure168on the tower160), and information from the audio system200. An operator may use the left and right buttons533,554of the switch pad530(seeFIG. 18) to navigate between three user-selectable virtual buttons, a map button632, a camera button634, and an audio button636. The OK button536may be used to acknowledge notification information, as discussed below. The center display522with the map button632selected is shown inFIGS. 17A and 17B. The center display522with the camera button634selected is shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B. The center display522with the audio button634selected is shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B.

When the user selects the map option, the controller510displays navigation information including a navigation map638and position640of the boat100on the center screen630. In particular, the controller510retrieves a navigation map638stored in the memory514and displays a portion of the map638on the center screen630. The controller510also receives the location of the boat100from the GPS system562and uses the location of the boat100to determine which portion of the map638is displayed. The controller510displays the portion of the map638corresponding to the boat's current location and overlays a visual indicator640of the boat's current position on the map638. Although these features have been described as being stored in the memory514of the controller510using the processor512of the controller510, these functions may also be implemented by the GPS system562. In that case, when the map option is selected, the controller510retrieves from the GPS system562the navigation information and displays the navigation information on the center screen630.

When the user selects the camera option, the controller510displays a portion of the video feed of the camera564on the center screen630, as shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B. When the user selects the audio system option, the controller510displays information from the audio system200(audio system information) on the center screen630. This audio system information may include, for example, information relating to the audio source and the type of audio being played, such as the album cover artwork from the album corresponding to the song being played together with the duration of the song and the current location in the song, as shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B.

The center screen530may also be used to display notification information. For example, the controller510may be coupled to various sensors, for example, a temperature sensor556located in the engine550. When these sensors send (and the controller510receives) a signal, the controller510may display on the center screen630of the center display522an indicator related to the parameter measured by the sensor. An indicator may be a warning or a danger symbol indicating that a component on the boat requires service or may be at risk of failure. The engine temperature sensor556, which is communicatively coupled to the controller510, measures the engine temperature and sends the temperature to the controller510, for example. When the engine temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller510displays a high engine temperature warning on the center screen630. Other notification information may relate to notifications from the audio system200. When a phone is connected to the audio system200, for example, the audio system may transmit to the controller510(and the controller510receives), notifications received or generated on the phone, such as when a call is received by the phone, the phone number and name of the originator of the call.

In this embodiment, the other operational parameters related to point-to-point transportation are displayed above and below the center screen630. In a top section642above the center screen630, the controller510displays a logo related to the boat manufacturer, MasterCraft® in this embodiment, the time of day and engine hours between the logo and the left gauge610, and the air temperature and water temperature between the logo and the right gauge620. In a bottom section644below the center screen630, the controller510displays the water depth, the engine temperature, the mode, the voltage of the battery554, and fuel level.

The controller510is communicatively coupled to various sensors that may be used to measure each of the parameters displayed in the sections in the top and bottom sections642,644(seeFIG. 16). The controller510may also include features to track and calculate these parameters displayed in the top and bottom sections642,644. In this embodiment, the controller510may include a clock which is used to calculate the time of day. As discussed above, the controller510is communicatively coupled to the engine550and may receive from the engine550the total operating hours of the engine550. The controller510may also be communicatively coupled to an air temperature sensor566and a water temperature sensor568. The air temperature sensor566and the water temperature sensor568measure the air and water temperatures, respectively, and then transmit (and the controller510receives) these temperatures. The controller510may be communicatively coupled to a depth sounder570located on the keel of the boat to receive the depth of the water under the keel as measured by the depth sounder570. The controller510is also communicatively coupled to a voltmeter electrically connected to the battery554, and the controller510receives the voltage of the battery554as measured by the voltmeter. The controller510may also be communicatively coupled to a float, or another suitable sensor, located in the fuel tank558of the boat100and the controller receives the level of the fuel as measured by the float.

The center display522also includes an expanded view as shown inFIG. 17B. In the expanded view, the digital gauges are removed allowing for a wider view of the information that is displayed on the center screen630. As shown inFIG. 17B, for example, more of the map638may be shown. When in the expanded view, the information that was displayed on the left and right gauges610,620may still be displayed on the center display522. In this embodiment, for example, the speed of the boat100is digitally displayed in a section646to the left of the bottom section644and the engine speed is digitally displayed in a section648to the right of the bottom section644. An operator may switch from the standard view (FIGS. 17A, 19A, and 20A) to the expanded view (FIGS. 17B, 19B, and 20B), and vice versa, by pressing the down button532and the up button531of the switch pad530, respectively.

FIG. 17Cshows the side display524in the drive mode. In each of the modes, the side display524is divided, having an upper section712and a lower section714. In this embodiment, the lower section714comprises a larger area of the side display524than the upper section712in the drive mode, but other divisions may be suitable, including roughly in half. Many of the plurality of controls that correspond to point-to-point transportation are displayed on the upper section712of the side display524. In this embodiment, for example, a cruise control button722is prominently located in the center of the upper section712. When the cruise control button722is selected, the controller510receives a signal from the side display524to activate cruise control, if off, or deactivate cruise control, if already on. The cruise control button722may display the set speed of the cruise control and give an indication if cruise control is on or off such as by turning a different color when active (e.g., green). When a user selects the cruise control button722to turn cruise control on, the controller510activates cruise control at the set speed stored in the memory514of the controller510. Any suitable cruise control may be used including, for example, GPS-based Zero Off® cruise control by Enovation Controls of Tulsa, Okla., in which the controller510operates the throttle552of the engine550to maintain the boat100at the set speed based on the speed of the boat received by the GPS system562. A user can adjust the set speed of the cruise control by using an up arrow button724or a down arrow button726located above and below, respectively, the cruise control button722. The up arrow button724is used to the increase the set speed for the cruise control stored in the memory514of the controller510, and the down arrow button726is used to decrease the set speed.

The side display524, in the drive mode, also includes user-selectable options relating to ballast. In particular, the controls corresponding to point-to-point transportation include a fill all button728and an empty all button730. The ballast140may take some time to fill (between 5 and 8 minutes, for example), and may also take a similar time to empty. A user may thus desire to fill the ballast140while the boat is driven to a location where water sports will be conducted. By pressing the fill all button, the controller510receives a command to fill the ballast tanks142,144,146of the boat and sends a signal to the power distribution module (PDM)560to provide power to the ballast pumps148for a predetermined amount of time to fill the ballast tanks142,144,146. In response, the power distribution module560receives electrical power from the battery554and then transmits power to the ballast pumps148to fill the ballast tanks142,144,146. Similarly, a user may desire to empty the ballast140while the boat100is driven after the water sports have been completed. By pressing the empty all button, the controller510receives a command to empty the ballast tanks142,144,146and sends a signal to the power distribution module560to provide power to the ballast pumps148. In response, the power distribution module560powers the ballast pumps148to empty the ballast tanks142,144,146.

The controller510also displays a ballast tank fill indicator732on the side display524to indicate water level in the ballast tanks142,144,146. In this embodiment, the controller510calculates the fill percentage for the ballast tanks142,144,146based on the time that the ballast pumps148have operated, but other suitable methods may be used including a sensor in each ballast tank142,144,146, for example. In this particular embodiment, user-selectable options for individual ballast tanks142,144,146or other fill levels are not displayed on the side display524as part of the controls corresponding to point-to-point transportation. Instead, an operator would need to select the ballast tank fill indicator732to bring up a pop-up menu to change the ballast level to a level other than completely full for all tanks or completely empty for all ballast tanks142,144,146. A user may also manually fill or empty the ballast tanks142,144,146using a switch in the switch pack544as discussed above.

The side display524, in the drive mode, also includes user-selectable options to activate methods that assist in getting the boat100on plane. In this embodiment, the side display524includes two user-selectable options: an AutoLaunch Triple button734and an AutoLaunch Single button732. When a user selects the AutoLaunch Triple button734, a command is received by the controller510to activate a method for getting on plane that uses the port and starboard surf devices152,154and the center tab156. Any suitable method may be used including the improved method of getting a boat on plane as shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0214681, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In response to the command, the controller510then activates and implements the method for getting on plane as the boat100is accelerated either by the user or the controller510.

When a user selects the AutoLaunch Single button736, a command is received by the controller510to activate a method for getting on plane that uses only the center tab156. Initially, the controller510moves the center tab156to its deployed position (to the extent it is not already in its deployed position) by sending a signal to the power distribution module560, which in turn provides power to the drive mechanism158of the center tab156. As the boat100is accelerated, either by the operator or the controller510, the controller510monitors the speed of the boat100using the GPS system or other suitable speed sensing device and automatically retracts the center tab156when the boat100reaches a set speed preferably between 15 mph and 20 mph. The controller510retracts the center tab156by sending a signal to the power distribution module560, which in turn provides power to the drive mechanism158of the center tab156.

The controller510also displays a tab position indicator738on the side display524to indicate the position of the surf devices152,154and center tab156in terms of percentage relative to a fully-deployed position. In this embodiment, the controller510calculates the percentage of deployment, but other suitable methods may be used including a sensor in each drive mechanism158, for example. In this particular embodiment, user-selectable options for individual surf devices152,154and center tab156deployment percentages are not displayed on the side display524as part of the controls corresponding to point-to-point transportation. Instead, an operator would need to select tab position indicator738to bring up a pop-up menu to change the individual position of the surf devices152,154and center tab156. A user may also manually operate the surf devices152,154and center tab156using a switch in the switch pack544as discussed above.

As shown inFIG. 17C, the lower section714of the side display524includes user-selectable options to operate the audio system200and, in particular, shows a head unit for the radio. In this embodiment, the controls to operate the audio system200are the default display and may be considered controls that correspond to point-to-point transportation. The controls to operate the audio system200may include, for example, a tuner to adjust the frequency of the radio, including a plurality of preset stations, as shown inFIG. 17C. The controls to operate the audio system200may also include, for example, volume controls, controls to skip audio tracks, pause playing the audio, repeat the audio, or return to a previous audio track (as shown inFIGS. 19C, 19D, 19E, and 20C).

The lower section714of the side display524also display other user-selectable options. A plurality of accessory buttons716are located between the upper portion712and the lower portion714. By selecting one of these accessory buttons716, a user can change the controls on the lower section714of the side display524. One of the accessory buttons716may display the navigation map638. Another one of the accessory buttons716may be a stereo equalizer for the audio system200, discussed further below. Still another accessory button716may include controls for the lighting, including navigational lighting, on the boat100. Controls for ballast pumps, seat heaters, and other accessories may also be accessed through the accessory buttons716. One of the accessory buttons716may allow access to a settings menu for the control system500or other settings for the boat100. In addition, one of the accessory buttons716may be used to return to the default controls for the drive mode. Other than the default controls (controls for the audio system200, in this embodiment), the controls displayed by selecting one of the accessory buttons716are not displayed on the side display524as controls corresponding to point-to-point transportation.

The tow mode corresponds to using the boat for water sports. In this embodiment, and as discussed above, there are three sub-modes, each corresponding to a different water sport. One of the water sports is wake surfing (surf706a), another one of the water sports is wakeboarding (wake706b), and the third water sport is water skiing (ski706c). The information displayed on the center display522and the controls on the side display524thus correspond to the particular water sport. In this embodiment, the information displayed on the center display522is the same for all three sub-modes/water sports, with the exception of an indicator652of the specific tow mode. However, the controls on the upper section712of the side display524differ between the sub-modes/water sports.FIGS. 19A and 19Bshow two configurations of the center display522in the tow mode.FIG. 19Cshows the configuration of the side display524in the surf mode.FIG. 19Dshows the configuration of the side display524in the wake mode.FIG. 19Eshows the configuration of the side display524in the ski mode.

The operational parameters of the boat that are pertinent to water sports include, for example, those pertinent to point-to-point transportation discussed above relative to the drive mode as well as the level of water in the ballast tanks142,144,146and the position of the surf devices152,154and center tab156.

The parameters and layout of the center display522in the tow mode are similar to the parameters and layout of the center display522in the drive mode. As shown inFIG. 19A, however, the right gauge620is replaced with indicators654of the level of water in the ballast tanks142,144,146and indicators656of the position of the surf devices152,154and center tab156. The controller510may display the indicators654of the level of water in the ballast tanks142,144,146on the center display522in the same way it displays the corresponding indicators732on the side display524. Similarly, the controller510may display the indicators656of the position of the surf devices152,154and center tab156on the center display522in the same way it displays the corresponding indicators732on the side display524. These indicators654,656may include, for example, graphical indications or numerical values representing a percentage of fill or deployment.

In this embodiment, the speed of the engine550and the speed of the boat100are displayed in a combined speedometer/tachometer as the left digital gauge610. Although any suitable layout may be used, the left gauge610displays the speed of the engine550using the bar612and scale614and the center616of the left gauge610remains unchanged to show the speed of the boat100.

The expanded view of the center display522in the tow mode is also similar to the expanded view of the center display522in the drive mode. As shown inFIG. 19B, for example, more of the video feed from the video camera564may be shown. In this embodiment, the indicators654of the level of water in the ballast tanks142,144,146are located to the left of the top section642above the center screen630, and the indicators656of the position of the surf devices152,154and center tab156are located to the right of the top section642above the center screen630.

FIG. 19Cshows the side display524in the tow mode for wake surfing.FIG. 19Dshows the side display524in the tow mode for wakeboarding.FIG. 19Eshows the side display524in the tow mode for water skiing. In this embodiment, controls that are common to all three tow modes include the AutoLaunch buttons574,576and cruise control features722,724,726, discussed above with regard to the drive mode. Also common to all three tow modes is a video recording button740. As discussed above, the control system500is communicatively coupled to at least one video camera564. Although any suitable connection may be used, in this embodiment, the control system includes a WiFi® chip allowing a WiFi® enabled video camera564, such as a GoPro® camera, for example, to be wirelessly connected to the control system500. A user may select the video recording button740by sending a command from the side display524via the controller510to the video camera to turn on or off the video recording functions of the camera564. Where more than one video camera564is connected to the control system500, the video recording button740may enable synchronous recording of all cameras564. Although described in reference to a video camera564, other suitable cameras including still digital photo cameras may be used.

The side display524in each of the tow modes also includes at least one user-selectable option that configures the boat100for the wake sport being performed. The configuration of the boat100corresponding to each of the user-selectable options that will be described below may be stored in the memory514. When a command is received from the side display524indicating that a particular configuration has been selected, the controller510retrieves the settings for the configuration and operates various components to configure the boat100according to the settings. For the water sports discussed herein, the settings stored in the memory will typically be a set speed for the cruise control, the water level in the ballast tanks142,144,146, and the positions of the surf devices152,154and center tab156. The controller510will operate these components as discussed above when a particular configuration is selected. The controls that correspond to water sports, and in particular the water sports of wake surfing, wakeboarding, and water skiing, may include controls for cruise control, user-selectable options for a method that assists in getting the boat100on plane, at least one user-selectable option that configures the boat100for the wake sport being performed, and controls for the audio system200.

In this embodiment, the wake surf mode includes at least two user-selectable configurations for wake surfing: surf left and surf right. As shown inFIG. 19C, the side display524includes a surf left button742and a surf right button743. For each of the wake surf configurations discussed herein, each ballast tank142,144,146is preferably set at 100% full. However, other suitable fill conditions may be appropriate, including, for example, filling the ballast tank142,144on the surf side (e.g., port side ballast tank142for the surf left button742and the starboard side ballast tank144for the surf right button744) more than the ballast tank142,144on the non-surf side. The set speed for the cruise control is a speed suitable for surfing, preferably between 9 mph to 12 mph. The controller510will also deploy one of the surf devices152,154used for creating a surf wake for a surfer. When the surf devices discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,286 are used, for example, the starboard surf device154is deployed in response to the controller510receiving a command from a user selecting the surf left button742, and the port surf device152is deployed in response to the controller510receiving a command from a user selecting the surf right button744. When the surf devices152,154discussed in the fourth through the seventh embodiments of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0175242 are used, the port surf device152is deployed in response to the controller510receiving a command from a user selecting the surf left button742, and the starboard surf device154is deployed in response to the controller510receiving a command from a user selecting the surf right button744. In addition to the position of the surf devices152,154, in some surf wake configurations, the center tab156may also be moved.

In addition to surf left and surf right, the wake surf mode may include other boat configurations for wake surfing. In this embodiment, for example, the side display524includes a mellow button746and a steep button748, each associated with settings for a different style of wave on the surf side of the boat100. The mellow button746is associated with settings that produce a longer and flatter wave than the settings associated with the steep button748. Stored in the memory514are two configuration settings for each of surf left and surf right. With one of the surf left button742or the surf right button744selected, the user also selects one of the mellow button746or the steep button748, and the controller510adjusts the configuration of the boat100for that wave style for the surf side of the boat, resulting in four user-selectable options for wake surfing in this embodiment. When the surf devices discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,286 are used, for example, the deployed position for the surf device152,154may be shallower (less of a deployed percentage) when the mellow button746is selected than the deployed position for the surf device152,154when the steep button748is selected. In addition to, or instead of, differing deployed positions of the surf device152,154for mellow and steep boat configurations, the set speed may be different. For example, the speed of the boat100may be slower by from 0.2 to 0.6 mph when the steep button748is selected compared to when the mellow button746is selected.

In addition to these preprogrammed settings, the memory514may also store user-defined wake surf configurations, also referred to as profiles. The side display524includes a profile button750that brings up a drop-down menu of the profiles, including the user-defined profiles, stored in the memory514. The side display524also includes a save button752and a new button754that allows a user to save the current configuration of the boat100as a profile or to create a new profile, respectively.

In this embodiment, the wakeboarding mode includes three user-selectable configurations for wakeboarding that adjust the configuration of the boat relative to the skill level of the wakeboard. As shown inFIG. 19D, the side display524includes a beginner button756, an intermediate button758, and an advanced button760. Although the wake surf devices152,154and center tab156may be used in each of the wakeboarding configurations, each of these devices are fully retracted for each of the three wakeboarding configurations of this embodiment. The differences between the wakeboarding configurations are the set speed for cruise control and the ballast. For all three wakeboard configurations, the set speed of the boat is preferably from 18 mph to 25. The set speed associated with the beginner button756is preferably the slowest, preferably from 18 mph to 20 mph. The set speed associated with the advanced button760is preferably the fastest, preferably at from 23 mph to 25 mph. The set speed associated with the intermediate button758is preferably between the set speeds associated with the beginner button756and the advanced button760, preferably at from 20 mph to 22 mph. The ballast conditions may be different between each wakeboarding configuration as well. For example, the ballast conditions for the port ballast tank142, the center ballast tank146, and starboard ballast tank144associated with the beginner button756are each preferably from 0% to 15%. Likewise, the ballast conditions associated with the intermediate button758are each preferably from 30% to 60%, and the ballast conditions associated with the advanced button760are each preferably from 70% to 100%.

In the wakeboarding mode, one of the AutoLaunch options, such as the AutoLaunch Single button732, may be activated by default in order to assist the boat100in quickly reaching the wakeboarding set speeds. As with the wake surf mode, the side display524also includes the profile button750and the ability to save and create new profiles (save button752and new button754).

In this embodiment and as shown inFIG. 19E, the ski mode includes a single configuration (ski button762) that adjusts the configuration of the boat100for water skiing. Unlike the configurations of the boat for wake surfing and wakeboarding, water skiers generally prefer to minimize the wake. In this embodiment, the settings associated with the ski button762include no ballast and both surf devices152,154fully retracted. In this embodiment, the center tab156is also fully retracted, but the settings associated with the ski button762may deploy the center tab156to provide lift to the stern of the boat and help minimize the wake. The settings associated with the ski button762also include a set speed that is preferably from 28 mph to 36 mph. As with the wake surf mode, the side display524also includes the profile button750and the ability to save and create new profiles (save button752and new button754).

As with the drive mode, many of the plurality of controls that correspond to water sports are displayed on the upper section712of the side display524in each of the tow modes. In this embodiment, the upper section712comprises a larger area of the side display524than the lower section714in each tow mode, and by default, the lower section714shows the controls for the audio system200.

The chill mode corresponds to boating activities when the boat100is not moving through the water. For present purposes, the boat100is considered as not moving through the water when it is not being propelled through the water by the engine550, and the phrase not moving through the water is not intended to exclude conditions were the boat100is moving through the water from other conditions, such as where the boat is floating and being moved by wind, currents, or the like. Boating activities when the boat100is not moving through the water include, for example, swimming, sunbathing, grilling, or otherwise relaxing (“chilling”). The boat100is typically used for these activities when the boat100is anchored, moored to the dock, positioned on a sandbar or beach, or otherwise floating in the body of water without being propelled by the engine550.

The parameters and layout of the center display522in the chill mode are similar to the parameters and layout of the center display522in the drive mode. As shown inFIG. 20A, however, additional audio information is displayed on a right display area658in place of the right gauge620and the left gauge610is the combined speedometer/tachometer (discussed above in reference toFIG. 19A). The additional audio information displayed on the right display area may include, for example, the audio source, the volume of the audio system, and identifiers of the audio being played. When the audio being played is a song, for example, the identifiers of the audio may include, the name of the song, the name of the artist, and the album.

Because of the audio focus of the chill mode, users will often display information from the audio system200on the center screen630by selecting the audio button634. The expanded view of the center display522with the audio button634selected is shown inFIG. 20B, and includes information that corresponds to boating activities when the boat100is not moving through the water. For the expanded view, the water temperature and depth are shown in the right display area658, and the air temperature is shown in a left area660, which replaces the left gauge610. The controller510may also display current weather conditions, received through a weather band of the audio system200, in the left area660.

As discussed above, the chill mode is audio focused, and the controller510displays on the lower section714of the side display524controls for the audio system200. Thus, in this embodiment, the controls corresponding to boating activities when the boat100is not moving through the water include controls for the audio system200. In the upper section712of the side display524, and in place of the cruise control and other boat configuration settings discussed above with respect to the drive mode and tow mode, the controller510displays the controls that may be accessed by selecting one of the accessory buttons716. By default, the controller510displays the stereo equalizer for the audio system200. In this embodiment, the stereo equalizer shows a schematic764of the boat100that has been divided into a plurality of user-selectable sections766that are overlayed on the schematic764. The plurality of user-selectable sections766divides the boat100into zones and may be referred to herein as zone buttons766. In this embodiment, there are five zones, one for the bow speakers214in the bow seating area132, one for the subwoofer(s)220, one for the dash speakers218(helm), one for the cockpit speakers216, and one for the tower speakers212. A user may select a zone button766and adjust the volume of that zone as a percentage of the master volume. The master volume is shown digitally and may be adjusted by a user-selectable slide bar768. In addition, the equalizer may also include an option770to adjust the bass frequencies, midrange frequencies, and treble frequencies relative to each other and the master volume.

Throughout the full range of uses for the boat100, users often desire to play audio through the audio system200in the boat100. However, the full range of uses often has very different ambient noise conditions, which must be overcome to hear the audio played through the audio system200. For example, the ambient noise is minimal when the boat is tied to the dock but may be high when used for wakeboarding. Merely adjusting the volume of the audio system200, or even the volume of select speakers, may not adequately compensate for the different ambient noise conditions. For example, the ambient conditions may destructively interfere with select frequencies being emitted from the speakers of the audio system. Consequently, if the volume is increased (increasing the gain of all the full audio spectrum being output) to overcome this destructive interference, the other frequencies that are not subject to interference will be emphasized, compared to the original or intended audio.

A solution this problem is to adjust the gain of select frequencies or frequency ranges to account for the ambient sound and operational conditions of the boat. This select frequency adjustment may be made by digital signal processing, and the dynamic control system500enables a unique implementation of digital signal processing of select frequencies or frequency ranges as will be described below.

FIG. 21is a schematic of the audio system200of the boat100. The audio system receives 200 audio signals from an audio source230. The audio source may be any suitable audio source including, for example, audio received by an AM/FM radio receiver; audio received by satellite radio receiver; digital media stored on a digital media player such as a mobile phone or iPod®; digital streaming service using a device, such as a mobile phone, that is communicatively coupled to a wireless network; and audio stored on a compact disc (CD) and played using a CD player. The audio source230may be integrated into the boat100. For example, an AM/FM radio receiver232may be built into the boat and operated through the control system500of the boat100. The audio system200may also be configured to allow an external audio source230to be coupled to the audio system200using, for example, a cable connecting the audio source230to an audio input interface234and/or a short distance wireless receiver/transmitter236. The audio input interface234may include a 3.5 mm audio port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a high-definition multimedia interface port, or an optical interface port, and the short distance wireless receiver/transmitter236may use the Bluetooth® protocol, for example.

As discussed above, the audio source230may be operated by the controller510through user-selectable options displayed by the controller510on the side display524and in this way, the controller510and side display524operates as a head unit. The controller510is communicatively coupled to a digital signal processing unit240. The controller510receives the audio signal from the audio source230and transmits the audio signal, together with the operating mode (in this embodiment, drive, surf, wake, ski, or chill), the master volume level, and any volume adjustment relative to the master volume level (discussed above relative to zones), to the digital signal processing unit240. The digital signal processing unit240includes a processor and a memory that is configured to digitally process the audio signal according to a prescribed algorithm. Any suitable digital signal processing unit and algorithm may be used including, for example, the Bongiovi Digital Power Station™ and corresponding algorithm by Bongiovi Acoustics of Port Saint Lucie, Fla.

The audio spectrum, the range of frequencies that humans can hear, generally extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. In this embodiment, the digital signal processing unit240remasters the audio signal to extend the range of the audio signal to the full range of audio frequencies, if the input audio signal has been clipped because of audio compression. For example, if the audio source is limited to bass frequencies only as low as 100 Hz, the digital signal processing unit240will restore the range of frequencies down to 20 Hz. The audio spectrum may be divided into a plurality of subranges. In this embodiment, the audio spectrum is divided into seven subranges, as shown in Table 1 below, although the frequencies may be divided into any number of suitable divisions.

FIG. 22is a flow chart showing how the digital signal processing unit240compensates for at least one environmental condition associated with an operating condition of the boat100. In step S805, the received audio signal is received and then, in step S810, it is divided into the plurality of subranges of frequencies. One or more, but not all, of the subranges of frequencies are selected in step S815, and then each selected subrange is adjusted by modifying the gain of frequencies in the subrange to compensate for environmental conditions in step S820. Because each mode corresponds to a particular activity of the boat100, each mode also corresponds to particular environmental conditions such as ambient noise and operational noise related to the activity of the mode. The subranges selected in step S815are based on the mode, and the adjustments are made to compensate for the environmental conditions of that mode as discussed below. These subrange frequency adjustments may even be made on the basis of the output speaker location. As discussed above, the boat100may be divided into five zones, one for the bow speakers214in the bow seating area132, one for the subwoofer(s)220, one for the dash speakers218(helm), one for the cockpit speakers216, and one for the tower speakers212. The frequency adjustment may thus be tailored to compensate for the environmental conditions in a particular zone.

In the chill mode, the boat100is not moving and the engine is operating at a low engine speed, if at all. Overall there is very little ambient operation and operational noise for boating activities when the boat is not moving through the water. Consequently, none of the subranges are modified to compensate for environmental conditions in the chill mode. A common activity done with the boat in the chill mode is swimming. Often swimming is near the boat, and as a result, the tower speakers212are set to project sound at the desired volume relatively close to the boat100, preferably from 10 ft. to 40 ft., and more preferably 25 ft. from the tower speakers212.

In the drive mode, the boat100may be operating at planing speeds (e.g., higher than 20 mph) but with the boat100often lightly loaded, reducing the engine speed relative to that produced in wake mode, for example. The wakes produced are also relatively small and there is relatively little water noise from the wake. Thus, in the drive mode, the bow speakers214are set to compensate for high noise levels from wind. Engine noise typically plays a minimal role in the bow seating area132. In this embodiment, for example, the frequency subranges adjusted to compensate for these environmental conditions include frequencies in the high frequency ranges (presence and brilliance) and in the mid frequency ranges (low midrange, midrange, and high midrange). The dash speakers218are set to compensate for moderate noise levels from the engine550. Because of the windshield104, it is often not necessary to compensate for wind at the dash speakers218. The frequency subranges adjusted to compensate for these environmental conditions include frequencies in the mid-frequency ranges. The cockpit speakers216are set to compensate for high noise levels from both wind and the engine550, and the frequency subranges adjusted to compensate for these environmental conditions include frequencies in the high and mid frequency ranges.

When skiing, the boat100is operated at the highest speeds of the tow modes (e.g., from 28 mph to 36 mph) with minimal wake. These conditions are similar to those of the drive mode, and in this embodiment, the audio signal for each of the bow, helm, and cockpit speakers214,216,218are adjusted in the same way as they are in the drive mode. The water skier is towed a distance behind the boat and the tower speakers212are thus set to provide to project sound at the desired volume to the skier, preferably from 40 ft. to 100 ft., and more preferably 85 ft. from the tower speakers212.

In the surf mode, the boat100travels at the slowest speeds of the tow modes (e.g., 9 mph to 12 mph) and thus has the least amount of wind noise, other than in the chill mode. Even though the boat is operating at slower speeds, the engine550must overcome loads from the additional ballast added to the boat and drag from deployed surf devices152,154, generating a moderate amount of noise. In addition, the waves are large and generate water noise in the aft part of the boat100. In this embodiment, the bow and dash speakers214,218are set to compensate for moderate noise levels, but without any subrange frequency adjustments specific to environmental conditions (e.g., the frequency subranges are set at the normal equalizer curve). The cockpit speakers216, however, are set to compensate for moderate noise levels from both the engine550and the water, and the frequency subranges adjusted to compensate for these environmental conditions include frequencies in the mid frequency ranges. Surfing is done near the boat100, and as a result, the tower speakers212are set to project sound at the desired volume relatively close to the boat100, preferably from 10 ft. to 40 ft., and more preferably 25 ft. from the tower speakers212

Wakeboarding also generates noise from the water with typical speeds higher than wake surfing speeds (e.g., from 18 mph to 25 mph). In the wake mode, the bow speakers214are set to compensate for moderate noise levels from wind, and the frequency subranges adjusted to compensate for these environmental conditions include frequencies in the mid frequency ranges. The cockpit speakers216are set to compensate for moderate noise levels from the engine550and the water, and the frequency subranges adjusted to compensate for these environmental conditions include frequencies in the mid frequency ranges. In this embodiment, the dash speakers218are set to compensate for moderate noise levels, but without any subrange frequency adjustments specific to environmental conditions (e.g., the speakers218operate using the normal equalizer curve).

The subranges of frequencies that are selected and adjusted in steps S815and S820are referred to herein as “adjusted subrange frequencies” and the subranges not selected are referred to herein as “unmodified subrange frequencies.” For each zone, the adjusted subrange frequencies are combined with the unmodified subrange frequencies in step S825to produce an adjusted audio signal. The audio adjustments to the audio signal received from the controller510are not limited to those discussed above and the digital signal processing unit240may apply other signal processing and filters to the audio signal to generate the adjusted audio signal.

As shown inFIG. 21, the digital signal processing unit240is communicatively coupled to an amplifier242. Any suitable amplifier may be used. In step S830, the digital signal processing unit240outputs the adjusted audio signal for each speaker pair to the amplifier242, and the amplifier242, drawing power from the battery554, amplifies the adjusted audio signal to produce an amplified adjusted audio signal for each speaker pair. The amplifier242is communicatively coupled to each of the speaker pairs and transmits the amplified adjusted audio signal to each speaker212,214,216,218,220, which in turn produces the audio sound.

The control system500and audio systems200, including the dash speaker218configuration, include various different aspects. The different aspects of these systems200,500, may be used in various combinations. For example, the dash speaker218configuration described herein may be implemented with a boat having a control system different from the control system described herein. Likewise, the control system500may be implemented on boats having different speaker configurations and audio systems200or even no audio system at all.

Although this invention has been described with respect to certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application and the equivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.