Patent Publication Number: US-2022234566-A1

Title: Raised seating system for a personal watercraft

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/142,742, filed Jan. 28, 2021 entitled “Raised Seating System for a Personal Watercraft”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
     The present technology relates to personal watercrafts. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is known to provide a personal watercraft with a portion of the seat that can be raised for a user to sit thereon, for example while fishing. U.S. Pat. No. 7,571,692 B2, entitled “Personal Watercraft And Seat Assemblies Therefor” and issued on Aug. 11, 2009, describes such a personal watercraft with a seat assembly having a rear seat portion of the straddle seat of the personal watercraft being mounted on a movable support post. 
     However, it would be desirable to provide such a reconfigurable seat assembly while preventing the use of the seat portion in the raised position with the personal watercraft being operated above a certain speed. 
     Furthermore, the seat assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,571,692 B2 lacks a backrest which would provide more comfort when in the raised position. It would therefore be desirable to provide a reconfigurable seat assembly for a personal watercraft that would permit connection of a backrest thereto when in the raised position. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art. 
     According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a personal watercraft including a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a motor disposed between the hull and the deck, a propulsion system operatively connected to the motor, a motor control unit operatively connected to the motor for controlling at least one parameter associated with the motor, a seat assembly supported on the deck, the seat assembly including a seat portion being selectively connected to the deck, a seat support selectively connected to the deck, the seat support selectively supporting the seat portion above the deck, a sensor connected to at least one of the hull and the deck, the sensor communicating with the motor control unit, and in response to the seat support being connected to the deck, the sensor detecting a presence of the seat support, and in response to the sensor detecting the presence of the seat support, the motor control unit limiting at least one of the at least one parameter associated with the motor. 
     In some implementations, the at least one parameter associated with the motor includes a motor speed, a motor torque and a speed of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, in response to the sensor detecting the presence of the seat support, the motor control unit limits the speed of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, the deck defines an anchor aperture, and the seat support has a lower portion selectively inserted in the anchor aperture. 
     In some implementations, the seat support includes a magnet connected to the lower portion, and the sensor is a Hall-effect sensor operable for detecting the magnet in response to the lower portion being inserted in the anchor aperture. 
     In some implementations, the sensor is connected to the deck and is located below the anchor aperture. 
     In some implementations, the lower portion of the seat support includes a retaining system for securing the seat support to the deck. 
     In some implementations, the retaining system includes at least one tab adapted to selectively engage the deck of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, the lower portion of the seat support is selectively inserted in the anchor aperture in either one of a first orientation and a second orientation. 
     In some implementations, the seat portion is a rear seat portion of the seat assembly. 
     In some implementations, the rear seat portion has a base and a cushion disposed on top of the base, and the base being selectively connected to the deck. 
     In some implementations, the base defines a seat support aperture adapted to receive an upper portion of the seat support. 
     In some implementations, the seat portion is pivotally connected to the seat support. 
     In some implementations, the deck defines a pedestal, and the seat portion is connected to either one of the pedestal and the seat support. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a raised seating system for a personal watercraft having a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a motor disposed between the hull and the deck, and a motor control unit operatively connected to the motor for controlling at least one parameter associated with the motor. The raised seating system includes a seat support having a lower portion and an upper portion, the lower portion being configured for being selectively connected to the deck of the personal watercraft, and the upper portion being configured for being selectively connected to a seat portion of the personal watercraft, a sensor configured for being connected to at least one of the hull and the deck of the personal watercraft and for communicating with the motor control unit of the personal watercraft such that in response to the lower portion of the seat support being connected to the deck, the sensor detecting a presence of the seat support, and in response to the sensor detecting the presence of the seat support, the sensor sending a signal to the motor control unit for limiting at least one of the at least one parameter associated with the motor. 
     In some implementations, the raised seating system further includes the seat portion, and the seat portion has a base and a cushion disposed on top of the base, and the base defines a seat support aperture adapted to receive the upper portion of the seat support. 
     In some implementations, the raised seating system further includes a magnet connected to the lower portion of the seat support. 
     In some implementations, the lower portion of the seat support is configured for being selectively inserted in an anchor aperture defined in the deck of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, the lower portion of the seat support is configured for being selectively inserted in the anchor aperture in either one of a first orientation and a second orientation. 
     In some implementations, the lower portion of the seat support further includes a retaining system for securing the seat support to the deck of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, the retaining system includes at least one tab adapted to selectively engage the deck of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion of the seat support is at least partially filled with a foam. 
     In some implementations, the upper portion of the seat support is configured for pivotally connecting the seat portion. 
     In some implementations, the raised seating system further includes a backrest being selectively connected to the seat portion when the seat portion is selectively connected to the upper portion of the seat support. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a method for adjusting performance of a personal watercraft having a motor, and a motor control unit operatively connected to the motor for controlling at least one parameter associated with the motor. The method includes detecting a presence of the seat support connected to a deck of the personal watercraft, and in response to detecting the presence of the seat support, limiting at least one of the at least one parameter associated with the motor. 
     In some implementations, the at least one parameter associated with the motor includes a motor speed, a motor torque and a speed of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, in response to detecting the presence of the seat support, the motor control unit limits the speed of the personal watercraft. 
     In some implementations, the method further includes connecting the seat support to the deck. 
     In some implementations, the method further includes removing a seat portion from a pedestal of the personal watercraft, and connecting the seat portion to the seat support. 
     In some implementations, the method further includes connecting a backrest to the seat portion after removing the seat portion from the pedestal. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present technology, there is provided a personal watercraft including a hull, a deck disposed on the hull, a seat assembly supported on the deck, the seat assembly including a seat portion selectively connected to the deck, a backrest selectively connected to the seat portion, and a blocking system operatively connected to the seat portion. The blocking system has a first configuration permitting connection of the seat portion to the deck in response to the backrest being disconnected from the seat portion, and a second configuration preventing connection of the seat portion to the deck in response to the backrest being connected to the seat portion. 
     In some implementations, the seat portion includes a base and a cushion disposed on top of the base. 
     In some implementations, one of the deck and the base has at least one peg, another one of the deck and the base has at least one latch, and the at least one latch is configured to selectively connect to the at least one peg for connecting the seat portion to the deck. 
     In some implementations, the blocking system includes a blocking member. In response to the blocking system being in the first configuration, the blocking member is in a first position permitting the connection of the seat portion to the deck, and in response to the blocking system being in the second configuration, the blocking member is in a second position preventing the connection of the seat portion to the deck. 
     In some implementations, in the first position, the blocking member is retracted in the base of the seat portion. 
     In some implementations, in the second position, the blocking member extends outward of the base of the seat portion for abutting the deck and preventing the seat portion from being selectively connected to the deck. 
     In some implementations, the backrest has at least one backrest arm, and the base includes at least one channel adapted for receiving the at least one backrest arm therein, the at least one backrest arm pushing the blocking member towards the second position when received in the at least one channel. 
     In some implementations, the blocking member translates between the first position and the second position along a blocking member axis, the at least one backrest arm extends along an arm axis, and an angle defined between the blocking member axis and the arm axis is included between 120 and 170 degrees. 
     In some implementations, the arm axis is laterally offset from the blocking member axis. 
     In some implementations, the blocking system further includes a transverse member connected to the blocking member, the transverse member extending in the at least one channel when the blocking member is in the first position. 
     In some implementations, the transverse member and the blocking member are integrally formed. 
     In some implementations, the blocking system further includes a spring connected between the base and the blocking member, the spring biasing the blocking member toward the first position. 
     In some implementations, the blocking system is biased toward the first configuration. 
     For purposes of this application, terms related to spatial orientation such as forwardly, rearward, upwardly, downwardly, left, and right, are as they would normally be understood by an operator of the vehicle sitting thereon in a normal riding position. Terms related to spatial orientation when describing or referring to components or sub-assemblies of the vehicle, separately from the vehicle, such as a deck or hull for example, should be understood as they would be understood when these components or sub-assemblies are mounted to the vehicle, unless specified otherwise in this application. The term “straddle seat” refers to a seat on which a person normally sits astride. The term “motor” can refer to any component capable of providing power to a propulsion system of a watercraft, which includes but is not limited to an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. 
     Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein. 
     Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, left side of a personal watercraft according to the present technology; 
         FIG. 2  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the personal watercraft of  FIG. 1  taken along cross-section line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, left side of the personal watercraft of  FIG. 1 , with a rear seat portion thereof selectively connected to a raised seating system according to the present technology; 
         FIG. 4  is a left side elevation view of the personal watercraft of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a left side elevation view of the rear seat portion of the personal watercraft  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the rear seat portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, right side of a portion of the deck of the personal watercraft of  FIG. 1 , with the rear seat portion selectively connected to a seat support and with the seat support being disposed above an anchor aperture; 
         FIG. 8  is a left side elevation view of the portion of the deck of the personal watercraft, rear seat portion and seat support of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of the portion of the deck of the personal watercraft, rear seat portion and seat support of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the deck of the personal watercraft, rear seat portion and seat support of  FIG. 7  taken along cross-section line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a left side elevation view of the portion of the deck of the personal watercraft, rear seat portion and seat support of  FIG. 7 , with the seat support selectively connected to the deck in a forward orientation; 
         FIG. 12  is a left side elevation view of the portion of the deck of the personal watercraft, rear seat portion and seat support of  FIG. 7 , with the seat support selectively connected to the deck in a rearward orientation; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart of a method for adjusting performance of a personal watercraft according to the present technology; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the rear seat portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the rear seat portion of  FIG. 5  taken along cross-section line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the rear seat portion of  FIG. 5  taken along cross-section line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, right side of the raised seating system of  FIG. 3 , with the cushions on the rear seat portion and of a backrest removed; 
         FIG. 18  is a top plan view of the raised seating system of  FIG. 3 , with the cushion on the rear seat portion removed; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the raised seating system of  FIG. 3  taken along cross-section line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 18 , with the cushion on the backrest also removed; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view taken from a top, rear, right side of the backrest of  FIG. 17  and of a blocking system, with a blocking member of the blocking system being in an extended position; 
         FIG. 21  is a front elevation view of the raised seating system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the raised seating system of  FIG. 17  taken along cross-section line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a close-up, longitudinal cross-sectional view taken from a left side of the personal watercraft of  FIG. 1 , with the rear seat portion connected to the deck; 
         FIG. 24  is a close-up, longitudinal cross-sectional view taken from a left side of the personal watercraft of  FIG. 1 , with the rear seat portion having the backrest connected thereto and with the rear seat portion being disposed above the deck for attempting connection thereto; and 
         FIG. 25  is a close-up, longitudinal cross-sectional view taken from a left side of the personal watercraft of  FIG. 1 , with the rear seat portion having the backrest connected thereto and with the rear seat portion being prevented from connecting to the deck by the blocking system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present detailed description is intended to be a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. Although described with respect to a j et-propelled personal watercraft, other propulsion systems are contemplated. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , an implementation of a personal watercraft  20  will be described. The personal watercraft  20  has a hull  22  and a deck  24 . It is contemplated that any suitable material could be used to make the hull  22  and the deck  24 . The hull  22  buoyantly supports the watercraft  20  in the water. The hull  22  has a bow  26  and a stern  28 . A longitudinal centerline  29  extends between the bow  26  and the stern  28  and splits the deck  24  into a left longitudinal side  31  and a right longitudinal side  33  ( FIG. 1 ). For the purpose of the following description, the components that are qualified as “left” or “right” are positioned on the corresponding left longitudinal side  31  and right longitudinal side  33  of the deck  24 , unless mentioned otherwise. 
     The deck  24  is designed to accommodate an operator and two passengers, collectively referred to as riders. It is contemplated that the deck  24  could be designed to accommodate just one passenger or more than two passengers. The hull  22  and the deck  24  are joined together at a seam  30  that joins the parts in a sealing relationship. The seam  30  comprises a bond line formed by an adhesive. Other known joining methods could be used to sealingly engage the parts together, including but not limited to thermal fusion, molding or fasteners such as rivets, bolts or screws. A bumper  32  generally covers the seam  30 . The bumper  32  helps to prevent damage to the outer surface of the watercraft  20  when the watercraft  20  is docked, for example. The bumper  32  can extend around the bow  26  and the stern  28 , as shown, or around any portion or the entire seam  30 . 
     The space between the hull  22  and the deck  24  forms a volume commonly referred to as the motor compartment  34  ( FIG. 2 ). The motor compartment  34  accommodates a motor  36  (schematically shown in  FIG. 2 ) in the form of an internal combustion engine. It is contemplated that the motor  36  could be an electric motor in other implementations. A motor control unit  38  (schematically shown in  FIG. 2 ) communicates with the motor  36  for controlling the operation of the motor  36  in accordance with various parameters associated with the motor  36 . These parameters include, but are not limited to, a motor speed, a motor torque, and a speed of the personal watercraft  20 . The motor compartment  34  also accommodates a storage bin  40 , an electrical system including a battery  44  schematically shown in  FIG. 2 , and other elements required or desirable in the personal watercraft  20 . The motor  36  drives a water jet propulsion system  48  of the personal watercraft  20 , although other types of propulsion systems are contemplated in other implementations. 
     The hull  22  defines part of an intake ramp  50  extending from an inlet  52  to a jet pump  49  of the jet propulsion system  48 . The intake ramp  50  allows passage of water from underneath the hull  22 , through the inlet  52  defined on the bottom  54  of the hull  22 , and into the jet pump  49 . The jet pump  49  is located in a formation in the hull  22 , referred to as the tunnel  51 . The tunnel  51  is defined at the front, sides, and top by the hull  22  and is open at a transom  94 . The bottom of the tunnel  51  is closed by a ride plate (not shown) creating a surface on which the personal watercraft  20  rides or planes at high speeds. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the jet pump  49  has an impeller  53  and a stator  59 . The impeller  53  is coupled to the motor  36  by one or more shafts  55 , such as a driveshaft and an impeller shaft. The rotation of the impeller  53  pressurizes the water, which then moves over the stator  59  that is made of a plurality of fixed stator blades (not shown). The role of the stator blades is to decrease the rotational motion of the water so that energy given to the water is used for thrust, as opposed to swirling the water. Once the water leaves the jet pump  49 , it goes through a venturi  56 . Since the exit diameter of the venturi  56  is smaller than its entrance diameter, the water is accelerated further, thereby providing more thrust. A steering nozzle  57  is pivotally attached to the venturi  56  so as to pivot about a vertical axis (not shown) to steer the watercraft  20 . It is contemplated that the steering nozzle  57  could also pivot about a horizontal axis so as to adjust a trim of the watercraft  20 . The steering nozzle  57  could also be supported at the exit of the tunnel  51  in other ways without a direct connection to the venturi  56 . Moreover, the steering nozzle  57  can be replaced by a rudder or other diverting mechanism disposed at the exit of the tunnel  51  to selectively direct the thrust generated by the water jet propulsion system  48  to effect turning. 
     The steering nozzle  57  is operatively connected to a helm assembly  62  via a push-pull cable (not shown) such that when the helm assembly  62  is turned, the steering nozzle  57  pivots. This movement redirects the pressurized water coming from the venturi  56 , so as to redirect the thrust and steer the personal watercraft  20  in the desired direction. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , towards the bow  26 , the deck  24  has a hood  60 , the helm assembly  62  and an instrument cluster  64 . A hinge (not shown) is attached between the hood  60  and the front of the deck  24  to allow the hood  60  to move to an open position to provide access to the storage bin  40 . A latch (not shown) locks the hood  60  into a closed position. When in the closed position, the hood  60  prevents water from entering the storage bin  40 . Left and right rear view mirrors  66  are positioned on corresponding left and right sides of the hood  60  to allow the operator to see behind the watercraft  20 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the deck  24  has a centrally positioned straddle-type seat assembly  70  supported on top of a pedestal  72  formed by the deck  24 . Accordingly, the seat assembly  70  and the pedestal  72  are aligned with the longitudinal centerline  29  of the deck  24 . The seat assembly  70  accommodates three riders in a straddling position. The seat assembly  70  has a front seat portion  74  and rear seat portion  76  made as cushioned or padded units. The front seat portion  74  has a front base  78  and the rear seat portion  76  has a rear base  80  ( FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 ). The front base  78  and the rear base  80  are interfitting and are selectively connected to the deck  24  as best seen in  FIG. 2 . As best seen in  FIG. 7 , a cushion  78   a  is disposed on top of the front base  78  and a cushion  80   a  is disposed on top of the rear base  80 . The front base  78  further defines left and right tongue recesses  78   b  in which left and right tongues  80   b  projecting from a front face of the rear base  80  are received when the front and rear bases  78 ,  80  are interfitted. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , on the left and right sides of the pedestal  72 , the deck  24  forms footwells  82  that provide support for the riders&#39; feet. Along the footwells  82 , the watercraft  20  has a pair of generally upwardly extending walls located on either side of the watercraft  20  known as gunwales or gunnels  84 . The gunnels  84  help to prevent the entry of water in the footwells  82  of the watercraft  20 , provide lateral support for the riders&#39; feet, and also provide buoyancy when turning the watercraft  20 , since the personal watercraft  20  can roll slightly when turning. Towards the bow  26 , fairings  85  extend between the gunnels  84  and the hood  60  and further prevent the entry of water in the footwells  82 . Towards the stern  28 , the gunnels  84  extend inwardly to act as heel rests  86 . A passenger riding the watercraft  20  and sitting on the seat  70  facing towards the rear may place his or her heels on the heel rests  86 , thereby providing a more stable riding position when acting as spotter for a skier, tuber or the like. It is contemplated that the heel rests  86  could also be formed separately from the gunnels  84 . Forward of a rear end  88  of the deck  24 , the deck  24  includes a reboarding platform  90  allowing a rider to easily reboard the watercraft  20  from the water. The reboarding platform  90  extends longitudinally between the transom  94  of the personal watercraft  20  and the heel rests  86 . The reboarding platform  90  extends laterally over a width of the deck  24 , between the left side  31  and the right side  33  of the deck  24 . 
     A deck panel  100  extends forward of the reboarding platform  90 . The deck panel  100  is removably connected to the deck  24  for allowing access to a portion of the motor compartment  34  when removed. It is contemplated that the deck panel  100  could be integrally formed with the rest of the deck  24  in other implementations. The deck panel  100  supports at least partially the front seat portion  74  and the rear seat portion  76 . U.S. Pat. No. 10,214,270 B1, entitled “Personal Watercraft” and issued on Feb. 26, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes the details of a connection of the front and rear seat portion  74 ,  76  with the deck panel  100 . An anchor aperture  102  ( FIG. 7 ) is defined in the deck panel  100  and is accessible when the rear seat portion  76  is removed from the deck panel  100 . Left and right pegs  104  ( FIGS. 3 and 7 ) project upwardly from the deck panel  100 . The pegs  104  are configured to connect to corresponding left and right downwardly facing latches  106  provided on a bottom face  108  of the rear base  80  of the rear seat portion  76  ( FIG. 6 ). The rear base  80  also includes left and right buttons  110  that are part of the corresponding left and right latches  106 . When pressed, each one of the buttons  110  releases the corresponding left and right latch  106  respectively from the corresponding left and right peg  104  for selectively disconnecting the rear seat portion  76  from the deck panel  100 . It is contemplated that in other implementations, the latches  106  could be provided on the deck panel  100  and the pegs  104  could be provided on the rear seat portion  76 . Left and right grab handles  112  are connected to the corresponding left and right lateral sides of the rear base  80 . The left and right grab handles  112  are configured to provide a handle onto which the one or more passengers of the personal watercraft  20  may hold, or manipulate the rear seat portion  76  when disconnected from the deck panel  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the personal watercraft  20  further has a raised seating system  120 . The raised seating system  120  includes a seat support  122  selectively connected to the deck  24 , and a backrest  180  selectively connected to the rear seat portion  76 . The backrest  180  will be described in more detail below. The seat support  122  selectively supports the rear seat portion  76  above the deck  24 , and in particular above the deck panel  100 . The raised seating position provided by the seat support  122  and the backrest  180  provide comfort and flexibility to a user of the personal watercraft  20  during certain activities, such as fishing. It is to be noted that the rear seat portion  76  can be connected to the pedestal  72  of the personal watercraft  20  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  or to the seat support  122  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 to 12 , the seat support  122  has an upper portion  124  that is selectively connected to the base  80  of the rear seat portion  76  after the rear seat portion  76  is disconnected from the pedestal  72 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , the base  80  defines a seat support aperture  126  adapted to receive the upper portion  124  of the seat support  122 . When the rear seat portion  76  is connected to the seat support  122 , the rear seat portion  76  is pivotable about a generally vertically extending pivot axis  128  ( FIG. 4 ), offering even more flexibility to as user of the watercraft  20  seated on the raised rear seat portion  76 . A bolt  128   a  ( FIGS. 6 and 22 ) is provided on the rear seat portion  76  and selectively abuts the upper portion  124  of the seat support  122  when connected thereto. When tightened, the bolt  128   a  prevents pivoting of the rear seat portion  76  about the pivot axis  128 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3, 4 and 8 to 12 , the seat support  122  further has a lower portion  130  connected to the upper portion  124 . The lower portion  130  is selectively inserted in the anchor aperture  102  of the deck panel  100  when the rear seat portion  76  is disconnected from the pedestal  72 . The lower portion  130  and the upper portion  124  are integrally formed, but could be provided as separate components connected together in other implementations. The upper and lower portion  124 ,  130  are hollow and at least partially filled with closed-cell foam  132  ( FIG. 10 ). The foam  132  limits the entry of water in the upper and lower portions  124 ,  130 , making the seat support  122  buoyant should it be dropped in water. When not in use, the seat support  122  is sized to be stowed in the storage bin  40  of the personal watercraft  20  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 3, 4 and 8 to 12 , the lower portion  130  of the seat support  122  includes a retaining system  140  for securing the seat support  122  to the deck panel  100 . The retaining system  140  includes left and right tabs  142  adapted to selectively engage the deck panel  100 . When the seat support  122  is pulled upwardly, the tabs  142  are pressed inwardly and the seat support  122  can be pulled out of the anchor aperture  102 . Other retaining systems  140  could be used in other implementations. The lower portion  130  of the seat support  122  also includes a flange  144  for abutting a region of the top face of the deck panel  100  surrounding the anchor aperture  102  ( FIGS. 3 and 11 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , it is to be noted that the lower portion  130  is selectively inserted in the anchor aperture  102  in either one of forward orientation ( FIG. 11 ) where the upper portion  124  extends longitudinally forward of the lower portion  130 , and a rearward orientation ( FIG. 12 ) where the upper portion  124  extends longitudinally rearward of the lower portion  130 . The user can thus select the orientation of the seat support  122  when using the raised seating system  120 . The longitudinal position of the rear seat portion  76  can thus be selected by the user when the rear seat portion  76  is connected to the seat support  122 . The user can thus select how far the rear seat portion  76  is from the transom  94  of the personal watercraft  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 8 to 12 , the raised seating system  120  further includes a sensor  150  connected to the deck panel  100  and located below the anchor aperture  102 . The sensor  150  is in operative communication with the motor control unit  38 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The sensor  150  detects the presence of the lower portion  130  of the seat support  122  within the anchor aperture  102  when connected to the deck panel  100 , and in response to the sensor  150  detecting the presence of the seat support  122 , the motor control unit  38  limits at least one of the parameters associated with the motor  36 . In the present implementation, when the sensor  150  detects the presence of the seat support  122 , the sensor  150  sends a signal to the motor control unit  38  and the motor control unit  38  limits the speed of the personal watercraft  20 . For example, the speed of the personal watercraft  20  could be limited to a predetermined speed suitable for trolling and moving the watercraft  20  around a fishing spot. In other implementations, the motor control unit  38  could limit other parameters associated with the motor  36 , such as a rate of acceleration of the personal watercraft  20 , the motor torque and the motor speed, the parameters being considered alone or in combination, to limit the performance of the personal watercraft  20 . Additionally, in the present embodiment, the sensor  150  is also in operative communication with the instrument cluster  64  so that when the sensor  150  detects the presence of the seat support  122 , the sensor  150  sends a signal to the instrument cluster  64 , which displays a notification to indicate that the motor control unit  38  has detected the presence of the seat support  122 , and is limiting the speed of the personal watercraft  20 . It is understood that in other embodiments, the notification could indicate that the motor control unit  38  is limiting another one of the parameters associated with the motor  36  and/or simply indicating that the seat support  122  is being detected. 
     In the present implementation, the lower portion  130  of the seat support  122  includes a magnet  152  ( FIGS. 10 to 12 ). More particularly, the magnet  152  is connected to a bottom wall  154  of the seat support  122  ( FIG. 10 ). The magnet  152  could be connected elsewhere in other implementations. The sensor  150  is a Hall-effect sensor operable for detecting the magnet  152  in response to the lower portion  130  being inserted in the anchor aperture  102 . In other words, the sensor  150  detects the presence of the magnet  152  when the lower portion  130  is inserted in the anchor aperture  102 , and notably when the lower portion  130  is fully inserted in the anchor aperture  102  with the tabs  142  engaging the deck panel  100  and the flange  144  abutting the top face of the deck panel  100 . 
     It is contemplated that other types of sensor  150  could be used in other implementations and be operable for detecting the presence of the seat support  122  in response to being connected to the deck panel  100  and sending an associated signal to the motor control unit  38 . In some implementations, it is contemplated that the sensor  150  could be a pressure switch capable of detecting the presence of the seat support  122  when pressed in response to the seat support  122  being connected to the deck panel  100 . In other implementations, it is contemplated that the sensor  150  could be an electrical switch capable of detecting the presence of the seat support  122  as an electrical circuit is closed in response to the seat support  122  being connected to the deck panel  100 . Other devices, such as, and not limited to, contact switches, limit switches, strain gauges, near field communication (NFC) sensor, and photoelectric devices could be used as the sensor  150  in other implementations. It is contemplated that the sensor  150  could be a combination of different devices capable of detecting the presence of the seat support  122  in the anchor aperture  102  using different means (ex. electrical contact and photoelectric device). It is also contemplated that the sensor  150  could be connected to the hull  22  and/or the deck  24  in other implementations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a method  160  for adjusting the performance of the personal watercraft  20  will be described with reference to the following illustrative scenario. Initially, the rear seat portion  76  is connected to the deck panel  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and the personal watercraft  20  is “on” (i.e. the motor control unit  38  is on). When the user desires to use the raised seating system  120 , the user accesses the storage bin  40  and pulls out the seat support  122 . At step  162 , the user removes the rear seat portion  76  from the pedestal  72  by pressing the buttons  110  and lifting the rear seat portion  76 . At step  164 , the user connects the seat support  122  to the deck panel  102  by inserting the lower portion  130  in the anchor aperture  102  in the forward or rearward orientation ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). At step  166 , the method  160  includes detecting the presence of the seat support  122  connected to the deck panel  100 . The detection step  166  is performed using the sensor  150  described above, and could be performed using different types of sensors  150 . At step  168 , the method  160  includes limiting at least one of the parameters associated with the motor  36  in response to detecting the presence of the seat support  122 . The limiting of the parameter(s) associated with the motor  36 , such as the motor speed, the motor torque, the rate of acceleration of the personal watercraft  20  and the speed of the personal watercraft  20 , adjusts the performance of the personal watercraft  20  to remain within a predetermined performance range. In the present implementation, when the motor control unit  38  receives the signal from the sensor  150  that the seat support  122  is detected (i.e. the lower portion  130  is about to or is connected to the deck panel  100 ), the motor control unit  38  limits the speed of the personal watercraft  20 . Other parameter(s) could be limited by the motor control unit  38  in other implementations. At step  170 , the user connects the rear seat portion  76  to the upper portion  124  of the seat support  122 . At step  172 , the user connects the backrest  180  to the rear seat portion  76  being raised above the deck panel  100  by the seat support  122 . Some steps of the method  160 , such as step  172 , are optional. 
     It is to be noted that the steps  166 ,  168  described above only occur when the personal watercraft  20  is “on” (i.e. when the motor control unit  38  is on). It is also contemplated that should the personal watercraft  20  be “off” initially, the method  160  could be performed in a different order. For example, the user could first remove the rear seat portion  76  from the pedestal  72  (step  162 ), then connect the seat support  122  to the deck panel  102  (step  164 ), and connect the rear seat portion  76  to the seat support  122  (step  170 ). The user could then turn the personal watercraft  20  “on”, and the detection step  166  and the limiting step  168  would occur. It is also contemplated that the step  170  of connecting the rear seat portion  76  to the seat support  122  could occur before the step  164 . Other orders of the steps of the method  160  are contemplated. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 to 22 , the connection of the backrest  180  to the rear seat portion  76  will be described in more detail. As mentioned above, the raised seating system  120  further includes the backrest  180  that is selectively connected to the rear seat portion  76  when the rear seat portion  76  is connected to the upper portion  124  of the seat support  122 . The backrest  180  has two laterally spaced-apart backrest arms  182  each extending along a respective arm axis  182   a  ( FIG. 19 ). The backrest  180  could be provided with only one or more than two backrest arms  182  in other implementations. When not in use, the backrest  180  can be stowed in the storage bin  40  of the personal watercraft  20  ( FIG. 2 ). More particularly, the backrest arms  182  can be secured to a bracket  184  ( FIG. 2 ) located in the storage bin  40  to hold the backrest  180 . To connect the backrest  180  to the rear seat portion  76 , the backrest arms  182  are received in corresponding channels  186  defined in the base  80  of the rear seat portion  76 . Holes  188  are also defined in the cushion  80   a  for receiving the backrest arms  182  and allowing access to the channels  186  from above. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 to 22 , a blocking system  190  is operatively connected to the base  80  of the rear seat portion  76 . The blocking system  190  includes a blocking member  192  slidably received in the base  80 . The blocking member  192  is cylindrical and translates along a blocking member axis  194  between a retracted position ( FIGS. 15, 16 and 23 ) and an extended position ( FIGS. 19, 20, 22, 24 and 25 ) that will be described in more detail below. It is contemplated that the blocking member  192  could be shaped otherwise and be movable in a different manner in other implementations (ex. rotatable). The blocking system  190  further includes a transverse member  196  ( FIGS. 17, 19 and 20 ) connected to the blocking member  192 . In the present implementation, the blocking member  192  and the transverse member  196  are integrally formed, but could be provided as separate components connected together in other implementations. As best seen in  FIG. 16 , the transverse member  196  extends in the channels  186  when the blocking member  192  is in the retracted position. More particularly, only the left and right upper portions  196   a  of the transverse member  196  extend in the corresponding left and right channels  186  when the blocking member  192  is in the retracted position. Since the transverse member  196  extends laterally towards the channels  186 , the arm axis  182   a  of each backrest arm  182  is laterally offset from the blocking member axis  194 , as can be understood from  FIG. 20 . 
     It is also to be noted that an angle  198  ( FIG. 16 ) defined between the blocking member axis  194  and the arm axis  182   a  of each backrest arm  182  is about 150 degrees. It is contemplated that the angle  198  could be comprised between 120 and 170 degrees in other implementations. Other angles are also contemplated. 
     The blocking system  190  further has a spring  200  ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ) connected between the base  80  and the transverse member  196 . More particularly, the spring  200  extends around the blocking member  192  and abuts the base  80  at a bottom end  200   a  thereof, and abuts the transverse member  196  at a top end thereof. The spring  200  biases the blocking member  192  toward the retracted position. When the backrest arms  182  are inserted in the channels  186 , the left and right upper portions  196   a  of the transverse member  196  are pushed downwardly and forwardly along the blocking member axis  194  and the blocking member  192  is moved toward the extended position as the spring  200  compresses, as shown in  FIG. 20 . It is contemplated that the spring  200  could be omitted in some implementations. In such implementations, the blocking member  192  would be pushed toward the retracted position when the rear seat portion  76 , without the backrest  180  being connected thereto, is connected to the deck panel  100 . 
     The operation of the blocking system  190  will now be described. The blocking system  190  has a retracted configuration ( FIGS. 15, 16 and 23 ) permitting connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100  in response to the backrest  180  being disconnected from the rear seat portion  76 . When the blocking system  190  is in the retracted configuration, the blocking member  192  is biased in the retracted position by the spring  200 . When in the retracted position, the blocking member  192  is retracted in the base  80  of the rear seat portion  76  (best seen in  FIGS. 15 and 23 ), which permits the connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100 . In other words, when the backrest  180  is disconnected from the rear seat portion  76 , the blocking member  192  is biased in the retracted position by the spring  200 , and the connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100  is permitted, as shown in  FIG. 23 . 
     The blocking system  190  further has an extended configuration ( FIGS. 19 to 22, 24 and 25 ) preventing connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100  in response to the backrest  180  being connected to the rear seat portion  76 . When the backrest  180  is connected to the rear seat portion  76 , the blocking system  190  is in the extended configuration, which places the blocking member  192  in the extended position. When in the extended position, the blocking member  192  extends outward of the base  80  of the rear seat portion  76  for abutting the deck panel  100  and preventing the rear seat portion  76  from being selectively connected to the deck panel  100 . More particularly, when the backrest arms  182  are received in the channels  186 , the backrest arms  182  push the transverse member  196  downwardly, the spring  200  is compressed, and the blocking member  192  is translated towards the extended position. In other words, when the backrest  180  is connected to the rear seat portion  76 , the blocking member  192  is in the extended position, and the connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck  24  is prevented. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , when the blocking member  192  is in the extended position, the blocking member  192  abuts the top face of the deck panel  100  when the base  80  engages the deck panel  100 , and the latches  106  of the base  80  cannot connect to the corresponding pegs  104 , thus preventing the connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100  when the backrest  180  is connected to the rear seat portion  76 . In order to connect the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100 , the backrest  180  is disconnected from the rear seat portion  76 , causing the spring  200  to bias the blocking member  192  toward the retracted position ( FIG. 23 ) and as the blocking member  192  is no longer extending outward of the base  80 , the connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100  is permitted. The backrest  180  can then be stowed in the storage bin  40  when not in use. 
     Therefore, when the rear seat portion  76  is connected to the deck panel  100 , the blocking system  190  is in the retracted configuration (i.e., the blocking member  192  is in the retracted position). Upon connection of the rear seat portion  76  to the deck panel  100 , the blocking member  192  cannot move toward the extended position, as movement thereof is limited by abutment with the top face of the deck panel  100 . As a result, when the rear seat portion  76  is connected to the deck panel  100 , the left and right upper portions  196   a  of the transverse member  196 , which extend in the corresponding left and right channels  186 , prevent the backrest  180  from being securely connected to the rear seat portion  76 . More precisely, when the rear seat portion  76  is connected to the deck panel  100 , the backrest arms  182  can be inserted in the holes  188  defined in the cushion  80   a , until a bottom of the backrest arms  182  abut the left and right upper portions  196   a  of the transverse member  196 . As the left and right upper portions  196   a  extend within the channels  186  of the base  80  (shown in  FIG. 16 ), the backrest arms  182  are only received within the cushion  80   a , and due to the resilient nature of the cushion  80   a , the backrest  180  is not securely connected to the rear seat portion  76 . 
     Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementation of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.