Patent ID: 8376792

Claim:
A method for controlling a watercraft comprising a drive which is pivotable about a central neutral position (σ_ 0 ) defining a control angle (σ) as the drive is adjusted horizontally, and a maximum adjustable control angle (σ_L) in a defined gradient being automatically reduced during speed increases, the method comprising the steps of: configuring the drive as a surface drive comprising at least two drive units; vertically adjusting the drive units about a medium position (T_ 0 ), thereby defining a trim angle (T), in a pre-adjustable automatic operating mode ( 301 ); operating the surface drive in at least first and second driving modes, only operating in the second driving mode (S 4 ) once a maximum threshold speed is reached; when operating in the second driving mode (S 4 ) and once the control angle (σ) exceeds a first threshold control angle (σ_ 41 ) which is smaller than the maximum adjustable control angle (σ_L), switching from the automatic operating mode ( 301 ) to a stand-by operating mode ( 300 ) in which the trim angle (T) is manually adjusted; and manually adjusting the trim angle (T), in the stand-by operating mode ( 300 ), until the control angle (σ) is less than a second threshold control angle (σ_ 42 ) at which the automatic operating mode ( 301 ) re-activated.