Patent ID: 7081028

Claim:
An engine control system for a marine propulsion system, comprising: an ignition system; a portable control device configured to emit a first signal in response to a manual actuation; an ignition activation system connected in signal communication with said ignition system of said marine propulsion system; a first sensor, connected in signal communication with said ignition activation system of said marine propulsion system, for sensing said first signal from said portable control device and placing said ignition activation system in either a first starting state or a second starting state as a function of said first signal; and a second sensor, connected in signal communication with said ignition system, for sensing a second signal emitted by said portable control device, said portable control device being configured to emit said second signal when it is within a predetermined distance of said second sensor, said second sensor being configured to place said engine in either a first operating state or a second operating state as a function of said second signal.