Patent ID: 7429203

Claim:
An amphibious drive system for a watercraft operated by an operator comprising: a. a drive wheel configured to rotate about a center axis and propel said watercraft through the water; b. a first pivot joint pivotally connecting said drive wheel to said watercraft, wherein said first pivot joint is substantially horizontal with respect to said watercraft; and c. a second pivot joint pivotally connecting said drive wheel to said watercraft, wherein said second pivot joint is substantially vertical with respect to said watercraft; d. a motor configured to rotate said drive wheel about said center axis; e. a first linear actuator configured to cause said drive wheel to pivot vertically about said first pivot joint; f. a second linear actuator configured to cause said drive wheel to pivot horizontally about said second pivot joint; g. a controller configured to actuate said first linear actuator and said second linear actuator separately or in combination when said motor rotates said drive wheel such that said operator can use said controller to adjust the angle of said center axis of said drive wheel relative to said watercraft and thereby steer said watercraft as said motor is rotating said drive wheel.