Patent ID: 7467595

Claim:
A method for controlling the movement of a marine vessel, comprising the steps of: attaching a first marine propulsion device to said marine vessel for rotation about a first steering axis; attaching a second marine propulsion device to said marine vessel for rotation about a second steering axis; connecting a first steering actuator to said first marine propulsion device; connecting a second steering actuator to said second marine propulsion device; providing a first manually manipulatable control device which is configured to receive vessel movement commands from an operator of said marine vessel; providing a second manually manipulatable control device which is configured to receive vessel maneuver commands from said operator of said marine vessel; providing a controller connected in signal communication with said first and second manually manipulatable control devices; receiving a set of vessel maneuver commands from said second manually manipulatable control device; calculating a first thrust magnitude for said first marine propulsion device, a second thrust magnitude for said second marine propulsion device, and an angular position of said second marine propulsion device which will achieve a maneuver of said marine vessel which accomplishes said vessel maneuver commands; maintaining said first marine propulsion device in a position which disposes a propeller shaft of said first marine propulsion device in parallel association with a central axis of said marine vessel; causing said second marine propulsion device to move to said angular position; causing said first marine propulsion device to generate said first thrust magnitude; and causing said second marine propulsion device to generate said second thrust magnitude.