Patent ID: 7137347

Claim:
A helm apparatus for a marine craft having a rudder, comprising: a mechanically rotatable steering device; a sensor which senses angular movement of the steering device when the craft is steered; a stop mechanism actuated when the rudder reaches a starboard or port hard-over threshold position, near a starboard or port hard-over position, causing the stop mechanism to engage the steering device to stop further rotation of the steering device in a first rotational direction, corresponding to rotational movement towards said hard-over position, rotational play being provided between the steering device and the stop mechanism, whereby the steering device can be rotated a limited amount, as sensed by the sensor, when the stop mechanism is fully engaged, the stop mechanism being released from engagement with the steering device when the sensor senses that the steering device is rotated, as permitted by said play, in a second rotational direction which is opposite the first rotational direction.