Drive and control system for watercraft

Abstract

A surfboard-based powered water craft is propelled by gas or electric power plant. A water jet pump supplies water under pressure, which is exhausted through a steering nozzle. A steering shaft, carried by the surfboard-based body, pivots in response to movement of a steering arm. The steering arm pivots about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The weight of the power plant is carried forward the center, whereby a rider on top of the surfboard based body tends to balance the weight of the power plant.

1 . A watercraft, comprising: 
 (A) a surfboard-based hull;    (B) a water jet pump in communication with a pivoting steering nozzle;    (C) a steering shaft carried by the surfboard-based body, the steering shaft linked to the steering nozzle by a steering linkage, whereby rotation of the steering shaft pivots the steering nozzle; and    (D) a steering arm, having a lower portion in communication with the steering shaft and an upper portion connected to at least one handle.