Apparatus and method for steering a jet propelled water craft

摘要

An apparatus and method are disclosed which allow a stream to be divided so that a portion continues to provide forward or reverse thrust while a portion is diverted to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus has a frame and a side diverter connected thereto. The side diverter is movable into and out of the path of a water stream from a jet propulsion unit to divert at least a portion of the water stream to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus preferably has two side diverters that may or may not be independently operable. The apparatus also preferably has one or more reverse diverters connected to the frame. The frame is preferably pivoted about two axes to move the side diverters into and out of the path of the water stream, and the reverse diverter preferably pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to these axes.