Systems and methods for controlling trimmable marine devices to prevent object impact

A system configured for controlling a trim position of a trimmable drive unit with respect to a marine vessel, the system comprising:

• a trim actuator coupled to the trimmable drive unit and configured to rotate the trimmable drive unit about a horizontal trim axis;
• at least one obstruction sensor on the trimmable drive unit configured to sense obstructions proximate the trimmable drive unit, wherein the at least one obstruction sensor includes a front-facing sensor on a front side of an upper cowl of the trimmable drive unit and configured to sense the obstructions on the marine vessel that will be impacted by the upper cowl as the trimmable drive unit is rotated about the horizontal trim axis;
• and
• a controller operably coupled to the trim actuator and the at least one obstruction sensor, wherein the controller is configured to:
• operate the trim actuator to rotate the trimmable drive unit about the horizontal trim axis;
• while the trim actuator is being operated, receive a signal from the at least one obstruction sensor indicating an obstruction on the marine vessel that will be impacted by further rotating the trimmable drive unit about the horizontal trim axis;
• and
• perform a mitigation operation to prevent the trimmable drive unit from impacting the obstruction.