Jet propulsion trim and reverse system

A jet propulsion system comprising:

• a jet pump;
• a venturi connected to an end of the jet pump;
• a variable trim system (VTS) support rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a VTS axis, the VTS axis extending generally laterally and horizontally;
• a steering nozzle rotationally mounted to the VTS support about a steering axis such that the steering nozzle rotates about the VTS axis with the VTS support, the steering axis being generally perpendicular to the VTS axis, the venturi being disposed longitudinally between the jet pump and the steering nozzle;
• a reverse gate rotationally mounted to the VTS support about a reverse gate axis, the reverse gate axis extending generally laterally and horizontally;
• a main support rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a main support axis, the main support axis extending generally laterally and horizontally, the VTS axis being disposed rearwardly of the main support axis;
• and
• at least one link having a first portion pivotally connected to the main support and a second portion pivotally connected to the reverse gate.

A method of operating a jet propulsion system, the jet propulsion system including a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, a variable trim system (VTS) support rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a VTS axis, the VTS axis extending generally laterally and horizontally, a steering nozzle rotationally mounted to the VTS support about a steering axis such that the steering nozzle rotates about the VTS axis with the VTS support, the steering axis being generally perpendicular to the VTS axis, a reverse gate rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a reverse gate axis, the reverse gate axis extending generally laterally and horizontally, and a rotary actuator having an output portion operatively connected to the VTS support, the method comprising:

• rotating the output portion of the rotary actuator in a first direction thereby causing the VTS support to rotate from a VTS up position to a VTS down position about the VTS axis;
• moving the reverse gate such that a position of the reverse gate relative to the VTS support remains substantially the same as the VTS support is rotated, the reverse gate being in a stowed position relative to the steering nozzle;
• and
• continuing to rotate the output portion of the rotary actuator in the first direction once the VTS support reaches the VTS down position thereby causing the reverse gate to rotate from the stowed position to a second position where the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the steering nozzle when the jet propulsion system is in operation, the VTS support remaining in the VTS down position as the reverse gate is rotated from the stowed position to the second position.