US Patent 12071213 Marine propulsion and generator systems and methods

A marine propulsion system for a marine vessel is provided. The system includes an engine effectuating rotation of an output shaft; at least one battery configured to power a load; an alternator having a rotor that is driven into rotation by the output shaft and that outputs a charge current to the at least one battery; and a control system configured to operate the engine in a propulsion mode to rotate a propulsor to propel the marine vessel and a generator mode to charge the at least one battery while the marine vessel remains stationary. The control system is further configured to receive a generator mode command to start the engine in the generator mode; determine whether at least one generator start condition is satisfied; and responsive to a determination that the at least one generator start condition is satisfied, operate the engine in the generator mode.