Speed, acceleration, and trim control system for power boats

A computer-based system controls (i) speed, (ii) speed and acceleration and/or (iii) trim. Trim control is responsive to sensed inclination. Inclination/acceleration is sensed by an inclinometer/accelerometer having an electrically conductive fluid that flows within a conduit. The fluid assumes different positions in its flow path under differing gravitational and acceleration forces. A multiplicity of pins, positionally arrayed along the fluid flow path within the conduit, electrically sense the presence, or absence, of the fluid at a corresponding position within its flow path. The same computer-based system otherwise used for speed, acceleration and/or trim control also serves as a safety system interactive with a human operator for the sequencing and control of activities during the launch, use, and recovery of the power boat. The system senses hook-up conditions and provides visual messages and audio alarms during the hauling out of a trailered power boat from the water onto its land trailer and/or the launching of the power boat into the water from the same trailer. Similarly, the system interprets other sensors to support processes of hauling the boat out of the water onto its trailer, hoisting of the boat onto a hoist, in-water startup of the boat, launching of the boat from its trailer while both the boat and the trailer are in water, starting or restarting the boat's engine, and test or maintenance of the boat on land.