Reverse Engineering Marine Engines - Make Powerboats Do Your Bidding

Explore the reverse engineering of marine engine control systems in this 25-minute DEF CON 33 conference talk. Dive into the challenges of controlling marine engines and outboard motors in an era where autonomous boat technology has grown into a $17 billion market, yet propulsion systems remain closed-source black boxes with limited third-party access. Learn about the current state of marine propulsion systems including outboard motors, inboard engines, steering mechanisms, and proprietary control interfaces, while discovering why manufacturers maintain restrictive policies despite the growing need for open collaboration. Examine specific reverse engineering techniques ranging from simple manual analysis to complex full engine setup acquisitions, with practical examples from multiple vendors across various vehicle classes from jet-skis to modern outboards. Understand the safety considerations surrounding autonomous control of large gasoline and diesel engines, and discover opportunities for collaborative hacking efforts in marine propulsion technology. Gain insights into ongoing research projects that could benefit from the DefCon community's collaborative approach to breaking down proprietary barriers in marine engine control systems.