Abstract: An improved hose assembly for a marine vessel bulkhead comprises a hose having a first end with a first hose fitting and a second end with a second hose fitting. There is a base plate having an opening which receives the hose. The base plate is positioned on the hose between the first hose fitting and the second hose fitting. There is a bend restrictor releasably coupled to the base plate. The bend restrictor has coils which wrap around the hose. The base plate clamps onto the bend restrictor and the bend restrictor clamps onto the hose, thereby restricting relative axial and rotational movement of the hose.

Abstract: A combination trim tab and interceptor comprises a housing and a trim tab pivotably coupled to the housing. An interceptor blade is reciprocatingly received by the housing. A cam is coupled to the trim tab and the interceptor blade. The cam is coupled to the trim tab by a link which applies a rotary force when the trim tab pivots relative to the housing. The cam is coupled to the interceptor blade such that the interceptor blade functions as a cam follower. An actuator actuates the trim tab to pivot relative to the housing. Pivoting of the trim tab results in the cam applying a force to the interceptor blade, causing the interceptor blade to reciprocate relative to the housing. The cam may be configured so a stroke of the interceptor blade and a stroke of the actuator are non-linear. The actuator may be an electromechanical linear actuator.

Abstract: An improved hose assembly for a marine vessel bulkhead comprises a hose having a first end with a first hose fitting and a second end with a second hose fitting. There is a base plate having an opening which receives the hose. The base plate is positioned on the hose between the first hose fitting and the second hose fitting. There is a bend restrictor releasably coupled to the base plate. The bend restrictor has coils which wrap around the hose. The base plate clamps onto the bend restrictor and the bend restrictor clamps onto the hose, thereby restricting relative axial and rotational movement of the hose.

Abstract: A combination trim tab and interceptor comprises a housing and a trim tab pivotably coupled to the housing. An interceptor blade is reciprocatingly received by the housing. A cam is coupled to the trim tab and the interceptor blade. The cam is coupled to the trim tab by a link which applies a rotary force when the trim tab pivots relative to the housing. The cam is coupled to the interceptor blade such that the interceptor blade functions as a cam follower. An actuator actuates the trim tab to pivot relative to the housing. Pivoting of the trim tab results in the cam applying a force to the interceptor blade, causing the interceptor blade to reciprocate relative to the housing. The cam may be configured so a stroke of the interceptor blade and a stroke of the actuator are non-linear. The actuator may be an electromechanical linear actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle. It includes a housing with a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis. A first bearing is interposed between the shaft and the housing, permitting rotation of the steering shaft about the axis. There is also a first wedge-shaped member that has a thin end against the first bearing and a means for biasing the first wedge-shaped member against the first bearing to take up play between the shaft and first bearing, and play within the first bearing.

Abstract: A trim and tilt system for use with an outboard propulsion unit on a marine craft having a transom. The trim and tilt system comprises a stern bracket configured to be mounted on the transom of the marine craft and a swivel bracket for supporting the outboard propulsion unit. The swivel bracket is pivotally supported on an upper end of the stern bracket. There is also a tilt cylinder unit that has a lower end supported by the stern bracket and an upper end in pivotal engagement with the swivel bracket. The tilt cylinder unit pivotally supports a pair of trim cylinder units. Each of the trim cylinder units is on an opposite side of the tilt cylinder unit. Each said trim cylinder unit has a longitudinal axis, a lower end in pivotal arrangement with the tilt cylinder unit and a trim rod for engagement with the swivel bracket. The swivel bracket has means for aligning the trim rods therewith, whereby the force exerted by the swivel bracket on the trim cylinder unit is substantially along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A trim and tilt system for use with an outboard propulsion unit on a marine craft having a transom. The trim and tilt system comprises a stern bracket configured to be mounted on the transom of the marine craft and a swivel bracket for supporting the outboard propulsion unit. The swivel bracket is pivotally supported on an upper end of the stern bracket. There is also a tilt cylinder unit that has a lower end supported by the stern bracket and an upper end in pivotal engagement with the swivel bracket. The tilt cylinder unit pivotally supports a pair of trim cylinder units. Each of the trim cylinder units is on an opposite side of the tilt cylinder unit. Each said trim cylinder unit has a longitudinal axis, a lower end in pivotal arrangement with the tilt cylinder unit and a trim rod for engagement with the swivel bracket. The swivel bracket has means for aligning the trim rods therewith, whereby the force exerted by the swivel bracket on the trim cylinder unit is substantially along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering apparatus for a vehicle. It includes a housing with a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis. A first bearing is interposed between the shaft and the housing, permitting rotation of the steering shaft about the axis. There is also a first wedge-shaped member that has a thin end against the first bearing and a means for biasing the first wedge-shaped member against the first bearing to take up play between the shaft and first bearing, and play within the first bearing.

Abstract: A helm apparatus for a marine craft or other vehicle having a steered member such as a rudder includes a mechanically rotatable steering device and a sensor which senses angular movement of the steering device when the craft is steered. A communication link to the rudder enables the helm to monitor the rudder position. A bi-directional stop mechanism is actuated when the helm determines that the rudder position is beyond starboard or port hard-over thresholds, indicating that the rudder has reached a limit of travel. The helm can cause the stop mechanism to fully engage the steering device to stop further rotation of the steering device in a first rotational direction, corresponding to rotational movement towards the limit of travel.

Abstract: A helm apparatus for a marine craft or other vehicle having a steered member such as a rudder includes a mechanically rotatable steering device and a sensor which senses angular movement of the steering device when the craft is steered. A communication link to the rudder enables the helm to monitor the rudder position. A bi-directional stop mechanism is actuated when the helm determines that the rudder position is beyond starboard or port hard-over thresholds, indicating that the rudder has reached a limit of travel. The helm can cause the stop mechanism to fully engage the steering device to stop further rotation of the steering device in a first rotational direction, corresponding to rotational movement towards said limit of travel. Rotational play is provided between the sensor and the stop mechanism, whereby the steering device can be rotated a limited amount, relative to the sensor, when the stop mechanism is fully engaged.