Abstract: An open loop cooling water system is for a marine engine. A cooling water inlet receives cooling water from a body of water. A cooling water outlet discharges the cooling water back to the body of water. A cooling water circuit conveys cooling water from the cooling water inlet, through the marine engine, and to the cooling water outlet. A cooling water pump that pumps cooling water from upstream to downstream through the cooling water circuit. A recirculation pump that is located in the cooling water circuit downstream of at least one component of the marine engine and upstream of the cooling water outlet. The recirculation pump is configured to pump cooling water from downstream of the marine engine back into the cooling water circuit upstream of the marine engine. Methods are for cooling a marine engine using an open loop cooling system.

Abstract: A drivetrain for a marine propulsion device includes an engine driving a crankshaft in a first direction, and a driveshaft connected in torque-transmitting relationship with the crankshaft and supported for rotation about a driveshaft axis. The drivetrain further includes a propeller shaft rotatable about a propeller shaft axis. A gearset and a selector clutch are configured to couple the propeller shaft and the driveshaft to each other in torque-transmitting relationship. A one-way clutch is disposed along the drivetrain upstream of the gearset. The one-way clutch prevents rotation of the crankshaft in a second, opposite direction so as to prevent ingestion of water by the engine via an engine exhaust system.

Abstract: A midsection housing for an outboard motor includes a driveshaft housing having an oil sump provided therein. An adapter plate is coupled to a top of the driveshaft housing. The adapter plate has an inner surface along which oil from an engine mounted on the adapter plate drains into the oil sump. First and second pockets are formed in an outer surface of the adapter plate on first and second generally opposite sides thereof, the first and second pockets configured to receive first and second mounts therein. A water jacket is formed between the inner and outer surfaces of the adapter plate. The water jacket extends at least partway between the inner surface of the adapter plate and each of the first and second pockets, respectively. A method for cooling a mount is also provided.

Abstract: A cooling water distribution system provides a single cavity from which water is directed to a plurality of auxiliary devices. The cavity is formed within a housing structure that has a perforate surface shaped to be inserted into a primary water conducting channel through which water flows from a water pump to an internal combustion engine. The perforate surface does not extend into the water stream induced by the water pump but, instead, is shaped to conform to an inner surface of the water conducting cavity. Holes in the perforate surface are shaped to allow water to flow from the main channel of the water conducting cavity into the cavity of the housing structure from which the water is distributed through a plurality of water conduits to various auxiliary devices requiring cooling water.

Abstract: An oil drain system for an outboard motor provides an oil drain opening formed in a lower surface of the splash plate of the outboard motor at a location which allows oil to drain from the oil drain opening under the force of gravity in a downward direction without contacting any surfaces of the outboard motor. This allows the oil to be received by a waste oil container that is placed at any point directly below the oil drain opening, either on the ground below the gearcase of the outboard motor or at any other point that is vertically below the oil drain opening.

Abstract: A rotary actuator is used to steer a watercraft with an outboard motor. First and second brackets are attached to the outboard motor and the transom of the watercraft, respectively. The rotary actuator can be a hydraulic rotary actuator and either the rotor portion or stator portion of the rotary actuator can be attached to the outboard motor with the other portion being attached to the transom. A hydraulic pump is used to provide pressurized fluid to the actuator and a valve is used to selectively direct the pressurized fluid to one of two ports in the rotary actuator to select the directional rotation and speed between the stator portion and the rotor portion.

Abstract: A cover for an outboard motor is provided to protect an operator from a flywheel. The cover is disposed under the cowl of the outboard motor. The cover is made of a generally rigid material, such as plastic, with first and second sheets being associated together to form conduits with openings extending therefrom. In one particular embodiment, one of the openings is shaped to receive an inlet of a compressor and this provides a positioning aid in attaching the cover to the engine. This device eliminates the need for flexible hoses and accomplishes two tasks with one component. It provides air conduits for the air passing through the cover and it provides a generally rigid means for locating the proper location of the cover.