Abstract: A fume exhaustion safety device is designed for use on a boat having an internal combustion engine mounted within a closed engine compartment. An exhaust vent tube extending from the engine compartment to exhaust gaseous fluid to the exterior of the boat includes a blower fan to move the gases through the vent tube. The safety device includes a shutter or sail pivotally mounted within the vent tube to operate a microswitch when gaseous fluid moves through the vent tube. The microswitch is electrically connected to the ignition switch of the boat, the engine starter and the blower fan so as to prevent the connection of electrical power to the starter when the blower fan switch is on but no gaseous fluid is flowing through the vent tube.

Abstract: A self-locking mechanical steering helm for a boat includes a worm gear set having a worm fixed on the steering wheel shaft and a worm gear clustered with a cable sprocket for controlled the movement of the steering cable which extends to the outdrive of the boat.

Abstract: A trim indicator for outboard motors or the like for determining the tilt or angularity of the propeller with respect to a parallel position to the water level. The indicator is attached to the motor to align a vertical sensing member perpendicular to the axis of the propeller. When the motor is tilted, e.g. as the boat comes up to planing speed the sensing member indicates the angular degree of tilt by means of an electrical circuit to a signal receiver suitably located in the operating control panel in order that appropriate trimming measures may be taken. The indicator may be attached to the motor shroud or cover in the form of a signal sending housing. The sensing member may be in the form of an electrically conductive ball which seeks by gravity the lowest point on an arcuate track having a series of spaced electrical contacts.