Abstract: First and second latch mechanisms are provided that allow a boat operator to prevent the moveable and stationary portions of an outboard from moving relative to each other. This device can be used during shipping, transportation, or use of an outboard motor in conjunction with a sailboat in which the rudder of the sailboat is used for steering, and it is desirable to maintain the moveable and stationary portions of an outboard motor rigidly with respect to each other. A first latch mechanism is attached to the moveable portion of the outboard motor, and a second latch mechanism is attached to the stationary portion of an outboard motor. The second latch mechanism is rotatable to place a receptacle into a region where a locking device can retain it.

Abstract: A hook and loop-type fastener system is provided with a shield disposed between the mated, juxtaposed hooked and looped surfaces of the fastener to preclude premature and inadvertent engagement. Once the two components of the fasteners have been properly positioned relative to one another, the shield may be removed, thereby facilitating engagement and bonding of the surfaces to one another.

Abstract: A belt or belt-type support device includes a pair of straps, each having one of a complementary pair of pads of a hook and loop-type fastener system. A removable shield is placed over the surface of one of the pads to preclude inadvertent, premature engagement of the hooked and looped surfaces when the belt is placed in position around the waist of the wearer. Once the belt is properly positioned, the shield may be removed to facilitate engagement of the hook and loop fastener system.

Abstract: A lubrication and circulation system is provided for a marine drive lower gear case (4). A self-lubricating heat conducting flat thrust washer bearing (26) around the drive shaft (6) has a bottom horizontal surface (30) engaging the top of the pinion gear (10) at the bottom of the drive shaft (6) without needle bearings or roller bearings interposed therebetween. Lubricant frictionally dragged by the top of the pinion gear (10) across the bottom horizontal surface (30) of the thrust bearing washer (26) is diverted along the slants of slots (36 and 38) at an angle to the radius (40) inwardly toward the drive shaft (6) rotating therein. Upper and lower self-lubricating heat conducting sleeve bearings (18 and 20) mount the drive shaft (6) for rotation in the lower gear case (4) without needle bearings or roller bearings therebetween.

Abstract: The tilt mechanism (10) for a marine propulsion unit has a swivel bracket (14) pivotally attached to a transom bracket (11). A trim pin (20) is carried by a trim pin carrier (24) which is pivotally attached to the swivel bracket (14). The trim pin (20) travels in cam slots (19) which define two connected cam loops and acts as a ratchet with notches (21, 22, 23) in the cam slots (19) to establish trim and tilt positions for the propulsion unit. The two cam loops allow the propulsion unit to be returned to the uppermost position without dropping to the lowest position first. A moveable return cam (38) in the lower loop allows the operator to select the lowest trim position to which the unit will return.

Abstract: Marine drives having water cooled engines utilize a water pump mounted over the drive shaft and internal to the drive shaft housing to provide engine cooling, the pump having stamped metal housing parts and a flexible impeller.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism (10) for a marine propulsion device has a swivel bracket (13) pivotally attached to a transom bracket (11). A trim pin (21) is carried by a trim pin carrier (27) which is pivotally attached to the swivel bracket (13). The trim pin (21) travels in cam tracks (20) on the transom bracket (11) and engages notches (22, 23, 24) in the cam tracks (20) to establish trim and tilt positions for the propulsion device. An axial step (36) in the cam track (20) shifts the trim pin (21) to a return cam surface (25) to allow automatic return from the uppermost to the lowest position.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit lower gear housing permits disassembly by rearranging easily removable parts for engagement with non-easily removable parts thereby permitting the use of standard wrenches for disassembly and assembly.