Abstract: A marine propulsion device has a powerhead, a driveshaft powered by the powerhead, a lower unit, and a propeller shaft supported in the lower unit and in torque transmitting relationship with the driveshaft. The marine propulsion device also has a steering column through which the driveshaft extends and to which the lower unit is coupled. The steering column is configured to rotate the lower unit with respect to the powerhead. There is a steering housing through which the steering column extends, the steering housing being stationary with respect to the powerhead. A flexible conduit, for example a wiring harness, extends through an aperture in the steering housing and through an aperture in the steering column. The flexible conduit has slack between the steering housing and the steering column.

Abstract: A marine drive is for propelling a marine vessel in a body of water. The marine drive comprises a motor housing defining a motor cavity; a motor disposed in the motor cavity; a propulsor shaft extending from the motor housing, wherein the motor is configured to cause rotation of the propulsor shaft; a propulsor which is rotated by the propulsor shaft to create a thrust force in the body of water; and a vent conduit having a first end connected to the motor cavity and a second end which vents the motor cavity to atmosphere.

Abstract: A propulsion device for rotating a propulsor to propel a marine vessel. The propulsion device includes a drive housing having a cavity that extends along a first central axis. A motor is positioned within the cavity. The motor rotates a shaft extending along a second central axis that is non-coaxial with the first central axis. The shaft is configured to rotate the propulsor to propel the marine vessel.

Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a cylindrical outer surface having a series of external splines formed thereupon and having a series of external threads formed in the series of external splines. The series of external splines engages with a mating series of internal splines on a driven gear. The series of external threads engages with a mating series of internal threads on a nut that holds the driven gear axially in place on the propeller shaft. A shaft for a marine drive unit and a marine drive assembly are also described.

Abstract: A lubrication system and method are disclosed. The system includes a main engine bearing and a crankshaft in operational association with the bearing. The crankshaft includes an end having a cavity with a power transmitting element (e.g., splines). The cavity can receive and engage a mating mechanism to transmit power thereto. The crankshaft further includes a first oil passage that is disposed within the end and a second oil passage that extends from the main engine bearing into the crankshaft. The first oil passage intersects the second oil passage. The system can also include a pump mechanism for circulating lubricating oil from the main engine bearing to the crankshaft through the second oil passage and the first oil passage, and to the cavity to lubricate the power transmitting element. During engine operation, a constant supply of lubricating oil can be provided to the power transmitting element to reduce component wear.

Abstract: A lubrication system and method are disclosed. The system includes a main engine bearing and a crankshaft in operational association with the bearing. The crankshaft includes an end having a cavity with a power transmitting element (e.g., splines). The cavity can receive and engage a mating mechanism to transmit power thereto. The crankshaft further includes a first oil passage that is disposed within the end and a second oil passage that extends from the main engine bearing into the crankshaft. The first oil passage intersects the second oil passage. The system can also include a pump mechanism for circulating lubricating oil from the main engine bearing to the crankshaft through the second oil passage and the first oil passage, and to the cavity to lubricate the power transmitting element. During engine operation, a constant supply of lubricating oil can be provided to the power transmitting element to reduce component wear.