Abstract: Two embodiments of small watercraft incorporating an improved exhaust system for handling the exhaust gases from the engine. In each embodiment, at least one expansion chamber is provided for silencing and cooling the exhaust gases and exhaust gases are delivered from the engine exhaust port to the expansion chamber through a horizontally extending exhaust conduit that has its outlet opening communicating with the expansion chamber at a position spaced substantial distances from the vertically extending side and end walls of the expansion chamber for precluding the likelihood of entry of water into the engine cylinders through the exhaust system. In one embodiment, two such expansion chambers are employed.

Abstract: Several embodiments of water propulsion units for water jet propulsion crafts wherein an improved bearing support is provided for supporting an elongated drive shaft to permit the engine to be positioned well forwardly in the hull. In accordance with each embodiment, the bearing support member is elongated and is affixed rigidly to the jet propulsion unit in a radial direction for facilitating alignment.

Abstract: Several embodiments of improved mechanisms for controlling an outboard drive of a marine watercraft. In each embodiment, there is provided a hand held control unit that permits remote steering and engine control of the watercraft. In some embodiments, the hand held control includes a rotatable control element for effecting steering and a reciprocating control element for killing the engine. In some embodiments, the controls for the engine and steering are designed to be operated by different fingers of the user and in other embodiments, they are designed so as to be operated by the same finger of the operator. In addition, there is included an improved sensor for sensing the steered position of the outboard drive.

Abstract: A tilt and trim arrangement for an outboard drive wherein the hydraulic control system is effective to cause tilting up of the outboard drive without necessitating movement of the trim cylinder assembly.

Abstract: Several embodiments of vibration damping devices for preventing the transmission of vibrations from the power head of an outboard motor to the transom of the boat to which it is attached. In each embodiment, a vibration damping pad is interposed between the power head and the drive shaft housing to isolate vibrations. In accordance with another feature of the invention, a flexible coupling is interposed between the engine output shaft and the drive shaft for permitting relative vibration damping between the power head and the drive shaft housing. A number of embodiments are disclosed that show various arrangements through which the vibration damping pad is affixed to a pair of supporting plates. In addition, an arrangement is provided for cooling the vibration damping pad in the area through which exhaust gases are passed from the engine to the drive shaft housing.

Abstract: Several embodiments of trim and tilt arrangements for outboard drives that adjust the trim condition of the outboard drive unit in response to driving thrust and/or velocity of the boat so as to provide the optimum flow resistance under all conditions.

Abstract: A reverse lock and tilt locking mechanism for an outboard drive embodying a simplified construction wherein a single operating handle controls both the reverse locking mechanism and the tilt locking mechanism. The construction is such that when the operating handle is moved to a position to release the reverse locking mechanism, the tilt locking mechanism can automatically engage when the outboard drive is tilted up.