Abstract: A continuity spring (27) is provided to make electrical contact between the cylinder (13) and piston rod (14) of a hydraulic piston-cylinder (10). The spring (27) is mounted in an annular groove (28) in the end cap (15) of the cylinder. A straight section (29) of the spring (27) contacts both the cylinder (13) and the piston rod (14) to establish electrical contact between the piston rod (14) and a cathodic protection system (25).

Abstract: An improved electric fishing motor having a planetary reduction assembly utilizes the axle for the planet member to transfer the thrust load from the propeller to the motor housing for movement of the boat.

Abstract: An engine driven outboard drive unit for propelling a watercraft has a vertical drive shaft driving a horizontal propeller shaft on which a propeller is mounted. The drive unit has a gearcase torpedo which houses both the propeller shaft and an annular exhaust gas passage. The exhaust passage discharges aft through the plane of the propeller. A small annular projection is formed around the aft end of the torpedo to improve high speed performance.

Abstract: In a stern drive for watercraft, of the type using a gimbal ring to support the external propulsion unit, the gimbal ring is provided with an upper vertical square bore, a slot across the bore, and clamping bolts to provide full engagement with the square sides of a steering swivel shaft.

Abstract: A cold start fuel enrichment system for an internal combustion engine uses fuel from the upper carburetor for enriching the air-fuel mixture in the lower carburetors by gravity feed. A fuel line runs from the upper carburetor float bowl to the throttle bores of the lower carburetor. A solenoid valve in the fuel line controls its operation.

Abstract: The inlet manifold for a V-6, two-cycle outboard motor engine is arranged with one inlet passage for each cylinder. The inlet passages form a V with each passage substantially in line with the cylinder it feeds, but sloping downward.

Abstract: The male cone member of a cone clutch mechanism has two springs, each encircling cam faces on the male cone member and bearing against the forward and reverse clutch gears, respectively, to bias the cone member away from its center or neutral position toward either the forward or reverse clutch gear. An eccentric roller on the shift actuator shaft engages with a circumferential groove in the male cone member to provide a vibrating force against the member for shifting. The shift means uses a cam and bell crank mechanism to convert axial movement of the shift controller to rotary movement of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A control unit for an engine of the type having a shift means for shifting between forward, neutral, and reverse and a throttle means for controlling engine speeds between idle and high speed includes a housing and a control handle rotatably supported at one end by the housing. Shift and throttle cables extend between the engine and the housing, and respond to rotation of the handle to control the engine shifting and throttle during portions of the period of rotation of the handle. A lock rod extends through the handle and is adapted at one end to alternately engage and disengage with the housing; and when engaged with the housing, prevents rotation of the handle from a position corresponding to neutral and idle throttle. A trigger at the outer end of the handle is connected to axially rotate the lock rod to radially disengage the other end of the lock rod and permit rotation of the handle out of the neutral and idle conditions.

Abstract: A cone clutch mechanism has its forward and reverse clutch gears supported by bearings mounted on the housing, with a main shaft supported by bearings mounted on the housing in the same planes as the forward and reverse gear bearings. The male cone member is biased by two springs, each encircling cam faces on the member and bearing against the forward and reverse clutch gears, respectively, to bias the cone member away from its center or neutral position.