Abstract: A device and a method for controlling an electrical steering system in a marine vessel comprising at least one steerable propulsion unit, the electrical steering system comprising a main steering system (220; 220.1) that comprises a main electric motor (221; 221.1) and a main power source, e.g. a main battery (229; 229.1); a main steering angle sensor (226; 226.1) arranged to detect the steering angle of the propulsion unit; a main control unit (240; 240.1) arranged to steer the propulsion unit and to monitor the main steering system status; an auxiliary steering system comprising an auxiliary electric motor (231; 231.1) and an auxiliary battery (239; 239.1); and an auxiliary clutch (232; 232.1) arranged to connect a drive shaft of the auxiliary electric motor to the input shaft of the steering transmission (223; 223.1).

Abstract: A multi-plate clutch transmission includes an arrangement for selectively engaging the clutch by moving the sleeve to cause one or more friction disks on a sleeve connected to a shaft to move into contact with one or more friction disks on a clutch basket connected to a gear driven by another gear and another shaft driven by a prime mover. An arrangement for selectively disengaging the clutch is provided that uses prime mover torque to move the one or more friction disks on the sleeve out of contact with the one or more.friction disks on the clutch basket.

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling an electrical steering system in a marine vessel comprising at least one steerable propulsion unit, the electrical steering system comprising a main steering system (220; 220.1) that comprises a main electric motor (221; 221.1) and a main power source, e.g. a main battery (229; 229.1); a main steering angle sensor (226; 226.1) arranged to detect the steering angle of the propulsion unit; a main control unit (240; 240.1) arranged to steer the propulsion unit and to monitor the main steering system status; an auxiliary steering system comprising an auxiliary electric motor (231; 231.1) and an auxiliary battery (239; 239.1); and an auxiliary clutch (232; 232.1) arranged to connect a drive shaft of the auxiliary electric motor to the input shaft of the steering transmission (223; 223.1).

Abstract: A multi-plate clutch transmission includes an arrangement for selectively engaging the clutch by moving the sleeve to cause one or more friction disks on a sleeve connected to a shaft to move into contact with one or more friction disks on a clutch basket connected to a gear driven by another gear and another shaft driven by a prime mover. An arrangement for selectively disengaging the clutch is provided that uses prime mover torque to move the one or more friction disks on the sleeve out of contact with the one or more.friction disks on the clutch basket.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to lighting systems employed in outboard motors used as marine propulsion systems, and to marine vessel assemblies employing outboard motors with such lighting systems, and related methods of operation and implementation. In one example embodiment of a lighting system, the lighting system includes a first cowling panel portion including a reflective strip portion, and a second cowling panel portion that, in combination with the first cowling panel portion, at least partly defines an interior region within the cowling. The lighting system also includes a lighting source that is positioned within the interior region and positioned so that, when operating, first light is emitted toward the reflective strip portion and, upon the first light reaching the reflective strip portion, at least some of the first light is directed outward away from the cowling.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.

Abstract: A propeller drive assembly includes a driveshaft for transferring a torque between an engine and a propeller of a water surface vessel, and a housing enclosing the driveshaft. The assembly includes, separately from the driveshaft, a first element and a second element, the first element extending through a first bore of the second element, wherein one of the first and second elements is fixed to the driveshaft and the other of the first and second elements is arranged to be stationary in relation to the housing, and the one of the first and second elements which is fixed to the driveshaft presents in the first bore a first elongated cavity forming a first helix along the first bore, so as to form with the other of the first and second elements a screw pump.

Abstract: A propeller drive assembly for transferring a torque between an engine and at least one propeller of a water surface vessel includes a plurality of lubrication clients. The propeller drive assembly includes a first lubrication system arranged to house a first lubricant, dedicated for lubrication of at least one first of the lubrication clients, and a second lubrication system arranged to house a second lubricant, dedicated for lubrication of at least one second of the lubrication clients, the at least one second lubrication client includes a seal arranged to seal the second lubrication system from a body of water surrounding at least a portion of the propeller drive assembly, the second lubrication system being arranged to transport the second lubricant to the seal.

Abstract: A drain system for a marine engine cooling system, includes an engine having one of a closed coolant circuit or an open cooling circuit, a raw water passageway having a raw water intake for drawing raw water into the raw water passageway, including a hose arranged to have a vertically high point and a vertically low point, a drain valve connected to the raw water passageway at the in hose vertically low point, a vent line connected to the raw water passageway at the hose vertically high point and a control handle located remote from the hose vertically high point and the hose vertically low point, the control handle having a vent valve connected to the vent line, the control handle being connected to the drain valve by a cable, wherein movement of the control handle selectively simultaneously opens and closes the drain valve and the vent valve.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, transmission devices for such an outboard motor, and related methods of making, operating, and modifying attributes of same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the motor, positioned substantially above a trimming axis of the motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to propeller(s). In at least a further embodiment, the motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, and/or other transmission features. In at least some additional embodiments, a transmission device of the motor is configured to facilitate gear ratio variation and/or includes an integrated oil pump.

Abstract: A propeller drive assembly for transferring a torque between an engine and at least one propeller of a water surface vessel includes a plurality of lubrication clients. The propeller drive assembly includes a first lubrication system arranged to house a first lubricant, dedicated for lubrication of at least one first of the lubrication clients, and a second lubrication system arranged to house a second lubricant, dedicated for lubrication of at least one second of the lubrication clients, the at least one second lubrication client includes a seal arranged to seal the second lubrication system from a body of water surrounding at least a portion of the propeller drive assembly, the second lubrication system being arranged to transport the second lubricant to the seal.

Abstract: Embodiments of outboard motors and related systems and components thereof, as well as arrangements of marine vessels implementing same, as well as related methods of operation, use, assembly, and manufacture, and related improvements, are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the outboard motor includes a cowling system in which at least one divider portion separates an interior region into first and second portion, with the transmission and engine respectively being situated in the first and second portions, respectively. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the outboard motor includes a water pump system in which a water pump is integrated with the transmission. Further, in at least some embodiments, the outboard motor includes a fuel vaporization suppression feature, or an oil tank feature that allows for desirable oil drainage from the engine of the outboard motor particularly when the outboard motor is in particular (e.g., storage) positions.

Abstract: A pontoon boat includes a deck supported by two pontoons extending in a fore-aft direction and water diverters mounted to the pontoons, the water diverters being movable between a neutral position that does not substantially divert water and a deployed position extended laterally from the boat to divert water.

Abstract: A drain system for a marine engine cooling system, includes an engine having one of a closed coolant circuit or an open cooling circuit, a raw water passageway having a raw water intake for drawing raw water into the raw water passageway, including a hose arranged to have a vertically high point and a vertically low point, a drain valve connected to the raw water passageway at the in hose vertically low point, a vent line connected to the raw water passageway at the hose vertically high point and a control handle located remote from the hose vertically high point and the hose vertically low point, the control handle having a vent valve connected to the vent line, the control handle being connected to the drain valve by a cable, wherein movement of the control handle selectively simultaneously opens and closes the drain valve and the vent valve.

Abstract: A propeller drive assembly includes a driveshaft for transferring a torque between an engine and a propeller of a water surface vessel, and a housing enclosing the driveshaft. The assembly includes, separately from the driveshaft, a first element and a second element, the first element extending through a first bore of the second element, wherein one of the first and second elements is fixed to the driveshaft and the other of the first and second elements is arranged to be stationary in relation to the housing, and the one of the first and second elements which is fixed to the driveshaft presents in the first bore a first elongated cavity forming a first helix along the first bore, so as to form with the other of the first and second elements a screw pump.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a boat. The boat is adapted to float in a body of water. The boat includes a hull having a longitudinal extension along a hull longitudinal axis, a lateral extension along a hull lateral axis and a vertical extension along a hull vertical axis. The boat also includes a set of drive units, the set of drive units comprising at least one drive unit. Each drive unit in the set is arranged such that it, during driving of the boat, is adapted to be at least partially submerged into the body of water; adapted to be pivotable, relative to the hull, around a drive unit longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the hull longitudinal axis such that a drive unit roll angle can be varied, and adapted to be pivotable, relative to the hull, around a steering axis that forms an angle with the drive unit longitudinal, axis such that a drive unit steering angle can be varied.

Abstract: A tractor-type stern drive for a boat includes a drive housing pivotally attached to the stern of the boat about a steering axis. At least one pulling-type propeller is rotatably mounted to a forward end of the gear casing. The at least one propeller is powered by a vertical drive shaft perpendicular to the propeller shaft axis. The steering axis is offset forward of the drive shaft to help minimize steering torque about the steering axis.

Abstract: Steering control system for a vessel including set of propulsion units including at least two propulsion units pivotally arranged in relation to the hull of the vessel for generating a driving thrust of the vessel in a desired direction, the control system including a steering control instrument for generating input signals for control of a desired route of the vessel a control unit complex controlling the angular position of the propulsion units, the control unit complex being arranged for receiving input signals from the steering control instrument, which input signals represents a general direction of movement of the vessel and thus a general desired angular position of each propulsion unit the control unit complex furthermore containing a feed forward pivot angle correction control block for each propulsion unit, which feed forward pivot angle correction blocks are arranged to generate desired angular positions of the propulsion units by adding a correction value to the general desired angular position of