Abstract: Stern drive assembly configured for utilization in an inboard/outboard power plant for a boat. The stern drive assembly includes a central rigid core that is configured at an upper portion to be coupled to the stern of a carrying boat. A lower portion of the core is designed to accept a boat-moving force generated by a water propulsion unit that is coupled thereto. A thin-walled housing is configured to be secured about a predominance of the centrally located rigid core. The housing has an outer surface that establishes an exterior of the stern drive assembly and an inner surface directed generally toward the central rigid core. A portion of an exterior surface of the central rigid core is configured to cooperate with a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the thin-walled housing. These two portions, when in cooperative orientation one with the other, form a functional feature for the stern drive assembly.

Abstract: Inboard/outboard trim/tilt assembly including a shield assembly for being secured to a transom of the boat. A gimbal ring is pivotably coupled to the shield assembly at an axis of rotation. A drive frame is pivotably connected to the gimbal ring so that the drive frame pivots in conjunction with the gimbal ring. A single trim cylinder is included that has a first end connected to the gimbal ring and a second end connected to the drive frame. The trim cylinder has a cylinder rod and a cylinder housing and the cylinder rod is movable within the cylinder housing. The cylinder rod moves in a first direction relative to the cylinder housing for tilting the drive frame to a trim up position and moves in a second direction relative to the cylinder housing for tilting the drive frame to a trim down position. For protective purposes, the trim cylinder is at least partially covered by a portion of the gimbal ring.