Abstract: A trim control system for controlling a relative position of a trimmable marine device with respect to a marine vessel hull includes a trim actuator coupled to the trimmable marine device about a horizontal trim axis. The trim control system further includes a trim control module executable on a processor and configured to identify a target trim position for the trimmable marine device, determine a desired trim rate of change to rotate the trimmable marine device about the horizontal axis from a current trim position toward a target trim position, and operate the trim actuator to rotate the trimmable marine device at the desired trim rate of change toward the target trim position.

Abstract: A steering actuator is for steering an outboard marine engine about a steering axis. The steering actuator has a piston device and a valve device. Hydraulic actuation of the piston device causes the outboard marine engine to pivot about the steering axis. The valve device controls a flow of hydraulic fluid to the piston device to thereby hydraulically actuate the piston device. The valve device comprises a lead screw; a motor configured to rotate the lead screw in a first rotational direction and alternately in an opposite, second rotational direction; and a ball nut coupled to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes the ball nut to axially move along the lead screw, and wherein axial movement of the ball nut along the lead screw actuates the valve device, which thereby actuates the piston device to steer the outboard marine engine.

Abstract: A system for controlling trim position of a marine propulsion device on a marine vessel includes a trim actuator having a first end configured to couple to the marine propulsion device and a second end configured to couple to the marine vessel. A controller controls position of the trim actuator between an extended position wherein the propulsion device is trimmed up with respect to the vessel and a retracted position wherein the propulsion device is trimmed down with respect to the vessel. A shock relief mechanism overrides position control by the controller and allows extension of the trim actuator upon the occurrence of an overpressure event. An arresting mechanism, when activated, prevents extension of the trim actuator beyond a certain limit. The controller selectively activates the arresting mechanism in response to a determination that the propulsion device is being commanded in reverse. Methods for controlling trim position are also included.

Abstract: A steering system for an outboard motor uses bearing support structures to attach a steering mechanism to a trim/tilt bracket which is attachable to a transom of a marine vessel. The steering mechanism comprises upper and lower attachment brackets which are permanently attached to a tubular member extending therebetween. The tubular member is attached to the bracket through the use of two bearing support structures in combination with two pairs of split bearings.

Abstract: A support system for an outboard motor uses mounts which are configured and positioned to result in an elastic center point being located closely to a roll axis of the outboard motor which is generally vertical and extends through a center of gravity of the outboard motor. The mounts are positioned so that lines which are perpendicular to their respective center lines intersect at an angle which can be generally equal to 90 degrees. The mounts are positioned in non-interfering relationship with the exhaust components of the outboard motor and its oil sump.

Abstract: A support system for a marine propulsion device attaches a plurality of mounts to a transom, or transom plate, of a marine vessel. The mounts remain generally stationary with respect to the transom when the outboard motor is trimmed or tilted about its trim axis. This allows easy access to the mounts which are not buried within the structure of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A support device for a marine propulsion system, such as an outboard motor, provides a swivel bracket that is rotatable about a tilt axis relative to a transom bracket with a hydraulic cylinder formed as an integral part of the swivel bracket. A vertical plane in which a central axis of the hydraulic cylinder is disposed is positioned between and parallel to vertical planes in which the tilt axis and steering axis are disposed, respectively. The steering axis is rotatable about the tilt axis and a horizontal plane in which the central axis is disposed remains above a horizontal plane in which the tilt axis is disposed.

Abstract: The support structure for an outboard motor provides a connection bar between an engine support structure and a steering structure. A tubular outer member is spaced apart from the attachment bar and connected to the attachment bar with an elastomeric member. Vibration isolation and consistency of deformation is achieved through the interaction of the individual elements of the structure.