Abstract: A gearbox dampening system configured to absorb axial movement of the crank of the airboat engine to reduce damage causing vibration and noise is disclosed. The gearbox dampening system enables a gearbox to be releasably coupled to outer support structures of an engine to support the gearbox and enables one or more gears of the gearbox to be in communication with a crank of an airboat engine via one or more dampeners. In at least one embodiment, the one or more dampeners significantly reduces stresses imparted on the gears of the gearbox via axial movement of the crank of the engine created when the engine is running. In particular, axial movement of the crank of the engine, which would usually create noise, chatter and engine damage, is absorbed by the dampeners positioned between the crank and the one or more gears in the gearbox supporting an airboat propeller.

Abstract: An airboat rudder that results in increased turning force on the airboat while also being easily controlled by the airboat driver is disclosed. Airboats can be configured to run on both water and dry ground. Many times, somewhat dry mud and some types of grass are very difficult to run over and will cause an airboat to get stuck. One way of getting an airboat free is to oscillate the one or more airboat rudders from a hard right hand turn to a hard left hand turn. Doing so creates lateral forces on the airboat from both directions at different times causing the back of the airboat to move to the side and slightly forward as well. The airboat rudder disclosed herein increases the amount of lateral force generated on the airboat without increasing the horsepower of the airboat engine, which is highly desirable.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of strawberry plant ‘Mayflower’ characterized by its firm berries that are tolerant to rain, and bright red in color and by its vigorous growth habit with tolerance to Phytophthora cactorum.