Abstract: An independent hydraulic system for operating at least one first system used in the operation of a watercraft and adapted to be fluidly connected to one other independent hydraulic system for operating at least one second system used in the operation of the watercraft, so that actuating a driving actuator part of the independent hydraulic system, causes a flow of fluid to flow from the independent hydraulic system to the other independent hydraulic system.

Abstract: A crankshaft has a receiving platform for catching lubricant dropping from a main bearing assembly. The receiving platform has at least one wall disposed thereon. The wall has one point that is the furthest from the rotational axis of the crankshaft. One channel is defined in the platform and has an inlet disposed close to the point of the wall that is furthest from the rotational axis of the crankshaft. The channel has an outlet in the vicinity of a connecting rod bearing assembly, so that lubricant dropped on the receiving platform will flow to the connecting rod bearing assembly.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine is described, having an engine disposed in a cowling. The engine has a cooling system. A first pump is disposed inside the cowling below a water line of the outboard engine. The first pump is continuously driven by the engine during operation of the engine. The first pump is a centrifugal pump having an inlet in fluid communication with an exterior of the marine outboard engine below the water line and an outlet in fluid communication with the cooling system. A second pump is disposed inside the cowling below the water line. The second pump has an inlet in fluid communication with an exterior of the marine outboard engine below the water line and an outlet in fluid communication with the cooling system. An electric motor is operatively connected to the second pump for selectively driving the second pump during operation of the engine.

Abstract: An independent hydraulic system for operating at least one first system used in the operation of a watercraft and adapted to be fluidly connected to one other independent hydraulic system for operating at least one second system used in the operation of the watercraft, so that actuating a driving actuator part of the independent hydraulic system, causes a flow of fluid to flow from the independent hydraulic system to the other independent hydraulic system.

Abstract: A crankshaft has a receiving platform for catching lubricant dropping from a main bearing assembly. The receiving platform has at least one wall disposed thereon. The wall has one point that is the furthest from the rotational axis of the crankshaft. One channel is defined in the platform and has an inlet disposed close to the point of the wall that is furthest from the rotational axis of the crankshaft. The channel has an outlet in the vicinity of a connecting rod bearing assembly, so that lubricant dropped on the receiving platform will flow to the connecting rod bearing assembly.

Abstract: A propeller assembly has first and second propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. The first and second propeller blades are pivotable with respect to the propeller hub about corresponding first and second pivot axes to vary a pitch of the first and second propeller blades. A support member has a first end at least partially disposed within the first propeller blade and a second end at least partially disposed within the second propeller blade. The first end has a first central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the first pivot axis. The second end has a second central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the second pivot axis. A gear case having a propeller and a marine outboard engine having a propeller are also disclosed.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine has a cowling, an engine, a driveshaft operatively connected to the crankshaft, a gear case, a transmission disposed in the gear case and connected to the driveshaft, a propeller shaft disposed generally perpendicular to the driveshaft and operatively connected to the transmission, and a bladed rotor connected to the propeller shaft. A pair of engine mounts are operatively connected to the engine. Each engine mount defines an engine mount working axis. A steering shaft is operatively pivotally connected to the engine mounts. The engine mount working axes are generally perpendicular to the steering axis and pass through the steering shaft. A stern bracket is operatively pivotally connected to the steering shaft for mounting the outboard engine to a boat. A marine outboard engine where primary axes of the engine mounts pass through the steering shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine is disclosed which comprises a drive unit, a tilt/trim/steering subsystem and a stern bracket adapted for connection to an associated watercraft. The tilt/trim/steering subsystem connects the drive unit to the stern bracket and comprises a first rotary actuator carrying the drive unit for pivotal movement about a steering axis that extends generally vertically, and a second rotary actuator connected to the first rotary actuator and supporting the first rotary actuator and the drive unit for pivotal movement about a tilt/trim axis that extends generally horizontally.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine is described, having an engine disposed in a cowling. The engine has a cooling system. A first pump is disposed inside the cowling below a water line of the outboard engine. The first pump is continuously driven by the engine during operation of the engine. The first pump is a centrifugal pump having an inlet in fluid communication with an exterior of the marine outboard engine below the water line and an outlet in fluid communication with the cooling system. A second pump is disposed inside the cowling below the water line. The second pump has an inlet in fluid communication with an exterior of the marine outboard engine below the water line and an outlet in fluid communication with the cooling system. An electric motor is operatively connected to the second pump for selectively driving the second pump during operation of the engine.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine has a cowling, an engine, a driveshaft operatively connected to the crankshaft, a gear case, a transmission disposed in the gear case and connected to the driveshaft, a propeller shaft disposed generally perpendicular to the driveshaft and operatively connected to the transmission, and a bladed rotor connected to the propeller shaft. A pair of engine mounts are operatively connected to the engine. Each engine mount defines an engine mount working axis. A steering shaft is operatively pivotally connected to the engine mounts. The engine mount working axes are generally perpendicular to the steering axis and pass through the steering shaft. A stern bracket is operatively pivotally connected to the steering shaft for mounting the outboard engine to a boat. A marine outboard engine where primary axes of the engine mounts pass through the steering shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine block, a spark control member movably mounted on the engine block, means for controlling the spark timing of the engine in response to movement of the spark control member, a first actuating member movably mounted on the engine block, and means for adjustably connecting the first actuating member to the spark control member for common movement therewith.