Abstract: In one embodiment, an outboard marine engine comprises the internal combustion engine and a propulsor that is driven into rotation by the internal combustion engine so as to effect a thrust. The outboard marine engine further includes a transmission that shifts amongst a fourth gear wherein the thrust is forward thrust, a reverse gear wherein the thrust is a reverse thrust, and a neutral gear wherein the thrust is a zero thrust. The outboard marine engine further includes a shift rod that is rotatable about its own axis, wherein rotation of the shift rod about its own axis shifts the transmission amongst the forward gear, the reverse gear, and the neutral gear. An actuator operably connects to the internal combustion engine and causes rotation of a gear shaft. At least one gearset connects the gear shaft to the shift rod such that rotation of the gear shaft about its own axis rotates the shift rod about its own axis.

Abstract: In a marine transmission, trailing faces of each of a plurality of gear projections extending axially from a forward gear are provided with a rake angle. This rake angle of each trailing face cooperates with an associated surface of each of a plurality of clutch projections to retain a dog clutch in an axial position relative to the forward gear even during periods when a marine vessel is rapidly decelerating and, as a result, the dog clutch moves into driving relation with the forward gear.

Abstract: A retaining member is provided and attached to a bevel gear in order to allow the bevel gear to be attached, prior to assembly, to a bearing adapter. The retaining member is provided with first and second protuberances that extend radially outwardly from diametrically opposite positions on the retaining member so that the protuberances can be inserted through first and second slots in a generally cylindrical member, or bearing adapter, during the assembly of individual components to form a subassembly. Since the bearing adapter is attached to a bearing carrier, misalignment of the protuberances and the slots allow the bevel gear and several other assorted components to be retained in contact with the bearing carrier so that the components are not free to move in axial directions away from each other to allow separation of these components.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device is provided with a water inlet system that comprises at least a plurality of frontal inlet openings at the tapered forward end of a gearcase portion of a housing structure. The water inlet system can be provided for an outboard motor or a stern drive unit. Additional water flow can be provided through side inlet formed in the housing structure of the marine propulsion device where both the frontal inlet openings and side inlet openings are connected with fluid communication with the water pump mounted within the housing structure.