Abstract: An improved marine vessel includes a hull, the hull including a transom and having a predetermined waterline intersecting the hull and the transom. The vessel further includes an upper driveshaft disposed above the waterline, an engine disposed within the hull including an engine drive shaft, and a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is configured to operatively couple the engine drive shaft to the upper drive shaft. The transmission shaft extends in an inclined orientation relative to a bottom of the hull between the engine drive shaft and the upper drive shaft. The vessel includes a stern drive attached to the transom, wherein the stern drive operatively couples the upper drive shaft to a propeller.

Abstract: A marine vessel is provided having a stern drive attached to the transom of the vessel. An actuator is provided for adjusting the pitch of the stern drive relative to the transom of the vessel. The stern drive is mounted on the transom of the vessel such that a driveshaft driven by the engine of the vessel and passing through the transom to enter the stern drive does so above the waterline of the vessel. Furthermore, the actuator is of a sufficient length to allow the pitch of the stern drive to be adjusted to such a degree that the entire stern drive can be brought above the waterline of the vessel. To this end, the actuator may be disposed between the transom of the vessel and a cantilevered member attached to the stern drive.

Abstract: A marine vessel is provided having a stern drive attached to the transom of the vessel. An actuator is provided for adjusting the pitch of the stern drive relative to the transom of the vessel. The stern drive is mounted on the transom of the vessel such that a driveshaft driven by the engine of the vessel and passing through the transom to enter the stern drive does so above the waterline of the vessel. Furthermore, the actuator is of a sufficient length to allow the pitch of the stern drive to be adjusted to such a degree that the entire stern drive can be brought above the waterline of the vessel. To this end, the actuator may be disposed between the transom of the vessel and a cantilevered member attached to the stern drive.