Abstract: A monolithic metallic drive shaft for a marine propulsion device is disclosed which is resistant to corrosion. The drive shaft comprises proximal and distal end portions, each of which has a predetermined surface hardness. The surface hardness of one of the proximal and distal end portions is greater than the surface hardness of the other of the proximal and distal end portions.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising an engine, a propeller shaft, a first drive shaft portion defining an axis and having a first end connected to the engine, and a second end opposite the first end, a second drive shaft portion coaxially aligned with the first drive shaft portion, having a first end connected to the propeller shaft, and a second end opposite the first end of the second drive shaft portion and telescopically connected to the second end of the first drive shaft portion, a device for preventing relative rotation between the first and second drive shaft portions about the axis, and a device for securing the first drive shaft portion to the second drive shaft portion.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a lower gearcase, a propeller shaft having thereon a propeller and being rotatably mounted in the lower gearcase, a drive gear rotatably mounted in the lower gearcase, a transmission for causing driving engagement between the drive gear and the propeller shaft, a lever rotatably mounted in the lower gearcase and operably connected to the transmission for actuation thereof in response to rotation of the lever, and a detent mechanism for releasably retaining the lever in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit including a propeller shaft mounted for rotation about an axis, a propeller mounted on the propeller shaft, a drive gear, and a transmission including an actuator movable along the propeller shaft axis for selectively effecting driving engagement between the drive gear and the propeller shaft, an engine drivingly connected to the drive gear, a shift member movable along an axis transverse to the propeller shaft axis, and a mechanism selectively connectable, in alternative first and second conditions, between the shift member and the actuator for moving the actuator in opposite first and second directions along the propeller shaft axis in response to movement of the shift member in opposite directions, the mechanism moving the actuator in the first direction when connected in the first condition and when the shift member is moved in one direction, and the mechanism moving the actuator in the second direction when connected in the second condition and when the

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit including a gearcase, a driveshaft having an end extending into the gearcase, a pinion mounted on the end of the driveshaft, a propeller shaft bearing housing located within the gearcase having a forward end adjacent the pinion, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted in the propeller shaft bearing housing and having a rear end portion and a portion forwardly of the rear end portion, a propeller mounted on the rear end of the propeller shaft, a bevel gear adjacent the forward end of the propeller shaft bearing housing and engaging the pinion, the bevel gear including an annular forwardly facing thrust transferring surface, and an annular thrust transferring element mounted on the propeller shaft bearing housing and engageable with the annular forwardly facing thrust transferring surface so as to transfer thrust forwardly from the bevel gear through the thrust transferring element and to the propeller shaft bearing housing.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising an engine, a lower unit adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis, the lower unit including a lower gearcase having therein lubricant, and a propeller rotatably supported by the lower gearcase, a generally vertical drive shaft rotatably supported in the lower unit and including an upper end driven by the engine, a lower end drivingly connected to the propeller, an axial bore extending upwardly from the lower end and defining a sleeve portion of the drive shaft, and an aperture extending radially through the sleeve portion, and internal threads within the axial bore for pumping lubricant from the lower gearcase upwardly through the axial bore to the aperture so that the lubricant flows outwardly through the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising an internal combustion engine, a lower unit including a rotatably mounted propeller shaft drivingly connected to the internal combustion engine and a propeller mounted on the propeller shaft, the lower unit further including a gearcase housing having an interior groove and a locating shoulder, a propeller shaft bearing housing within the gearcase housing engaging the locating shoulder, a beveled retaining ring received in the interior groove and engaging the propeller shaft bearing housing to bias the propeller shaft bearing housing against the locating shoulder, and a locking mechanism for preventing rotation of the propeller shaft bearing housing relative to the gearcase housing and for preventing disengagement of the beveled retaining ring from the interior groove.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device adapted to be mounted to the transom of the boat, the marine propulsion device comprising an engine, a rotatably mounted propeller, and a drive shaft assembly drivingly connecting the engine to the propeller, the drive shaft assembly including a lower drive shaft member having a lower end coupled to the propeller and having a threaded upper end, the drive shaft assembly further including an upper drive shaft member having a threaded lower end for threadedly engaging the threaded upper end of the lower drive shaft member.