Abstract: A method of assembling an outboard engine is disclosed. The outboard engine has first and second driveshafts, each having a helical gear on a first end and a driving gear on a second end. A driven shaft has a driven gear. The method comprises: rotating the driven shaft; measuring an axial displacement of one of the first and second helical gears with respect to the engine casing; selecting a shim based at least in part on the measurement of the relative axial displacement; and placing the shim on the one of the first and second driveshafts at a position axially below the helical gear. A method of assembling a marine outboard engine comprising moving a height adjustment member from a first position to a second position based on the relative axial displacement is also disclosed. An outboard engine with first and second helical gears at different heights is also disclosed.

Abstract: A propeller assembly is disclosed, comprising propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. A cam follower is disposed on each propeller blade. A cam is movable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Recesses formed in the cam have a first segment, a second segment and a third segment, oriented at first, second and third angles. The first segment is oriented at a first angle relative to the central axis. The cam followers engage the first segment of the recesses when the cam moves between first and second positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between a first pitch and a second pitch. The cam followers engage the second segment of the recesses when the cam moves between second and third positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between the second pitch and a third pitch.

Abstract: A method of assembling an outboard engine is disclosed. The outboard engine has first and second driveshafts, each having a helical gear on a first end and a driving gear on a second end. A driven shaft has a driven gear. The method comprises: rotating the driven shaft; measuring an axial displacement of one of the first and second helical gears with respect to the engine casing; selecting a shim based at least in part on the measurement of the relative axial displacement; and placing the shim on the one of the first and second driveshafts at a position axially below the helical gear. A method of assembling a marine outboard engine comprising moving a height adjustment member from a first position to a second position based on the relative axial displacement is also disclosed. An outboard engine with first and second helical gears at different heights is also disclosed.

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 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.