Abstract: A small watercraft engine having a lubrication system including a lubrication oil reservoir defining a cooling water jacket therein. A cooling system of the engine supplies cooling water to the water jacket. The water jacket includes at least one rib, and preferably a plurality of ribs, to guide the cooling water within the water jacket. The ribs may be arranged to guide cooling water from a lower portion of the water jacket to an upper portion of the water jacket through two or more generally distinct horizontal regions. Preferably, a pair of baffle arrangements are disposed within the oil reservoir. A first baffle arrangement separates the interior space of the reservoir from a breather chamber which communicates with the intake system. A second baffle arrangement is configured to generally retain oil within a lower portion of the reservoir so as to be available to a delivery port, which delivers oil to an oil pump of the engine.

Abstract: A small watercraft engine having a lubrication system including a lubrication oil reservoir defining a cooling water jacket therein. A cooling system of the engine supplies cooling water to the water jacket. The water jacket includes at least one rib, and preferably a plurality of ribs, to guide the cooling water within the water jacket. The ribs may be arranged to guide cooling water from a lower portion of the water jacket to an upper portion of the water jacket through two or more generally distinct horizontal regions. Preferably, a pair of baffle arrangements are disposed within the oil reservoir. A first baffle arrangement separates the interior space of the reservoir from a breather chamber which communicates with the intake system. A second baffle arrangement is configured to generally retain oil within a lower portion of the reservoir so as to be available to a delivery port, which delivers oil to an oil pump of the engine.

Abstract: A watercraft has an exhaust system. The exhaust system has a first portion cooled by cooling jackets and a second portion cooled by merged flow. The first portion is coupled to the second portion with a flexible coupling having an undulating surface. An overheat detection system is positioned proximate the flexible coupling. The overheat detection system is arranged to detect a rapid increase in temperature resulting from a blocked cooling jacket. During periods of normal operation, a first temperature reading is detected. During periods of abnormal operation, a rapid increase in temperature indicates a sudden decrease in cooling water within the cooling jacket. Warning signals are emitted to the operator by an overheat prevention unit to advise the operator of the condition.