Abstract: A method for managing start up of a four-stroke engine, the method being performed by a controller communicatively connected to the engine. The method includes determining, using a crankshaft sensor, an angular orientation of the crankshaft, the crankshaft being rotated by a starter motor prior to ignition of the engine; determining, using the crankshaft sensor, at least one engine speed variation as the crankshaft rotates through at least one measurement window; and identifying a working cycle phase of the crankshaft including in response to an absolute value of the at least one engine speed variation being above a threshold, determining that the crankshaft is in an ignition revolution of a two revolution working cycle of the engine in the measurement window, subsequent ignition of the engine being based on determination of the angular orientation and the working cycle phase of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A method for managing start up of a four-stroke engine, the method being performed by a controller communicatively connected to the engine. The method includes determining, using a crankshaft sensor, an angular orientation of the crankshaft, the crankshaft being rotated by a starter motor prior to ignition of the engine; determining, using the crankshaft sensor, at least one engine speed variation as the crankshaft rotates through at least one measurement window; and identifying a working cycle phase of the crankshaft including in response to an absolute value of the at least one engine speed variation being above a threshold, determining that the crankshaft is in an ignition revolution of a two revolution working cycle of the engine in the measurement window, subsequent ignition of the engine being based on determination of the angular orientation and the working cycle phase of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A method for changing a gear driving configuration of a discrete gear transmission (DGT) in a powertrain including an engine operatively connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The DGT has a DGT input shaft operatively connected to a CVT driven pulley, a plurality of gears having a plurality of gear driving configurations and a DGT output shaft selectively operatively connected to the DGT input shaft based on the gear driving configuration. Responsive to a gear shift request, a target driven pulley speed is determined for synchronizing the DGT input shaft with the DGT output shaft for the desired gear driving configuration. The engine is controlled to change an engine speed to the target engine speed corresponding to the determined target driven pulley speed. Responsive to the DGT input shaft being synchronized with the DGT output shaft, the current gear driving configuration is changed to the desired gear driving configuration.

Abstract: A boat has a hull, a deck having a deck floor, and an engine disposed in the hull. A top of the engine is disposed vertically below the deck floor. The engine includes a crankcase, a crankshaft, a pair of cylinder banks connected to the crankcase at an angle relative to each other. A transom extends generally vertically upwardly from a rear portion of the hull. A stern drive unit is connected to the transom and is operatively connected to the engine through the transom. In another aspect, a marine engine has a crankcase, a cylinder block, and a crankshaft. An output shaft is disposed vertically above the crankshaft. The output shaft is disposed at least partially internal to the engine. A drive, internal to the engine, is operatively connected to the crankshaft and the output shaft. A driveshaft coupling is disposed on the output shaft.

Abstract: A marine engine has a crankcase and a cylinder bank. An upper end of the cylinder bank defines a plane. A cylinder head is connected to the upper end of the cylinder bank. A crankshaft is disposed in the crankcase. A pump is operatively connected to the crankshaft so as to be operatively driven thereby. A center of the pump is disposed above the plane defined by the upper end of the cylinder bank. In another aspect, a marine engine has a crankcase and a crankshaft. A starter ring gear is disposed on an end portion of the crankshaft. A diameter of the starter ring gear is less than a width of the crankcase. A starter motor selectively engages the starter ring gear and is disposed such that the starter ring gear is disposed between the crankcase and the starter motor.