Abstract: A gear case assembly for a marine propulsion system has a gear case having a first end adapted to connect the gear case to a remainder of the marine propulsion system, and a second end disposed opposite the first end. A driveshaft is disposed at least in part in the gear case. A propeller shaft, operatively connected to an end of the driveshaft, is disposed at an angle thereto. The end of the driveshaft and at least a portion of the propeller shaft are disposed in a transmission chamber defined in the gear case. An expansion port is defined in the gear case. A container, defining an expansion chamber, is disposed outside the gear case. The expansion port fluidly communicates the transmission chamber with the expansion chamber. An outboard engine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The gear case assembly has a gear case, a driveshaft and a propeller shaft mounted at an angle to the driveshaft, each at least partly disposed within the gear case, a transmission having forward and reverse gears and a shift rod, and an electric transmission actuator assembly having an actuation axis and an actuator end engaging the shift rod. The transmission is operatively connected the propeller shaft and the driveshaft selectively drives the propeller shaft via the transmission. An actuator chamber houses at least part of the actuator assembly. There is a gap between the actuator assembly and an actuator chamber wall in a direction perpendicular to the actuation axis. The gap is sized and shaped to permit a translation of the actuator assembly away from the shift rod for disengagement from the shift rod. A gear case, a marine outboard engine and a method of assembly 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.