Motor Mount Assembly

Abstract

A motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft includes a transom mounting bracket for mounting the motor to a transom of the marine craft. A first swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft. A second swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the first swivel bracket to enable the motor to swivel around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. An orientation of the first axis is fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis.

Description

BACKGROUND

Outboard motors are attached to the transom of a boat by means of a motor mount. Outboard motors are designed to power and steer a boat. The motor mount assembly consists of two parts, a boat mount bracket and swivel mount bracket. The boat mount bracket attaches to the boat by means of a clamp and/or bolts. The swivel mount bracket attaches the boat mount bracket to the marine engine and drive assembly. The swivel mount contains two swivel points. The first swivel point is attached to the boat mount and allows the marine engine and outdrive to rotate vertically along one axis. The resulting motion allows the propeller to be raised or lowered in relation to the surface of the water. The second swivel point attaches to the marine engine and outdrive and rotates along a horizontal plane. The resulting movement allows the propeller to be moved port or starboard which steers the boat. Traditional motor mounts are designed to be operated manually or power assisted by hydraulics or by electric motor in the vertical and horizontal movement axis. Traditional motor mounts contain one horizontal and one vertical pivot point. Traditional outboard motor mounts are configured to sustain limited impacts before breaking

SUMMARY

The present technology provides a motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft in accordance with an embodiment. The motor mount assembly according to this embodiment includes a transom mounting bracket for mounting the motor to a transom of the marine craft. A first vertical swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel vertically around a first horizontal axis with respect to the marine craft. A second swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the first vertical swivel bracket to enable the motor to swivel outwardly and upwardly around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. An orientation of the first axis is fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis.

In accordance with another embodiment, a motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft includes a transom mounting bracket to mount the motor to a transom of the marine craft. A first swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft. A second swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the first vertical swivel bracket, the second vertical swivel bracket enabling the motor to swivel outwardly and upwardly around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. The first and second axes can be positioned above the transom.

In accordance with another embodiment, a motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft includes a transom mounting bracket to mount the motor to a transom of the marine craft. A first swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft. A second swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the first vertical swivel bracket, the second vertical swivel bracket enabling the motor to swivel outwardly and upwardly around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. The first swivel bracket rotates around the first axis when actuated by an actuator and the second swivel bracket rotates freely around the second axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of a motor mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the motor mount of FIG. 1A illustrating an arrangement of mounting brackets within the motor mount;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a motor mount including multiple swivel brackets in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a swivel bracket coupled to an actuator in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIGS. 4A-4B are respectively perspective and side views of a second swivel bracket in accordance with embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a motor mount with a first swivel bracket coupled thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 6A is a side view of an outboard motor boat with a motor mounted thereto using a motor mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a portion of the outboard motor boat of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 6C is a side view of an outboard motor coupled to a motor mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the technology, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that various changes to the technology may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present technology is not intended to limit the scope of the technology, as claimed, but is presented for purposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe the features and characteristics of the present technology, to set forth the best mode of operation of the technology, and to sufficiently enable one skilled in the art to practice the technology. Accordingly, the scope of the present technology is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present technology, the following terminology will be used.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a rail” includes reference to one or more of such materials and reference to “attaching” refers to one or more such steps.

As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance, “substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified property or circumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures or elements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent” may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near or close to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exact degree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims. Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only be employed where for a specific claim limitation all of the following conditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for” is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expressly recited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plus function are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly, the scope of the technology should be determined solely by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions and examples given herein.

Motor Mount Assembly

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the technology is thereby intended. Additional features and advantages of the technology will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the technology.

With the general examples set forth in the Summary above, it is noted in the present disclosure that when describing the system, or the related devices or methods, individual or separate descriptions are considered applicable to one other, whether or not explicitly discussed in the context of a particular example or embodiment. For example, in discussing the motor mount assembly per se, other device, system, and/or method embodiments are also included in such discussions, and vice versa.

Furthermore, various modifications and combinations can be derived from the present disclosure and illustrations, and as such, the following figures should not be considered limiting.

As has been described, previous mounting brackets or assemblies for mounting an outboard motor to an outboard motor boat or marine craft have limitations in regard to managing engine weight, balance and the ability for the marine engine to freely ride up and over obstacles in shallow water. Being able to position the engine balance swivel point nearer to the engine center of gravity allows more control and ease of use by the operator when motoring through obstacle ridden waterways, for lifting the motor with the handle over logs and debris, and for lifting the motor to clear vegetation from the propeller.

Conventional marine motors are designed with hydraulic electric trim units attached directly to the single swivel bracket. Although such motors are designed to release during severe impacts, they are not designed to encounter severe impacts from rocks or logs more than a dozen or so times during the life of the trim unit. Having a second and free motion swivel bracket as with the present technology allows the first swivel bracket to be mounted directly to the hydraulic/electric trim unit, while the second swivel bracket is free to move vertically up and down during impacts. This arrangement provides more utility and longer life to a shallow running marine motor.

If a single pivot point is located closer to where the motor attaches to the bracket, the motor will pivot more easily on the bracket, reducing effort or force used to tilt the motor. However, maintaining a position of the motor pivoted with the pivot at this location can involve more force than if the pivot were positioned closer to the inside of the boat and farther from the motor. Also, the force for lifting the motor by pushing directly upward, such as with a hydraulic cylinder, is greater than if the pivot where positioned closer to the inside of the boat and farther from the motor. Accordingly, conventional designs have placed the pivot closer to the inside of the boat and farther from the motor. This facilitates use of a hydraulic cylinder to push upward to pivot the motor out away from the boat. Also, this position enables better distribution of the weight of the motor over the transom so that less force is used to maintain the raised position of the motor. However, in this configuration, a horizontal force, such as from an impact with a rock or branch in the water may cause greater damage to the motor because the horizontal force involved in pivoting the motor is greater. Further, when a hydraulic cylinder is used, the motor cannot freely pivot to reduce damage to the motor upon impact with an object.

The present technology provides a motor mounting assembly with benefits of hydraulic mounts and free mounts (i.e., mounts that pivot freely upon application of a force), and with the benefits of having a pivot point closer to the motor and a pivot point closer to the inside of the boat.

In FIGS. 1A-1B, a mounting assembly, indicated generally at 100, is shown in accordance with an example implementation of the present technology. FIG. 1A is a side view of a motor mount assembly (also known as a clamp or a yoke) in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the motor mount of FIG. 1A illustrating an arrangement of mounting brackets within the motor mount.

The mounting assembly includes a transom mounting bracket 110 to mount the motor to a transom of the marine craft. In some examples, the transom mounting bracket may comprise a plurality of transom mounting brackets which are coupled together directly or indirectly. In FIG. 1A, the transom mounting bracket at least partially obscures a view of swivel brackets 115, 120 (shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) contained within the mounting assembly 100. In FIG. 1B, one of a plurality of transom mounting brackets has been removed to illustrate the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A. However, a remaining transom mounting bracket is visible behind the swivel brackets.

The transom mounting bracket can include one or more clamp screws 125 or the like for securely fastening the mounting assembly to a transom, as is commonly found with outboard motor mounting assemblies. The transom mounting bracket can be bolted to the transom of the boat. The transom mounting bracket can provide a housing or attachment structure for the swivel mounting brackets and optionally for a hydraulic actuator 130.

The transom mounting bracket 110, as well as the various other swivel brackets, 115, 120, screws 125, and other components can be made of a sturdy material sufficient to bear the weight of the motor and an additional degree of stress or weight. The various components may be made of a metal material, such as steel or the like.

A first swivel bracket 115 is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket 110 to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft. A second swivel bracket 120 is rotatably coupled to the first vertical swivel bracket. The second vertical swivel bracket can enable the motor to swivel around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. The first and second swivel brackets can be rotated independently of one another to provide multiple pivot points 117, 122 for adjusting a tilt or orientation of the motor with respect to the marine craft. The use of first and second swivel brackets can provide different mechanical advantages at the different swivel points.

In one example, an orientation of the first axis can be fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis. In other words, in an example where the first axis is a horizontally oriented axis, the second axis can have a fixed orientation with respect to the first axis, regardless of pivoting of the first or second swivel brackets. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second swivel brackets are fixed in an orientation substantially parallel to one another, although other configurations are also possible. Therefore, in an example reference to axes being “fixed” with respect to one another, the axes can have a fixed angular orientation with respect to one another.

Although not explicitly shown, the first swivel bracket 115 can rotate upwardly and outwardly from the mounting bracket 110 around the first horizontal pivot axis 117. Also, the second swivel bracket 120 can rotate upwardly and outwardly from the first swivel bracket and/or the mounting bracket around the second horizontal pivot axis 122. As used herein, a “vertical swivel bracket” is a bracket which swivels vertically (e.g.,

The first and second swivel brackets 115, 120 may be referred to herein as “vertical” swivel brackets. A vertical swivel bracket, as referred to herein, is a bracket which enables swiveling or pivoting circularly upwardly or downwardly around a horizontal axis. In contrast, a “horizontal” swivel bracket is one which enables swiveling or pivoting circularly from side to side around a vertical axis. Similarly, a horizontal swivel is a swivel or pivot circularly in a sideward direction.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective side view of a portion of a motor mount assembly 200 which shows the first 210 and second 215 vertical swivel brackets with a horizontal swivel axis 220 for turning a motor. The horizontal swivel axis enables the motor to swivel or turn side to side with respect to a marine craft to steer the marine craft. The motor is coupled to the mount assembly along the horizontal swivel axis, such as by inserting a bolt, pin, or other structure of the motor through the substantially vertical opening 225 in the second swivel bracket.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is a hydraulic cylinder 235 coupled between the first swivel bracket 210 and an actuator mount 230. The actuator mount extends between and is coupled to the transom mounting brackets described in FIGS. 1A-1B and provides a support against which the hydraulic cylinder can apply a force to push against the first swivel bracket for raising the motor. The actuator mount may be a separate, individual unit, or may be integrally formed as part of the mounting assembly, or more specifically of one or more of the mounting brackets. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate view of the assembly of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A-4B are respectively perspective and side views of a second swivel bracket 400 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The second swivel bracket attaches at the second horizontal pivot axis 405 (see also, axis 122 of FIG. 1B) to the first swivel bracket, such as with a bolt or other mechanical coupling which enables pivoting. The second swivel bracket can include a support plate 410 for supporting the motor mount 415.

In one aspect, the support plate 410 and motor mount 415 may comprise a third swivel bracket. The third swivel bracket can be coupled between the motor and the second swivel bracket to enable the motor to be swiveled around a third axis. Generally, the third axis can be non-parallel to the first or second axes. In a one specific example, the third axis can be substantially perpendicular to the first and/or second axes.

The second vertical swivel bracket 400 can include one or more arms 420 for supporting the second vertical swivel bracket against the first vertical swivel bracket or against the transom mounting bracket. The arms can be spaced apart to extend around the first swivel bracket or the hydraulic cylinder. The second vertical swivel bracket can be configured to freely rotate around the horizontal pivot axis 405. As such, the weight of the motor may generally hold the second vertical swivel bracket substantially adjacent to or in contact with the first swivel bracket and/or transom bracket in a non-pivoted position, unless for example contact is made with an obstacle in a body of water. The second swivel axis can be located between the first swivel axis and the motor such that a force pushing or pulling the motor upwardly and outwardly from the boat can be smaller than if the motor were pivoted at the first swivel axis. For example, with the motor able to pivot freely on the second swivel axis, if an obstruction in the water is encountered, the motor can freely pivot to minimize damage to the motor. If the motor were instead to pivot at the first pivot axis rather than the second pivot axis, the force to pivot the motor would be greater, thus increasing the likelihood of damage to the motor, actuator and/or mount upon collision with an object. In an example embodiment, the second swivel bracket is located outside the transom and closer to the engine and outdrive center of gravity to allow the second swivel bracket to pivot vertically when the motor hits an object in water. In other embodiments, the second swivel bracket and/or the second swivel axis may be partially or wholly located inside the transom, but potential damage to the motor may increase as compared with the configuration with the second bracket outside the transom. Further, such a configuration may involve additional force to lift/raise the motor.

As described herein, reference to “inside” and “outside” the transom or the marine craft uses the transom as a vertical point of demarcation with a side facing the interior of the marine craft and a side facing a motor. A position on the side facing the interior of the marine craft is considered the “inside” of the transom or marine craft, and a position on the side facing the motor is considered the “outside” of the transom or marine craft. The terms “inside” or “outside” thus do not necessarily connote reference to a state of enclosure or a position physically within the confines of another structure.

In one example, the motor can include a handle attached thereto. The handle can extend into the boat past the transom to provide leverage to lift the motor using the second swivel bracket. Conventionally, if a mounting assembly has a swivel or pivot axis within the transom, or at least closer to the transom than to the motor, the handle is not easily used to raise the motor and is primarily used for steering operations. Due to the inclusion of the second swivel bracket and second pivot axis, the handle can be used for both steering operations and for raising or lowering the motor.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a portion of a motor mount assembly 500 with a first swivel bracket 510 coupled thereto is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. In other words, in FIG. 5, the first swivel bracket is shown coupled between two transom mounting brackets 505. In some examples, the first swivel bracket can be a non-freely rotating/pivoting bracket. For example, the first swivel bracket can be actuated by a hydraulic or other actuator, as has been described. The first swivel bracket can pivot around pivot axis 515 with respect to the transom mounting brackets. The first swivel bracket can include a recess 520 for receiving a portion of the second swivel bracket to couple the first and second swivel brackets together.

In one aspect, the first swivel bracket 510 includes a cushioning device 525 on an outside thereof to cushion rotations of the second swivel bracket on the second axis. For example, the cushioning device may be a rubber dampener, or any other suitable compressible and resilient material. While, the cushioning device is illustrated on an outside of the first swivel bracket, the cushioning device may alternately be positioned on an inside of one or more of the transom mounting brackets 505, or in any other suitable position. Where the second swivel bracket freely rotates on the first swivel bracket, an impact with an object in the water can cause the motor to “bounce” or pivot on the second swivel bracket. When the motor falls and rotates back on the second pivot axis, the cushioning device can cushion the blow to reduce noise and potential injury to the motor, boat, and/or mounting assembly.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A is a side view of an outboard motor boat 610 with a motor 605 mounted thereto using a motor mount in accordance with an example of the present technology. The motor includes the handle 615 described above, which can be used for steering and adjusting a trim or vertical positioning of the motor in the water. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a portion of the outboard motor boat of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is a side view of an outboard motor coupled to a motor mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

In the motor mount assembly illustrated, the first swivel bracket 620 is coupled to an actuator 625 for setting a travel position of the motor between underwater and surface drive positions. The second swivel bracket 630 rotates freely on a second axis to absorb impacts while the first swivel bracket is fixed in the travel position.

The motor mount assembly can include clamp screws 635 coupled to the transom mounting brackets 640 for temporary attachment of the transom mounting bracket to the transom 645. The motor mount can be bolted and/or clamped to the transom of the boat. In accordance with one example, the first swivel bracket 620 is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket 640 to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft, and the second swivel bracket 630 is rotatably coupled to the first swivel bracket to enable the motor to swivel around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. The first and second axes can be positioned above the transom as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. An orientation of the first axis can be fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis.

In a more detailed example, the first swivel bracket 620 is directly coupled to the transom mounting bracket 640 and has a resting position in which a portion of the first swivel bracket rests against the transom mounting bracket. The second swivel bracket 630 can be directly coupled to the first swivel bracket and can have a resting position in which a portion of the second swivel bracket rests against at least one of the first swivel bracket and the transom mounting bracket.

In accordance with another example, a motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft includes a transom mounting bracket to mount the motor to a transom of the marine craft. A first swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft. A second swivel bracket is rotatably coupled to the first vertical swivel bracket, the second vertical swivel bracket enabling the motor to swivel outwardly and upwardly around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket. The first swivel bracket rotates around the first axis when actuated by an actuator and the second swivel bracket rotates freely around the second axis.

At least one of the transom mounting bracket 640 and the first swivel bracket 620 may include a dampener attached thereto to cushion rotations of the second swivel bracket on the second axis. The first swivel bracket can be coupled to an actuator 625 for setting a travel position of the motor between underwater and surface drive positions, and the second swivel bracket can rotate on the second axis to absorb impacts while the first swivel bracket is fixed in the travel position.

Although many of the examples herein refer to the second swivel bracket being a freely rotating bracket while the first swivel bracket does not freely rotate, but is actuated by an actuator, various other configurations are also contemplated. For example, the first swivel bracket may be freely rotating and second swivel bracket may be actuated. Alternatively, both the first and second swivel brackets may be actuated. As another alternative, both the first and second swivel brackets may be freely rotating.

In accordance with an example, the first and second axes can be positioned above the transom. An orientation of the first axis can be fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis. The motor mount assembly first can include a third swivel bracket coupled between the motor and the second swivel bracket to enable the motor to be swiveled around a third axis, the third axis being non-parallel to the first or second axes.

The motor mount assembly can be manufactured and/or sold as a stand-alone product, or alternately may be manufactured and/or sold with an outboard motor for propelling a marine craft, such as an outboard motor boat. The motor can be temporarily or permanently affixed to the motor mount assembly. Further, the motor mount assembly can be manufactured and/or sold with an associated marine craft. The motor mount assembly can be removably attachable to the marine craft, or may be a permanent fixture of the marine craft. The motor mount assembly, marine craft, and motor may be manufactured and/or sold as a unit to facilitate precision, convenience, and economies of scale.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present technology in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the technology. Accordingly, it is not intended that the technology be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft, comprising:

a transom mounting bracket to mount the motor to a transom of the marine craft;

a first swivel bracket rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft; and

a second swivel bracket rotatably coupled to the first swivel bracket, the second swivel bracket enabling the motor to swivel around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket;

wherein an orientation of the first axis is fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis.

2. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, wherein the second swivel axis is located between the first swivel axis and the motor.

3. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the motor and the handle extends past the transom to provide leverage to lift the motor using the second swivel bracket.

4. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, wherein the second swivel bracket is located outside the transom to allow the second swivel bracket to pivot vertically when the motor hits an object in water.

5. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, further comprising a third swivel bracket coupled between the motor and the second swivel bracket to enable the motor to be swiveled around a third axis, the third axis being non-parallel to the first or second axes.

6. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, wherein the first axis is a first horizontal axis, the second axis is a second horizontal axis, and the orientation of the first horizontal axis is fixed parallel with respect to the orientation of the second horizontal axis.

7. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, further comprising an actuator coupled between the transom mounting bracket and the first swivel bracket, which, when actuated, rotates the first swivel bracket on the transom mounting bracket.

8. The motor mount assembly as in claim 7, wherein the second swivel bracket rotates freely on the first swivel bracket.

9. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, further comprising the motor, wherein the motor is an outboard motor configured to propel the marine craft.

10. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, further comprising the marine craft, wherein the marine craft is an outboard marine craft.

11. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, wherein the first swivel bracket comprises a cushioning device on an outside thereof to cushion rotations of the second swivel bracket on the second axis.

12. The motor mount assembly as in claim 11, wherein the cushioning device comprises a rubber dampener.

13. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, wherein the first swivel bracket is coupled to an actuator for setting a travel position of the motor between underwater and surface drive positions, and the second swivel bracket rotates on the second axis to absorb impacts while the first swivel bracket is fixed in the travel position.

14. The motor mount assembly as in claim 1, wherein the transom mounting bracket comprises a clamp screw for temporary attachment of the transom mounting bracket to the transom.

15. A motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft, comprising:

a transom mounting bracket to mount the motor to a transom of the marine craft;

a first vertical swivel bracket rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft; and

a second vertical swivel bracket rotatably coupled to the first vertical swivel bracket, the second vertical swivel bracket enabling the motor to swivel around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket;

wherein the first and second axes are positioned above the transom.

16. The motor mount assembly as in claim 15, wherein:

the first vertical swivel bracket is directly coupled to the transom mounting bracket and has a resting position in which a portion of the first vertical swivel bracket rests against the transom mounting bracket; and

the second vertical swivel bracket is directly coupled to the first vertical swivel bracket and has a resting position in which a portion of the second swivel bracket rests against at least one of the first swivel bracket and a cushion supported by the first swivel bracket.

17. The motor mount assembly as in claim 15, wherein:

the first swivel bracket rotates around the first axis when actuated by an actuator and the second swivel bracket rotates freely around the second axis; and

an orientation of the first axis is fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis.

18. A motor mount assembly for mounting a motor to a marine craft, comprising:

a transom mounting bracket to mount the motor to a transom of the marine craft;

a first swivel bracket rotatably coupled to the transom mounting bracket to allow the motor to swivel around a first axis with respect to the marine craft; and

a second swivel bracket rotatably coupled to the first swivel bracket, the second swivel bracket enabling the motor to swivel around a second axis with respect to the first swivel bracket;

wherein the first swivel bracket rotates around the first axis when actuated by an actuator and the second swivel bracket rotates freely around the second axis.

19. The motor mount assembly as in claim 18, wherein:

at least one of the transom mounting bracket and the first swivel bracket comprises a dampener on an outside thereof to cushion rotations of the second swivel bracket on the second axis; and

the first swivel bracket is coupled to an actuator for setting a travel position of the motor between underwater and surface drive positions, and the second swivel bracket rotates on the second axis to absorb impacts while the first swivel bracket is fixed in the travel position.

20. The motor mount assembly as in claim 18, wherein:

the first and second axes are positioned above the transom;

an orientation of the first axis is fixed with respect to an orientation of the second axis; and

the motor mount assembly first comprises a third swivel bracket coupled between the motor and the second swivel bracket to enable the motor to be swiveled around a third axis, the third axis being non-parallel to the first or second axes.