Abstract: A tilt and trim device for an outboard motor comprising a transom mounting portion with a transom plate and a motor mounting portion with a motor plate. The tilt and trim device having an upper and a lower hydraulic cylinder mounting bracket. A hydraulic cylinder being operatively coupled to a hydraulic pump and hydraulic pump control. The hydraulic cylinder having an upper fluid line and a lower fluid line, with a hydraulic cylinder having a piston contained therein. The hydraulic cylinder having a hydraulic line fluid restrictor.

Abstract: One trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket is pivotably coupled to the base for rotation generally perpendicular to the cavity, and selectively defines a lower edge of the cavity. The bracket is also slidable relative to the base. Another trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket pivotably coupled to the base, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket has front and two side surfaces, and at least one channel for allowing the bracket to slide relative to the base.

Abstract: Collapsible boats with foldable rigid transoms are disclosed. A collapsible boat includes a collapsible hull formed from a plurality of panels that extend from a first end to a second end of the collapsible/inflatable boat. Each of the panels is connected with at least one the other panels. The collapsible hull is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A folding rigid transom is used to constrain at least two rear margins of the panels when the hull is in the expanded configuration. The folding rigid transom and seats remain attached to the hull when the hull is in the collapsed configuration. A collapsible boat can have one or more interior members that are inflatable to support the collapsible hull in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to alter speed and handling characteristics of an outboard motor boat. This Improved Outboard Motor Mount achieves this with the ability to adjust the distance between the outboard motor and the stern of the boat. Consequently, this movement uses the weight of the outboard motor as leverage to adjust the centre of gravity of the vessel to suit water conditions. Setting the outboard motor close to the stern of the boat will make the bow of the boat more difficult to lift, thus improving its handling performance in rough water. Setting the outboard away from the stern of the boat will make the bow of the boat easy to lift, improving boat speed. This Improved Outboard Motor Mount allows the consumer to optimize their outboard motor boats performance in a variety of water conditions.

Abstract: A trolling motor mount comprising a base for attaching the mount to a watercraft, an arm assembly pivotally attached to the base, a motor mount assembly pivotally attached to the arm assembly for rotatably securing the trolling motor, and an actuator adapted to move the arm assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The arm assembly may comprise a single elongated arm or a four bar linkage system. The mount may further comprise a user control such a switch, a wireless remote control, or wired remote control.

Abstract: As stated above, many different troll motor bracket mounts are in use today but they all have one thing in common—they are all manually deployed, retracted, and secured. It would be significantly beneficial if a motor mounting bracket could be provided which meets the following criteria: Permits the operator to automatically deploy, stow, and secure the troll motor when in use on the water.

Abstract: An outboard motor support includes a trailer mount attachable to a trailer. A first arm extends from the trailer mount, and a second arm extends from an outboard motor and includes an outboard motor mount. The outboard motor support includes an adjustable coupling connecting the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine has a cowling, an engine, a driveshaft operatively connected to the crankshaft, a gear case, a transmission disposed in the gear case and connected to the driveshaft, a propeller shaft disposed generally perpendicular to the driveshaft and operatively connected to the transmission, and a bladed rotor connected to the propeller shaft. A pair of engine mounts are operatively connected to the engine. Each engine mount defines an engine mount working axis. A steering shaft is operatively pivotally connected to the engine mounts. The engine mount working axes are generally perpendicular to the steering axis and pass through the steering shaft. A stern bracket is operatively pivotally connected to the steering shaft for mounting the outboard engine to a boat. A marine outboard engine where primary axes of the engine mounts pass through the steering shaft is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to an apparatus and method for securing an outboard boat motor during transportation. More particularly the invention is directed towards a removable support mount capable of attaching to the hydraulic trim cylinders mounted on the transom of a boat. Once attached, the opposite end of the support mount rests beneath the motor keeping it away from the transom in a tilted upward position in order to avoid contact with the road or objects on the road during transportation.

Abstract: A shallow draft boat has a hull that protects a propulsion propeller within a tunnel that passes only partially through the hull from stern to bow. The hull has a mechanism, such as a flap for selectively permitting or blocking water flow access to the tunnel from under the boat. The boat also has a lift mechanism preferably in the shape or adjustable parallelogram for selectively positioning a propeller of a propulsion unit substantially directly behind the tunnel or below the tunnel. The boat can operate in two modes. In one, water access to the tunnel is permitted and the propeller is positioned above the bottom of the hull and behind the tunnel. In the other, water access to the tunnel is blocked and the propeller is positioned below the bottom of the hull. This construction permits selective operation in a shallow draft mode, in a normal draft mode or in between.

Abstract: A trolling motor for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor comprises a head portion, a propulsion unit, a shaft coupling the propulsion unit to the head portion, and a mounting system configured to secure the trolling motor to the watercraft and to pivot the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount system comprises a base having a first portion adapted to be mounted to the watercraft and a second portion adapted to receive the trolling motor, a pivot member coupled to the base and configured to pivot between the deployed position and the stowed position, and a damper mechanism coupled to the pivot member and configured to impede the movement of the member as the pivot member is being moved between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Abstract: A trolling motor for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor comprises a head portion, a propulsion unit, a shaft coupling the propulsion unit to the head portion, and a mounting system configured to secure the trolling motor to the watercraft and to pivot the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount system comprises a base having a first portion adapted to be mounted to the watercraft and a second portion adapted to receive the trolling motor, a pivot member coupled to the base and configured to pivot between the deployed position and the stowed position, and a damper mechanism coupled to the pivot member and configured to impede the movement of the member as the pivot member is being moved between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus includes a motor attached to a bracket assembly that is attached to and pivots from the transom of a boat. A positioning handle is attached at a distal end of the bracket assembly, and may be held at one or more positions in a retaining bracket attached to the deck of the boat near the transom. The motor is positioned substantially rearward from and above a bottom edge of the transom in order to remain operative when the boat bottoms. A preferred embodiment includes a propulsion apparatus mounted at each of two lateral ends of the transom.

Abstract: For particular use on a shallow draft boat with an outboard motor traveling a course in shallow water with both expected and unexpected sub surface impediments along the way, an improved lift assembly in which the motor responds automatically when encountering a sub surface impediment by raising vertically so that the thrust of the propellor always remains at its optimum in the direction of the movement of the boat, while avoiding damage which could result from forceful contact with such impediment, and further having a manual lifting mechanism to permit the boatman in the boat to consciously avoid known potentially injurious conditions.

Abstract: A mounting device for vertically positionally adjusting an outboard motor relative to a boat transom, the mounting device comprising at least one bracket connected to a transom, at least one support member pivotally connected to the bracket at one end and connected to an outboard motor at the other end wherein the motor is vertically positionally adjustable relative to the transom upon pivotal movement of the support member. A jack member controls the pivotal movement of the support member and comprises telescoping inner and outer tubes wherein the inner tube is connected to the transom and the outer tube is connected to the support member wherein telescopic movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube pivots the support member to vertically positionally adjust the motor relative to the boat transom.

Abstract: A transom saver apparatus is adapted to be attached to a boat trailer and includes a pivot assembly adapted to be connected to a first portion of the trailer. An arm assembly is provided having first and second opposed ends wherein one end is connected to the boat trailer connection pivot assembly and the other end terminates in an outboard motor rest or support member. The arm assembly includes a first telescopic arm member, and a second telescopic arm member in telescopic engagement with the first telescopic arm member such that the second telescopic arm member defines the second distal end of the arm assembly and the second distal end comprises the outboard motor rest member. An arm rest bracket assembly is further included attachable to a second portion of the boat trailer for receivingly supporting the pivotal arm assembly in an out-of-the-way orientation when the arm assembly is not pivotally disposed in a use orientation.

Abstract: A bow mount trolling motor for a boat is disclosed. The bow mount trolling motor includes a chassis adapted to be mounted to a bow of the boat, a lower propulsion unit and at least one shaft supporting the lower propulsion unit and pivotally coupled to the chassis about a first axis. The at least one shaft pivots in a first direction about the first axis from a deployed position to a stowed position. The at least one shaft pivots in an opposite second direction about the first-axis when the at least one shaft of the lower propulsion unit encounters an obstruction while the boat is moving in a forward direction.

Abstract: An outboard motor is mounted to a transom of a boat with a pedestal that is attached either directly to the transom or to an intermediate plate that is, in turn, attached to the transom. A motor support platform is attached to the outboard motor, and a steering mechanism is attached to both pedestal and the motor support platform. The tilting mechanism is attached to the motor support platform and to the outboard motor. The outboard motor is rotatable about a tilting axis relative to both the pedestal and the motor support platform. The tilting mechanism is rotatable relative to the pedestal and about a steering axis. The steering axis is generally vertical and stationary relative to the pedestal and is unaffected by the tilting of the outboard motor. The tilting mechanism is rotatable relative to the pedestal and about the steering axis with the outboard motor.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly comprising two separable main components, a tilt bracket and a swivel plate, which assembly 1) is convertible for use with any one of various types of trolling motors adapted for bow or transom mounting; 2) convertibly mounts to a bow gunwale, transom or deck of any of a variety of small fishing boats; and 3) has a tilt-mechanism which minimizes the damaging effect of an underwater impact to a trolling motor of either mounting type. comprise the assembly. The tilt bracket includes a clamp portion for securing the assembly to a bow gunwale or transom, and a tilt table portion including a top plate, an energy-absorbing assembly having ends operably attached between the top plate and the clamp portion, and a pivot mechanism positioned outboard of the gunwale about which the top plate pivots. This assembly allows pivotal movement of the motor about the pivot mechanism in a vertical plane when impact occurs with an underwater object to minimize damage to the motor.

Abstract: An outboard motor stow pivot bracket is disclosed for stowing a motor in a generally vertical orientation while mounted on the transom of a dinghy which itself is swung beamwise (on beam ends) from a horizontal, in-the-water position up into a generally vertical stowed position on the back of a carrier boat such as on the stern of a pleasure craft. The pivot bracket includes a channel structure sized to fit on the motor-support edge of the dinghy transom and has outside surfaces adapted to receive the standard transom clamp of an outboard motor. At opposite ends of the channel structure are a pair of complementary pivot journals, and a pivot bolt connects a selected one of these pivot journals to a support structure on the dinghy transom in a universal construction that allows the user to assemble the bracket for pivoting in one direction or the other, depending upon the desired orientation of the motor and of the dinghy in their stored positions.

Abstract: A tilting assembly for an outboard drive unit including a tilt locking means for selectively engaging a stop member, a tilt releasing means for disengaging the locking means from the stop member, a tilt holding means for selectively engaging a holder portion of a clamp bracket and a biasing means for biasing the holding means towards or away from the holder portion of the clamp bracket. The releasing means and biasing means are operatively associated through a single-piece lever that is configured so that the holding means is biased away from the holder portion when the stopping member is engaged by the locking means and towards the holder portion when the stopping member is disengaged from the locking means.

Abstract: A motor mount for attaching a motor, such as a trolling motor, to a boat includes a bracket, a pair of pivotable support arms and a motor support. The bracket may be removably attached to the transom or to the bow of a boat. The bracket, the support arms and the motor support form a 4-bar linkage that permits the motor to be moved between a fully deployed or lowered position and a fully stowed or raised position. As the motor is moved between the deployed and stowed positions, it moves through a first, generally vertical translation phase of motion during which it maintains a generally vertical orientation, and a second, generally pivotal phase, in which it is rotated from the generally vertical orientation to a generally horizontal orientation. An intermediate stowed position is provided just beyond a transition point between the two phases of motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stowing and unstowing an engine in a dinghy. The apparatus includes a bracket to which the engine is attached. The bracket is pivotally attached to the transom of the dinghy through a transfer plate having two substantially perpendicular horizontal pivotal axes. As installed in the dinghy, the pivotal axes are substantially horizontal when the engine is in its operative position over the dinghy transom. To stow the engine, a handle on the bracket is lifted about a first of the two pivotal axes until the engine clears the transom. The bracket is then pivoted forward about its second pivotal axis until the bracket can be attached to a surface in the dinghy. The engine is thereby stowed in a first storage attitude. The entire dinghy, with stowed engine, can then be stowed out of the water on a second boat by rotating the dinghy about an axis that is parallel to the dinghy's longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting boats including a hitch, a frame including a pair of parallel side rails, a cradle and an axle with wheels, the improvement comprising a rear cross member with arms that will rotate about a bolt in the frame and drop down for unloading or loading a boat. In the raised position a support arm is attached to the cross member and may be elevated to engage the final drive area of an outboard motor in a yoke fixed to the end of the support arm.

Abstract: A device for controlling an articulating outboard motor bracket is provided. A mounting bracket is affixed to an inner side of a boat's transom. The mounting bracket includes a pair of mounting plates that extend above a top edge of the transom. A lever arm has a first end that is pivotally affixed to the mounting plates. A lever member has an arcuate region that extends from a first end toward a second end thereof. The first end of the lever member is pivotally coupled to the lever arm. The lever member couples to the lever arm at a point proximal to an arcuate portion of the lever arm. A pair of coupling plates pivotally couple the lever member to the lever arm and hold the lever member in axial alignment with the lever arm. A pair of connecting plates pivotally connect a second end of the lever member to a lifting member on the articulating bracket. The lever arm is rotated toward the articulating outboard motor bracket, to lower the bracket into an operating position.

Abstract: A folding transom for a boat having a trolling motor. The folding transom having an "engaged position" and a "retracted position". The transom including a motor mounting bracket, a pair of parallel horizontal legs, having first and second ends, each leg being attachable to a boat at the first end, a pair of "L" shaped members, maintained in parallel relationship, each of which is rotatably attached at one end of the "L" shaped member to the second end of a horizontal leg by a thumb screw for locking the "L" shaped member into an engaged position and on the other end of the "L" shaped member to the motor mounting bracket.

Abstract: The present invention allows fishermen to easily stow the trolling motor and control housing while assuring that damage to the mounting bracket, the trolling motor, and the control housing is minimized. The lower arm of the mounting bracket is secured to the boat. The upper arm of the mounting bracket forms a cantilever that projects from a pivot point. Stress forces will most likely cause metal fatigue to occur on the flange called the "positive stow lock feature" near the pivot point. Shock to the positive stow lock feature is minimized by provision of a rubber-based leg to stabilize the upper arm of the mounting bracket. The suspension of the trolling motor and the control housing limits their downward travel.The bracket member is mounted within the column support bracket on the upper arm of the mounting bracket and is secured in place by an existing pivot pin. A bore on the top surface of the bracket member engages a bore on the top surface of a tubular member with the aid of a roll pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a motor drive unit to a boat comprises first and second boat mounting members securable to a boat and lying in a boat plane and includes first and second motor mounting members securable to a motor and lying in a motor plane spaced apart from the boat plane by a distance, the motor plane having an angular orientation relative to the boat plane. A device for setting the motor mounting members in a position displaced from the boat mounting members is connected between the boat mounting members and the motor mounting members. The setting device permits movement of the motor mounting members relative to the boat mounting members, to selectively and independently set the angular orientation, to set the distance between the boat plane and the motor plane, and to set the vertical translation of the motor plane relative to the boat plane.

Abstract: A retractor device is provided for selectively positioning a depth gauge transducer into the water and below the bottom line of a pleasure boat or retracting the transducer to an upwardly facing position above the water line. A compound lever system is mounted via a mounting bracket to be positioned adjacent to and above the normal water line of the boat. Alternately, the mounting position can be under the water line. This lever system includes a transducer carrying lever arm linked to an activator lever arm. These two lever arms are intended to rotate about there own individual pivot point on the mounting bracket and are linked with connection links at points intermediate their ends thereby causing the two levers to rotate together and have a bias to either of two rotational positions, the first being an extended position for the transducer into the water and the second being the retracted position above the water.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a dinghy is stowed on the swimming platform of a boat during periods of which the dinghy is being towed, or stored. An adjustable bracket securable to the swimming platform provides a vertical panel disposed in the front-rear direction for receiving the mounting clamp of the outboard motor, which positions the motor crosswise with respect to the boat, and in a position shielded from spray or other accident. The mounting bracket has an angular cross section providing a base flange having openings that register with the usual open structure of the swimming platform for receiving bolts holding the bracket in position. A pad is securable to the propeller drive housing, and interposed between the housing and the surface of the swimming platform to protect both the platform and the motor.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement is provided for mounting an outboard drive for movement between a tilted down position through trim adjusted positions to a tilted up out of the water position. The arrangement includes a quadrilateral linkage system and a hydraulic motor device which simultaneously lifts and tilts a motor relative to an associated watercraft. The invention allows the links employed in the linkage system to be constructed so that the cross-sectional areas along their lengthwise axes are greatest along their central regions, whereat they are pivotally connected together, and decreases towards each of their ends, thereby minimizing the weight of the arrangement.

Abstract: A supporting device for an outboard motor comprises a stern bracket, and an outboard motor bracket. A guide is arranged to the stern bracket, and thrust and reverse rails are mounted thereto. The outboard motor bracket has one end supporting the outboard motor, and the other end including upper and lower arm portions. The upper arm portion is engaged with the guide, and the lower arm portion includes a thrust roller which is slidably engaged with the thrust and reverse rails.

Abstract: A motor mounting assembly for canoes and the like includes a clamping assembly extends athwartships at a point forwardly of the stern with a support member with end portions adapted to extend over and outwardly of the sides of the canoe, a clamping member adapted to engage under the gunwales of the canoe, and adjustable fasteners and to releasably draw the members together to clamp them to the canoe. At its aft end a transom mounting member extends generally in a vertical direction along the stem of the canoe and is adapted to support an outboard motor on its upper end. A pair of adjustable arms are secured to the support member of the clamping assembly and to the transom mounting member. A stabilizer is engaged with the transom mounting member and to the stem of the canoe. Adjustable arm stabilizers interconnect the arms intermediate their length and rigidify the assembly.

Abstract: A yieldable protective mounting mechanism for trolling motors incorporates a mounting base that is fixed to the deck structure or the stern structure of a small boat such as is typically used for recreational activities such as fishing. A motor support element is pivotally connected by hinge structure to the base and is continuously urged by tension springs to an operating position where the trolling motor is positioned for its normal operation. In the event the trolling motor should strike a submerged object, the tension springs permit pivotal movement of the trolling motor to prevent it from being overstressed and bent or otherwise damaged. The tension springs also provide a braking force to the boat causing the boat to come to a complete stop from its slow movement so that the motor can be reversed and the boat and trolling motor backed clear of the submerged object.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a dinghy is stowed on the swimming platform of a boat during periods of which the dinghy is being towed, or stored. An adjustable bracket securable to the swimming platform provides a vertical panel disposed in the front-rear direction for receiving the mounting clamp of the outboard motor, which positions the motor crosswise with respect to the boat, and in a position shielded from spray or other accident. The mounting bracket has an angular cross section providing a base flange having openings that register with the usual open structure of the swimming platform for receiving bolts holding the bracket in position. A pad is securable to the propeller drive housing, and interposed between the housing and the surface of the swimming platform to protect both the platform and the motor.

Abstract: A device for mounting an auxiliary outboard motor on the swim platform of a water craft to allow the motor to be pivoted between an extended position aft of the swim platform when in use, and a compact stowed position when not in use.

Abstract: A mount for dynamically attaching an auxiliary trolling motor at a user-selective position over the gunwale, transom, or stern of a fishing boat. The mount comprises a rigid bracket secured by a screw-clamp to the wall of the boat. The bracket comprises a pair of sides spaced apart by a planar top. A bottom projects inwardly toward the open interior of the bracket. An adjustable base associated with the bracket bottom provides width-compensation to accommodate different mounting surfaces. A rigid shelf projects engages the gunwale or side molding of the boat to prevent undesired movement during operation. A rigid block rotatably mounts the trolling motor to the bracket. A first hinge extends along the length of the bracket to define a first axis of rotation. A second hinge extends perpendicular to the first hinge to define a second axis of rotation. Rotation of the block about the first and second axes moves the motor between a deployed position and storage position.

Abstract: A spring-biased mechanism that connects to and cooperates with a trolling motor mount is provided to partially counterbalance the weight of the trolling motor as it pivoted from an intermediate position into operating position and back again, thereby making easier the effort normally exerted by the operator to lower the trolling motor into the water, as well as to raise it from the water, which mechanism includes a foot element that pivotally attaches at one end to the trolling motor mount, a linear-acting spring unit having one end pivotally attached to one end of the foot element and means that pivotally connect the opposite end of the foot element to a portion of the spring unit.

Abstract: An outboard motor mount is provided for a boat having a hull defining an inside area to be occupied by a user. The motor is mounted for movement relative to the boat between an operative position wherein a propeller on the motor is submerged in the water and a storage position wherein the outboard motor resides substantially entirely within the inside area of the hull. It is possible with the inventive structure for the user to pivot the outboard motor in one motion back and further between the operative and storage positions without necessitating assembly/disassembly of the trolling motor. In the storage position, the motor resides conveniently within the inside area defined by the hull. When use of the motor is desired, a simple pivoting action replaces the motor in its operative position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit adapted to carry a propeller, a swivel bracket pivotally connected to the propulsion unit for relative steering movement therebetween about a steering axis, a link pivotally connected at one end to the swivel bracket about an axis transverse to the steering axis and having a laterally outwardly extending out-turned end, and a transom bracket adapted to be mounted on a transom of a boat, being pivotally connected to the swivel bracket for tilting movement about a tile axis transverse to the steering axis and parallel to the first mentioned transverse axis, and including a surface extending generally in the direction of intended boat travel and having therein a recess receiving and engaging the out-turned end of the link and biasing the link inwardly, which recess includes an endless main portion, a running position branch portion extending downwardly from the endless main portion, and a shallow water drive position branch portion exten

Abstract: A conventional tilt mechanism for an outboard motor which includes a series of trim position notches and an uppermost trailering position notch includes a tilt position locking mechanism which is manually operable to lock the motor in the trailering position to positively prevent downward movement therefrom, either intentionally or inadvertently as a result of a shock load or jarring of the motor. The tilt locking mechanism is incorporated completely into one of the clamping members of a conventional tilt mechanism such that it does not interfere whatever with conventional operation of the tilt mechanism when in the unlocked position or with movement of the motor to the trailering position when in the locked position. However, downward movement of the motor when the mechanism is in the locked position is absolutely precluded.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an outboard trolling motor to a boat for movement of the motor between a horizontal stowed position and a vertical operating position includes a track-mounted carriage which supports the motor for reciprocal movement along a horizontal boat surface, such as a deck, and a pivoting mechanism at the end of the track to tilt the motor and its mounting to a vertical operating position. The pivotal mechanism may comprise a curved track section coextensive with the horizontal track, or a split carriage mechanism in which the motor mounting portion is pivotable with respect to the track engaging carriage portion through the operation of a rack and pinion mechanism at the end of the track.

Abstract: A mounting device (36) has a front bracket (38) mounted with a backing plate (84) on a boat transom (16) and a rear bracket (40) supports an outboard motor (18) thereon. Parallel links (64,70) are pivotally connected between the front and rear brackets (38,40) and a double acting hydraulic cylinder (76) raises and lowers the outboard motor (18). A plate (88,88C) is secured between the lower links (70) and has an inner end (116) mounted above the bottom (120) of the boat and slopes downwardly therefrom for deflecting water downwardly. A platform (92) is provided on the rear bracket (40) to support a swimmer or water skier. One embodiment (FIG. 8) mounts a pair of outboard motors (18A) on the boat transom (16A) for simultaneous raising and lowering.

Abstract: A system for supporting an outboard propulsion unit to the transom of a boat. The system is comprised of a pair of transom brackets which are fixedly secured to the boat transom and positioned spaced from each other to support the outboard propulsion unit. A pair of deflector side plate sections are provided to be respectively integral with the transom brackets, and extend downwardly and rearwardly relative to the boat transom. Additionally, a deflector bottom plate section is provided to connect the lower end portions of the deflector side plate sections. The deflector bottom plate section extends rearwardly relative to the boat transom and positioned between the boat and the outboard propulsion unit. The deflector side and bottom plate sections constitute a deflector for regulating backward water flow from the boat transom, thereby preventing generation of water splash.

Abstract: The manual operating cord for a deck-mounted electric trolling motor includes a handle which is demountably attachable to an arm of the pivotal motor support apparatus when the motor is in the operative or stowed position. The demountable handle assures that the operating cord will always be readily accesible to the operator in the boat to either raise the motor from its operative position or lower it thereto from its stowed position on the deck. The handle is demountably secured to one of the pivot arms of the motor support apparatus by frictional engagement between the legs of an elongated U-shaped slot in the handle and the lateral faces of the pivot arm.

Abstract: A system for optimizing the operation of a marine drive of the type whose position may be varied with respect to the boat by the operation of separate lift and trim/tilt means includes an automatic control system which stores preselected drive unit positions for various operating modes and is operative to return the drive unit to any pre-established position by pressing a selected operating mode positioning button. The various operating modes may include cruising, acceleration, trolling and trailering position, any of which may be selectively modified to accomodate changes in both operating or environmental conditions. This system may incorporate other optimization routines and/or automatic engine protection systems to provide virtually complete push button operation for complex marine drive unit positioning mechanisms.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an outboard motor includes a motor mount having a transom mounting bracket attachable to a boat transom and a motor supporting bracket spaced aft of and pivotally connected by upper and lower links with the transom mounting bracket to support an outboard motor wholly aft of the boat transom, and cylinder means for moving the motor supporting bracket relative to the transom mounting bracket to simultaneously move the outboard motor between raised and lowered positions in a vertical plane which extends parallel to the longitudinal dimension of a boat and to rotate the motor about a horizontal axis which extends perpendicular to the vertical plane. The movement of the outboard motor is provided by the motor mount being a quadrilateral structure wherein the lower link is shorter in length than the upper link and the motor supporting bracket is shorter in length than the transom mounting bracket.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for an outboard motor includes a motor mount having a transom mounting bracket attachable to a boat transom and a motor supporting bracket spaced aft of and pivotally connected by upper and lower links with the transom mounting bracket to support an outboard motor wholly aft of the boat transom, a cylinder for moving the motor supporting bracket relative to the transom mounting bracket to raise and lower the outboard motor, and a trim plate disposed beneath the lower link and connected to the motor supporting bracket for movement with the motor supporting bracket to provide a lifting force on the rear of the boat during forward movement of the boat. Preferably, the trim plate is disposed in parallel relation to the lower link having its fore end pivotally connected to the boat transom and its aft end pivotally connected to a bracket extension member projecting from the lower end of the motor supporting bracket.

Abstract: A boat motor support for use in towing a boat on a boat trailer. The support is adapted to provide adjustable absorption of impact loads against either the trailer or the overhung motor itself. The support includes a trailer frame mount bracket at one end and a motor mount bracket at the other end thereof. The support includes telescoping members which may be relatively adjusted to shorten or lengthen the support. A plurality of elastic members are disposed within the telescoping members to cushion the longitudinal movement. The number, size and elasticity of the cushion members can be varied to alter the shock absorption properties of the support. As a result, the boat motor support can accommodate boat motors of different sizes and weights.