Abstract: A jet propulsion device is mounted to a vessel body and connected to a drive shaft. A bearing rotatably supports the drive shaft. A bulkhead is disposed inside the vessel body and below a deck. The bulkhead supports the bearing and includes a gap disposed between the drive shaft and the deck. The drive shaft and the gap overlap as seen in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trimmable pod drive assembly that includes a pod drive unit having a transmission assembly secured to a steering unit, a gear case assembly coupled to and rotatable by the steering unit about a steering axis, and a propeller rotatable about a propeller driveshaft axis extending through the gear case assembly so as to generate thrust along a thrust vector. The trimmable pod drive assembly further includes a trim assembly secured to the pod drive unit in a manner allowing for rotation of the pod drive unit about a trim axis that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, wherein actuation of at least one component of the trim assembly causes movement of the pod drive unit and the thrust vector about the trim axis.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a vehicle body frame including a left engine support portion that supports an engine. The left engine support portion includes a first layer made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material, a second layer made of a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic material, and an intermediate layer located between the first layer and the second layer. The first layer, the intermediate layer and the second layer are provided with a through-hole into which a securing member that secures the engine and the vehicle body frame to each other is inserted.

Abstract: In one advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus and method for supporting a load is provided. The apparatus comprises a structure having an inner surface with a shape configured to substantially conform to an outer surface of a stringer. A number of pins extends from the inner surface of the structure such that the number of pins are configured to engage holes in the outer surface of the stringer when the structure is placed over the outer surface of the stringer. The pins support the structure with respect to the stringer when a load is applied to the structure. A number of members extends from the outer surface of the structure such that the number of members is configured to connect to a part.

Abstract: Systems are for cooling a marine engine that is operated in a body of water. The systems can include an open loop cooling circuit for cooling the marine engine, wherein the open loop cooling circuit is configured to convey cooling water from the body of water to the marine engine so that heat is exchanged between the cooling water and the marine engine, and a pump that is configured to pump the cooling water from upstream to downstream through the open loop cooling circuit. A heat exchanger is configured to cause an exchange of heat between the cooling water located upstream of the marine engine and the cooling water located downstream of the marine engine to thereby warm the cooling water located upstream of the marine engine, prior to cooling the marine engine.

Abstract: A hull mounted, steerable marine drive system having trim actuation is both steerable through 360 degrees and is trimmable in a range of from approximately +3 degrees to approximately ?15 degrees. The marine drive system includes a watertight enclosure assembly for sealing the hull, which is adapted for keeping much of the marine drive system from being exposed to water. The enclosure includes a gasket flange plate, a retention plate and a folded gasket. The gasket flange plate closely follows the contour of the hull and enhances the hydrodynamic and wake performance of the present marine drive system. Further, marine drive system includes a forward-neutral-reverse (FNR) transmission assembly, a drive unit assembly having a trimmable upper unit and a steerable lower unit, a steering actuator assembly, a trim actuator assembly, and, preferably, trim foils for enhancing lift to assist in getting the boat up on plane.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull having an inside and an outside surface. A deck is disposed on the hull. The deck and the hull define an engine compartment. A power pack is disposed in the engine compartment. A propulsion unit is operatively connected to the power pack. At least one elongated member is disposed on the outside surface of the hull. The at least one elongated member is disposed at least in part forwardly of the propulsion unit. At least one connector joining a portion of the power pack to the at least one elongated member, the at least one connector extending through the hull. A member adapted to be disposed on an outside surface of a hull of the watercraft is also presented.

Abstract: A mount for a boat propulsion unit comprises a collar for mounting around an aperture in a boat's hull, the collar having an annular groove on an inner surface thereof; a first mating part for mounting an inboard portion of a propulsion unit to the boat; and a second mating part, connectable to the first mating part, for mounting an outboard portion of a propulsion unit to the boat. The first and second mating parts are connectable through the collar and are configured such that when they are connected they form an external annular recess in an outer surface and an annular gasket is located partly in the groove and partly in the recess to form a seal there-between.

Abstract: A reinforcement grid for a vessel includes a plurality of spaced-apart, generally vertically extending walls coupled by lateral floor sections and lateral walls which are coupled to stringers, the transom, and the bottom of the vessel hull to strengthen the transom, thereby allowing a greater number of higher horsepower engines to be mounted to the vessel.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is direct-propulsion equipment with an internal combustion engine for a boat, in which the engine and the propeller constitute a unit assembly capable of pivoting vertically and horizontally. It consists of a cradle (3) supporting the engine (2), that can pivot near the transom (16) of the boat (1) about a horizontal pivot axis (A2), the engine being coupled to a drive shaft (4) bearing the propeller (5) at its end, this entity being rendered non-deformable by virtue of two semi-circular lateral arms (6) centered on the pivot axis (A2) and each connected by a rear arm (7) to a chair (8) supporting the drive shaft and by a lateral arm (9) to the cradle (3) in order to cross-brace the assembly which is connected to an inverted bracket (15) attached to the inside of the transom (16) and allowing said assembly to rotate about a substantially vertical axis (A1). The invention relates to the industrial and commercial field of boat propulsion unit manufacture and distribution.

Abstract: A boat includes a hull, an inboard rotary engine, and a jet propulsion unit connected to the engine via a direct drive connection. The hull may be a stepped hull with one or more aft steps. A large, low, substantially flat aft fishing/swim deck is disposed above the engine and an exhaust system of the engine. The exhaust system may vent into the step of the stepped hull and include a check valve that discourages water from backflowing into the engine.

Abstract: A boat includes a hull, an inboard rotary engine, and a jet propulsion unit connected to the engine via a direct drive connection. The hull may be a stepped hull with one or more aft steps. A large, low, substantially flat aft fishing/swim deck is disposed above the engine and an exhaust system of the engine. The exhaust system may vent into the step of the stepped hull and include a check valve that discourages water from backflowing into the engine.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is direct-propulsion equipment with an internal combustion engine for a boat, in which the engine and the propeller constitute a unit assembly capable of pivoting vertically and horizontally. It consists of a cradle (3) supporting the engine (2), that can pivot near the transom (16) of the boat (1) about a horizontal pivot axis (A2), the engine being coupled to a drive shaft (4) bearing the propeller (5) at its end, this entity being rendered non-deformable by virtue of two semi-circular lateral arms (6) centered on the pivot axis (A2) and each connected by a rear arm (7) to a chair (8) supporting the drive shaft and by a lateral arm (9) to the cradle (3) in order to cross-brace the assembly which is connected to an inverted bracket (15) attached to the inside of the transom (16) and allowing said assembly to rotate about a substantially vertical axis (A1). The invention relates to the industrial and commercial field of boat propulsion unit manufacture and distribution.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed as including an engine and a forced air induction system including an aftermarket supercharger. The aftermarket supercharger replaces the personal watercraft's original-equipment supercharger and increases the charge of compressed air provided to the engine. The preferred supercharger incorporates a spur gear that includes a smaller pitch diameter than the original-equipment supercharger. The smaller spur gear and engine flywheel thereby provide an increased gear ratio and permit greater supercharger rotational speeds when compared with the original supercharged engine. In order to permit intermeshing engagement with the engine flywheel, the spur gear is axially offset from the original spur gear axis. However, the supercharger case maintains the same engine-mating surface as the original-equipment supercharger so that the case may be received within a complemental socket of the engine housing.

Abstract: A boat drive system is provided for a power boat which includes an engine having a drive shaft, connected to a pair of propeller shafts. The drive system includes a primary gearbox and opposed outboard gearboxes. The primary gearbox includes a housing and a gear arrangement connected to the engine shaft and the outboard gearboxes, which are connected to the primary gearbox by a transverse shaft, include a housing and a gear arrangement connected to associated propeller shafts. A cooling system is provided including a cooling pad for each gearbox. A support system is provided for each outboard gearbox including a cradle connected to the bearing points on the hull. The engine includes an adapter plate attached to the primary gearbox for movement of the primary gearbox with the engine. In a modified drive system only one outboard gearbox is used in conjunction with a single engine. In another modified drive system a single engine and propeller are used in conjunction with a gearbox having a take-off 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.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull, an engine, and a housing adapted to completely enclose the engine, the housing being adapted to be removably disposed in the hull.

Abstract: To provide a small watercraft capable of suppressing vibration and noise of a vessel body, a jet pump is mounted to a hull via a thrust plate. A dynamic damper is disposed as an adjunct at a plate mounting portion that attaches the thrust plate to the hull. More specifically, the thrust plate is first mounted to the hull. Then, with a flange portion of the jet pump pressed up against a rear surface of the thrust plate, a second bolt is screwed in toward the thrust plate from an outward side of the hull. The jet pump is thereby attached to the rear surface of the thrust plate.

Abstract: Providing a mounting structure for an internal combustion engine on a small planing boat on which an internal combustion engine for driving a jet propulsion pump is mounted, in a boat body between a hull and a deck, with a crankshaft thereof oriented in a front-rear direction of the boat body and on which a cylinder of the internal combustion engine is slantly disposed to one of left and right sides of the boat body, the mounting structure taking a weight balance of the internal combustion engine into account. A distance between an axis of the crankshaft and one mounting bracket arranged on a side where the cylinder of the internal combustion engine is slantly disposed, is longer than a distance between the axis of the crankshaft and the other mounting bracket arranged on the opposite side thereof.

Abstract: An integrated motor support and transmission apparatus for a marine propulsion system having a motor and marine drive with a drive shaft, comprising: an output shaft; a support housing attached to a marine vessel and having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end supporting the motor and the lower end substantially aligning the output shaft with the marine drive; and a transmission connecting the motor to the output shaft, whereby the motor, transmission, and output shaft can be installed in the marine vessel in a single operation.

Abstract: A power generating and propelling system of a vessel has an electric power generating device (10) installed between an internal combustion engine (2) and a transmission (3). A stator (11) of the generating device (10) is built in a flywheel housing (21a) of the internal combustion engine (2) or a casing (10a) connected to the flywheel housing (21a). A rotary shaft of the generating device (10) is disposed coaxially or eccentrically parallel to a crankshaft (2a) of the internal combustion engine (2) or an input shaft (3a) of the transmission (3) in the same direction with the crankshaft (2a) of the internal combustion engine (2).

Abstract: Jet pump mounting structure of a small-sized boat including a front face of a thrust plate attached to a rear face of a front wall of a pump case, and a jet pump attached to a rear face of the thrust plate. The jet pump is arranged in the pump case. The front wall is formed at an up grade toward the rear of the hull, the front face of the thrust plate is formed at an up grade so that the front face is parallel to the front wall, and the rear face of the thrust plate is formed in parallel with a plane perpendicular to the axis of the jet pump.

Abstract: A support structure for auxiliary machinery in a seagoing vessel, the support structure comprising a trussed frame supporting a mounting plate at an elevated height above the bottom or deck of the vessel, the mounting plate being adapted to support auxiliary machinery, the trussed frame comprising beams arranged in triangles along the sides and ends of the frame, whereby the frame elevates the machinery and provides ready access to the underside of the machinery.

Abstract: A support system for a marine engine provides a plurality of mounts that have primary axes that are aligned in parallel relation with a piston symmetry plane of the engine. These primary axes of the mounts are also aligned with the central axes of the cylinders of the engine. This arrangement improves the damping function of the mounts and more effectively isolates engine vibrations from the marine vessel.

Abstract: A pontoon boat is provided with a jet drive propulsion system in which an impeller is driven by an engine. The jet drive propulsion device is dirigible as a result of the fact that a nozzle of the device is rotatable about a generally vertical steering axis. The jet drive device can be supported below a deck of a pontoon boat and located between two flotation tubes of the pontoon boat. Alternative locations can also be used, such as within the structure of the flotation tubes themselves.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system is configured to be assembled, as one unitary structure, into a marine vessel. A transom attachment member is provided and is attachable to both an engine and a drive unit to form a single marine propulsion system structure which can be lowered into an opening formed in a transom of a marine vessel.

Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed as having a forced air induction system that is particularly suitable for aftermarket installation. The induction system includes support structure for supporting the compressor in a non-cantilevered manner within the watercraft body. In supercharger applications, the induction system provides a drive arrangement for powering the supercharger that eliminates or reduces the need to remove the jet pump driveshaft. The belt drive embodiment includes a pulley having a fluid flow passageway extending inwardly from the belt-engaging surface so as to relieve any hydrodynamic forces between the belt and pulley. A body-engaging plate of the support structure is associated with a high-friction material pad for frictionally enhancing the securement of the plate to the body. The support structure further includes a fire extinguisher mount removably supporting a fire extinguisher within the interior space of the body.

Abstract: A stern unit of marine craft that comprises a casing, a propeller, a propeller shaft, and at least one rudder actuated by hydraulic pistons is described. The casing is open at the bottom, with its bottom surface having a parabolic shape in cross-section. The casing has an inlet section near to the hull that diverges rearwardly toward an outlet section. The casing provides a housing to the shaft, the propeller, and the rudders, with a gap located above the trace line of the boat bottom where air is sucked above the water surface line such that an air film extends inside the casing along the bottom surface of the casing to an outlet of the casing. The air film reduces frictional resistance between the flowing water and the casing surface to enable additional thrust.

Abstract: The heat exchanger for a marine propulsion system is located within available space in front of the transom of a marine vessel and attached to the transom. The housing of the heat exchanger can be attached to a drive unit support structure and spaced apart from an engine of the marine propulsion system. Within the heat exchanger, engine coolant is circulated through a first coolant path and water from the body of water is circulated through a second coolant path.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion assembly has an elastically suspended gearbox with an output drive shaft guided in an axial bearing with a rigidly suspended bearing housing. Free space is provided in the axial bearing for allowing movement of the output drive shaft in the radial direction, wherein the output drive shaft is freely movable radially within the free space. A supporting ring with sliding elements for axial guidance of the output drive shaft is arranged in the axial bearing. The supporting ring is hydraulically supported by a large number of pistons so that the supporting ring can match itself to angular displacements of the output drive shaft and can always completely and uniformly support the sliding elements on the bearing circumference.

Abstract: A water-jet propulsion personal watercraft is disclosed. The personal watercraft typically includes a body including a hull and a deck covering the deck from above, a water jet pump configured to propel the watercraft and including a pump shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the body, a V-type four-cycle engine mounted within the body and configured to drive the water jet pump, wherein the engine includes a crankshaft, an output shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the crankshaft and connected to the pump shaft, the output shaft being configured to output rotation transmitted from the crankshaft to outside the engine, and a rotation transmission system configured to transmit the rotation of the crankshaft to the output shaft, wherein the engine is mounted within the body in such a manner that the crankshaft extends in a width direction of the body.

Abstract: A water-jet propulsion personal watercraft is disclosed. The personal watercraft typically includes a body including a hull and a deck covering the deck from above, a water jet pump configured to propel the watercraft and including a pump shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the body, a V-type four-cycle engine mounted within the body and configured to drive the water jet pump, wherein the engine includes a crankshaft, an output shaft extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the crankshaft and connected to the pump shaft, the output shaft being configured to output rotation transmitted from the crankshaft to outside the engine, and a rotation transmission system configured to transmit the rotation of the crankshaft to the output shaft, wherein the engine is mounted within the body in such a manner that the crankshaft extends in a width direction of the body.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion assembly has an elastically suspended gearbox with an output drive shaft guided in an axial bearing with a rigidly suspended bearing housing. Free space is provided in the axial bearing for allowing movement of the output drive shaft in the radial direction, wherein the output drive shaft is freely movable radially within the free space. A supporting ring with sliding elements for axial guidance of the output drive shaft is arranged in the axial bearing. The supporting ring is hydraulically supported by a large number of pistons so that the supporting ring can match itself to angular displacements of the output drive shaft and can always completely and uniformly support the sliding elements on the bearing circumference.

Abstract: A boat propulsion system for propelling a boat through water with debris in the water and shallows. The boat propulsion system includes a motor assembly being designed for being positioned in a boat. A propeller member is operationally coupled to the motor assembly whereby the propeller member is rotated by the motor assembly. The propeller member is designed for being positioned under the boat whereby the propeller member is positioned in the water for rotating in the water to propel the boat through the water when the propeller member is rotated by the motor assembly. A direction assembly is designed for being coupled to the boat. The direction assembly is designed for being actuated by the user whereby the direction assembly is for controlling the direction of the boat when the propeller member is propelling the boat through the water.

Abstract: An engine installation jig and method for installing an engine in a marine vessel according to predetermined engine installation criteria. The jig comprises a longitudinal member, two lateral crossbar members and a fixture head. The jig also includes leveling devices for manipulating the position of the jig relative to the marine vessel and at least one leveling sensor for providing a visual indication of the planar orientation of the jig within the marine vessel. The jig is coupled to the marine vessel via the leveling devices and the fixture head. Once the jig has been aligned and installed, engine mount holes are drilled in either the stringers or the stringer brackets of the marine vessel, the engine set into the marine vessel so that the engine mounts align with the drilled engine mount holes, and the engine installed.

Abstract: An engine alignment jig assembly, which is used for installing an engine in a hull of a small watercraft via four engine mounts in such a manner that an output shaft of the engine is in alignment with a rotating shaft of a jet pump, is disclosed. The jig assembly includes an engine lower part dummy constructed to resemble a lower half of the engine. The engine lower part dummy includes a generally rectangular skeleton frame having substantially the same size in plan view as the lower half of the engine. Four screws are each provided at a respective corner of the rectangular skeleton frame and adapted to be threaded in a corresponding one of the engine mounts to attach the engine lower part dummy to the engine mounts. Two adjacent ones of the screws that are disposed on a bow side of the watercraft form left and right front screws, and the remaining two screws that are disposed on a stern side of the watercraft form left and right rear screws.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing an engine mount vibration isolator and for mounting an inboard engine on an engine support platform having stringers, the bracket assembly having an L-shaped member. A back-up plate sandwiches the stringer in between the L-shaped member and it. Longitudinal slots in the vertical leg and back-up plate provide for fore-aft adjustment and transverse slots in the horizontal leg provides for side to side adjustment. A horizontal plate with corresponding transverse slots is in a face to face relationship with either side of the horizontal leg of the L-shaped member. The horizontal plate has two recessed portions for insertion of a washer, each aligned with the corresponding transverse slot in the horizontal plate. The slots in the horizontal plate also serve to prevent the head of the fastening bolt or nut from rotating. Spacer plates are also available for height adjustment.

Abstract: An engine mount structure for a personal watercraft allows the engine to be incorporated in an inclined well-balanced state in the watercraft body having a hull and a deck, while making efficient use of the space within the body. The engine for driving a jet propulsion pump has an upper case and a lower case joined along a transverse plane parallel to the engine crankshaft and is mounted in the body so as to be inclined about the crankshaft, whereby an intake port side of the engine faces obliquely upwardly. Mounts on upwardly facing intake side of the engine are provided on the lower case, while mounts on the downwardly facing exhaust side are provided on the upper case. A starter motor is attached to the upwardly facing side of the engine.

Abstract: An engine installation jig and method for installing an engine in a marine vessel according to predetermined engine installation criteria. The jig comprises a longitudinal member, two lateral crossbar members and a fixture head. The jig also includes leveling devices for manipulating the position of the jig relative to the marine vessel and at least one leveling sensor for providing a visual indication of the planar orientation of the jig within the marine vessel. The jig is coupled to the marine vessel via the leveling devices and the fixture head. Once the jig has been aligned and installed, engine mount holes are drilled in either the stringers or the stringer brackets of the marine vessel, the engine set into the marine vessel so that the engine mounts align with the drilled engine mount holes, and the engine installed.

Abstract: Torque roll, such as in a marine propulsion unit for driving a propeller, is significantly reduced or substantially eliminated by utilizing inflatable elements, such as airbags. One or more airbags engage the top of a propulsion unit mounting surface supported by an elastomeric isolation mount where a torque roll force is substantially upward, and one or more other airbags engage the bottom of a mount for the propulsion unit at a location where the torque roll force is substantially downward. The amount of gas supplied to the airbags is preferably substantially proportional to the torque roll force at each of the airbags. By significantly reducing or substantially eliminating the torque roll of the propulsion unit, the unit can be connected to other components without line shaft couplings.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a marine propulsion system includes a horizontal mounting plate, a pivot housing, and an adapter plate attached to one another through a plurality of vibration absorbing isolation points. The adapter plate is configured for attachment to an outboard powerhead, and the horizontal mounting plate is configured for horizontal attachment to a boat platform. The pivot housing is configured for attachment to a steering arm that extends through the horizontal mounting plate for rotating and pivoting an attached steering arm yoke and trunnion assembly and propeller drive unit. A contoured opening in the horizontal mounting plate facilitates drop down installation of a marine propulsion system.

Abstract: An engine alignment jig assembly, which is used for installing an engine in a hull of a small watercraft via four engine mounts in such a manner that an output shaft of the engine is in alignment with a rotating shaft of a jet pump, is disclosed. The jig assembly includes an engine lower part dummy constructed to resemble a lower half of the engine. The engine lower part dummy includes a generally rectangular skeleton frame having substantially the same size in plan view as the lower half of the engine. Four screws are each provided at a respective corner of the rectangular skeleton frame and adapted to be threaded in a corresponding one of the engine mounts to attach the engine lower part dummy to the engine mounts. Two adjacent ones of the screws that are disposed on a bow side of the watercraft form left and right front screws, and the remaining two screws that are disposed on a stern side of the watercraft form left and right rear screws.

Abstract: A propulsion system for motor boats is described, wherein the motor unit and the support member for the propeller shaft are mechanically connected together.

Abstract: An engine mount structure for a personal watercraft allows the engine to be incorporated in an inclined well-balanced state in the watercraft body having a hull and a deck, while making efficient use of the space within the body. The engine for driving a jet propulsion pump has an upper case and a lower case joined along a transverse plane parallel to the engine crankshaft and is mounted in the body so as to be inclined about the crankshaft, whereby an intake port side of the engine faces obliquely upwardly. Mounts on upwardly facing intake side of the engine are provided on the lower case, while mounts on the downwardly facing exhaust side are provided on the upper case. A starter motor is attached to the upwardly facing side of the engine.

Abstract: An inner frame member, of a length that is less than the entire length of a hull, is joined to the inner surface of the hull that forms a lower portion of a body of a personal watercraft. The inner frame member has an engine mount portion that supports an engine thereon, an impeller shaft support region that supports thereon an impeller shaft of a propulsion device driven by the engine, and bulkheads extending in the lateral direction of the hull and joined to the inner surface of the hull. In accordance with the present invention, the personal watercraft is light weight, but also retains rigidity and assembling efficiency of the hull.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an internal combustion engine mounted such that its crankshaft extends vertically. A gearbox is arranged beneath the engine and includes engine mounts attached directly thereto for mounting the engine to a mounting surface within the engine compartment. Thus, the engine may be mounted compactly arranged in the rear of the watercraft, thus minimizing the overall length of the engine compartment. Additionally, the engine mounts allow the engine to be mounted conveniently within a watercraft in a vertical orientation. The gear box may also include at least a portion of an exhaust conduit extending therethrough. The gear box may be also utilized as a lubricant reservoir for a lubrication system of the engine. Additionally, the exhaust conduit passing through the gear box may include a cooling jacket, thus protecting oil in the gear box from the heat emitted from the exhaust conduit therein.

Abstract: A transom seal assembly for sealing an opening in a boat transom is provided. A propulsion system has a part thereof extending through the transom opening. The seal assembly comprises an inflatable seal between respective peripheries of the part and the transom opening to provide water-tight sealing relative to the interior of the boat even in the presence of a seal puncture condition.

Abstract: A Marine drive mechanism has a twin-engine distribution transmission for driving a propeller-shaft train (12) supported on bearings (4). The drive mechanism (1) and the transmission (3), which is rigidly connected to it, being fastened to the bottom (6) of the hull. A pressure bearing (23) accommodates and transmits the thrust exerted by the propeller (5) by way of the propeller-shaft train. A coupling (3) engages and disengages the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism and the transmission are individually supported, the drive mechanism by resilient supports (9) and the transmission by resilient supports (14) and resilient bearings (13). The pressure bearing is built into the transmission. The transmission bearings (13) are integrated into a separate post (19) rigidly fastened to the bottom and are attached to the walls (11) of the transmission.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a marine propulsion system in a marine vessel is provided with a compliant member that is attachable to the transom of a marine vessel. In certain applications, the compliant member is directly attached to an intermediate plate and to an external frame member that is, in turn, attached directly to the transom of the marine vessel. The intermediate plate is attached directly to components of the marine propulsion system to provide support for the marine propulsion system relative to the transom, but while maintaining non-contact association between the marine propulsion system and the transom.

Abstract: An air inlet device for an engine powering a water propulsion device of a watercraft, the watercraft having a hull defining an engine compartment in which the engine is positioned, is disclosed. The engine has a body defining at least one combustion chamber and an output shaft arranged to drive the water propulsion device. Air is supplied to the combustion chamber of the engine through the air inlet device. This device includes an intake pipe extending outwardly from the engine and an air box connected to the intake pipe. The air box has a cover having a top and a bottom and defining an interior air chamber, an air inlet provided near the top of the air box and a drain provided through the bottom of the air box. The intake pipe has a passage therethrough leading from the interior air chamber of the air box to said engine. The air box has a width at the top which is greater than a width at the bottom.