Abstract: An outboard motor includes a drive unit and a bracket assembly mounted on an associated watercraft. The bracket assembly includes a swivel bracket carrying the drive unit for pivotal movement about a steering axis and a clamping bracket supporting the swivel bracket for pivotal movement about a tilt axis. A hydraulically operated tilt unit tilts the drive unit with the swivel bracket relative to the clamping bracket. A fluid pump pressurizes a working fluid within the tilt unit. A relief valve relieves pressure that is applied to the working fluid when the pressure exceeds a preset magnitude, and an adjustment mechanism is provided to adjust the preset magnitude.

Abstract: A steering system for a watercraft provides a position command signal indicative of a position of a rudder. An azimuth or location sensor senses an azimuth or a location of the watercraft, respectively. A control data input device selectively provides a control device with a manual mode signal and an autopilot mode signal. The autopilot mode signal is accompanied by a target azimuth signal or a target location signal. The control device controls the position of the rudder unit based upon the position command signal in the manual mode. The control device controls the position of the rudder unit such that the actual azimuth coincides with the target azimuth. The control device places the watercraft in the manual mode in place of the autopilot mode without the manual mode signal if the position command signal changes while the control device controls the position of the rudder unit in the autopilot mode.

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: An outboard motor includes upper and lower pivot shafts provided respectively in a swivel case and a pair of left and right stern brackets supporting the swivel case via a tilt shaft. Upper and lower end portions of an extendable part of a tilt system are mounted on the upper and lower pivot shafts. First and second mounting parts are provided on the upper pivot shaft so that they are offset in mutually opposite left and right directions from a central position between the pair of stern brackets. The offset of the second mounting part is set smaller than the offset of the first mounting part. Consequently, either a gas-assist type or power type tilt system can be mounted with good balance between the left and right stern brackets, thereby improving the appearance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a propshaft assembly that has a propshaft connected to a transmission and an axle and a center support that attaches the propshaft to a vehicle. The center support permits the propshaft to move vertically during operation of the vehicle. The present invention also includes a method for damping the natural bending resonance of a propshaft where the propshaft is connected to the underbody of a vehicle with a center support. The center support may be adapted to permit the propshaft to move vertically in response to vertical movement of an axle attached to the propshaft. Alternately, the center support may be adapted to selectively fix the vertical position of the propshaft when the propshaft is approaching its natural bending resonance frequency.

Abstract: The present invention includes a propshaft assembly that has a propshaft connected to a transmission and an axle and a center support that attaches the propshaft to a vehicle. The center support permits the propshaft to move vertically during operation of the vehicle. The present invention also includes a method for damping the natural bending resonance of a propshaft where the propshaft is connected to the underbody of a vehicle with a center support. The center support may be adapted to permit the propshaft to move vertically in response to vertical movement of an axle attached to the propshaft. Alternately, the center support may be adapted to selectively fix the vertical position of the propshaft when the propshaft is approaching its natural bending resonance frequency.

Abstract: An electrical steering propeller for a seagoing high-speed ship having a polyphase electric motor which is mounted under the stern of the ship via a shaft which can rotate and preferably has two parts in a gondola-like housing, and can be supplied with electrical drive power via a slipring arrangement, and can be rotated via drive motors, wherein the steering propeller is mounted in the stern of the ship via a flat collar bearing (7) in the vicinity of the outer skin (6), in particular above the waterline, with the slipring arrangement (8) being accommodated in the upper part (3) of the shaft (2,3) at the level of the annular bearing (7), and with the drive motors for the rotary movement (9) being physically small and being arranged at least partially in the interior of the collar bearing (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for tilting and trimming a boat motor is disclosed. The apparatus for permits the rearward the movement of the lower unit of the boat motor to reduce the likelihood of damage to the boat motor or boat when an obstruction is hit. The apparatus provides a lower actuator bracket pivotally mounted to the transom bracket of a boat motor. An actuator is pivotally connected to the lower actuator bracket and to a mounting bracket to tilt and trim the lower unit. The lower actuator bracket is configurable between an engaged position for tilting and trimming the boat motor and a released position to allow the lower unit to pivot over obstructions. A shear pin may also be provided to maintain the engaged position of the lower actuator bracket while operating the boat motor in reverse.

Abstract: A mounting support (100, 200) for a marine vessel inboard drive propulsion system used in connection with a precision driveline includes a substantially cylindrical housing (107), one or more bearing assemblies (113) positioned within the cylindrical housing (107) for promoting rotation of a drive shaft (103) and one or more seals (119) typically located at both ends of the housing (107) for preventing water from contacting one or more of the bearing assemblies (113).

Abstract: A marine outdrive attachable to the transom of a boat having a conventional inboard engine and transmission. Said drive includes an aft support member extending rearwardly and pivotably attached to the transom whereby hydraulic actuators control vertical elevation of said member. Said member supports an axle upon which is journalled a cylinder with a plurity of contiguous and articulated blades, suitably attached so as to produce thrust when cylinder is rotated about the axle in a radial manner and said blades are brought into contact with water. Said cylinder is operably connected to the transmission in a conventional manner, which is operably connected to the engine in a conventional manner. Said blades are operably connected to an eccentric load cam within said cylinder that controls said blade angle throughout rotation, whereby delivered thrust can be continuously adjusted while underway. Said blades having unique shape and attributes whereby said blade's ability to produce thrust is optimized.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes upper and lower pivot shafts provided respectively in a swivel case and a pair of left and right stern brackets supporting the swivel case via a tilt shaft. Upper and lower end portions of an extendable part of a tilt system are mounted on the upper and lower pivot shafts. First and second mounting parts are provided on the upper pivot shaft so that they are offset in mutually opposite left and right directions from a central position between the pair of stern brackets. The offset of the second mounting part is set smaller than the offset of the first mounting part. Consequently, either a gas-assist type or power type tilt system can be mounted with good balance between the left and right stern brackets, thereby improving the appearance.

Abstract: In a steering handle device including a tilting switch, an overhang portion is formed on a switch case detachably secured to a lower surface of a steering handle, and protrudes from a side of the steering handle toward a side where a steersman is in position. A tilting switch is mounted in a switch-mounting bore which is open at a rear slant wall of the overhang portion. Thus, the steering handle can be also used commonly in an outboard engine system including no tilting switch.

Abstract: A fluid cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder used on marine engines to control the steering direction and/or trim position of a propeller shaft comprises internally ported fluid lines located in line with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and may be either ported in the base of such a cylinder or, alternatively, in the head.

Abstract: The present application is a method and apparatus for moving and steering a vessel traveling in water. The arrangement for moving and steering a vessel includes a propulsion unit having a chamber positioned outside the vessel equipment for rotating a propeller arranged in connection with the chamber, and a shaft means connected to the chamber for supporting the chamber in a rotatable manner at the hull of the vessel. At least one hydraulic motor if used for turning the shaft means in relation to the hull of the vessel for steering the vessel. The arrangement also includes a means for altering the rotational displacement of the hydraulic engine.

Abstract: An azimuth propeller device includes an azimuth pod, a POD propeller member provided with the azimuth pod, and a motor which drives the POD propeller member. The motor is provided inside the azimuth pod, and at least one radiation member for releasing the heat generated by the motor is provided at an outer periphery of the azimuth pod.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting trim system for a watercraft having an outboard motor mounted on its stern, includes: (a) a pivotable mounting mechanism connecting the watercraft and the outboard motor, a shaft of the motor being rotatable about a trim axis, the trim axis being horizontal and disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft, the pivotable mounting mechanism including a movable swing arm; and (b) a spring mechanism including at least one spring, a portion of the swing arm of the pivotable mounting mechanism being pivotable against the spring; wherein, when the motor is powered, the thrust of the motor automatically pushes the swing arm, which pushes in the spring, which changes position of the motor, lifting the stern, driving a bow of the watercraft down, and moving the watercraft into a planing position. Also included is a method for improving planing performance by an outboard motor-driven watercraft.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a drive unit and a bracket assembly mounted on an associated watercraft. The bracket assembly includes a swivel bracket arranged to support the drive unit for pivotal movement through a steering angle about a steering axis. A clamping bracket is arranged to support the swivel bracket for pivotal movement about a tilt axis. The clamping bracket includes a pair of bracket arms spaced apart from each. Each bracket arm defines a plurality of openings that are arranged next to one another in an arcuate line so as to minimize a fore-to-aft width of the bracket arm. As a result of the smaller bracket arm width, the drive unit can be pivoted through a larger steering angle.

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: First and second pliable members are each attached to an outboard motor and to a fixed location on the transom or transom bracket associated with the outboard motor. One pliable member is used on the starboard side of the outboard motor while another is used on the port side. As the outboard motor is tilted about its trim axis, the two pliable members work in coordination with each other to exert a force on the outboard motor in a direction away from any direction in which the outboard motor is rotated about its steering axis as it is being tilted about its trim axis. This coordinated action by the two pliable members aligns the outboard motor in a straight ahead position when it is tilted upward into an inoperable position for transportation.

Abstract: In a steering handle device including a tilting switch, an overhang portion is formed on a switch case detachably secured to a lower surface of a steering handle, and protrudes from a side of the steering handle toward a side where a steersman is in position. A tilting switch is mounted in a switch-mounting bore which is open at a rear slant wall of the overhang portion. Thus, the steering handle can be also used commonly in an outboard engine system including no tilting switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for connecting a drive axle to a propeller. A drive member is configured to mount on a drive axle, a tubular member is coupled to the propeller, and a resilient member is configured to be positioned between the drive member and the tubular member. The drive member has an axis and includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending tabs. The tubular member is coupled to the propeller and has an axis and a plurality of radially inwardly extending tabs. The resilient member has an axis and is configured to be positioned between the outwardly extending tabs and the inwardly extending tabs. Furthermore, the resilient member is mounted coaxially with the drive member and the tubular member.

Abstract: A lift and tilt adjustment device for an outboard motor (1), this latter being associated with brackets (2, 3) which are movable relative to each other and of which one (3) is fixed to the boat, the device comprising a lifting member (6) and at least one tilt member (7) for the motor (1), said members being fed with pressurized fluid via feed means (8); the members (6, 7) and said means (8) are associated with a single support element (5) rotatably connected to that bracket (3) fixed to the boat, said element (5) comprising seats (9, 11) for said members (6, 7) and means (17) for rotatably connecting either said lifting member (6) or said tilt member (7) selectively to said element (5), the rotational movement of said member (6, 7) within its seat (9, 11) occurring without interference with said element (5), to prevent it being dragged into rotation, at least through a portion of a revolution.

Abstract: A steering structure of an outboard motor is provided to have high reliability without functional deterioration. The steering structure includes a tilting shaft provided on a bracket device of the outboard motor to pivotally support the outboard motor in such a manner that the outboard motor can tilt vertically. A steering damper is disposed on the outboard motor, wherein the steering damper includes a damper cylinder and a piston rod that extends inside the damper cylinder and protrudes outwardly from the damper cylinder in a transverse direction. Openings at opposite ends of the damper cylinder are closed by a piston stopper, which slidably supports the piston rod and maintains the inside of the damper cylinder fluidtight, to form a fluid chamber. A damper piston is provided at the central portion of the piston rod in the fluid chamber to partition the fluid chamber into right and left chambers.

Abstract: The invention applies to installing and/or removing a steerable propulsion pod for a ship having two of said steerable propulsion pods, each pod comprising a bulb suspended from the ship by a fin. The device comprises a cradle for receiving the pod to be moved, which cradle is situated between two arms of a buoyant beam, one end of each arm being rigidly secured to said cradle, the other end of a first arm being provided with a coupling hinged about a horizontal pin for coupling it to the fin of the other pod in place on the ship, the other end of the second arm being provided with a coupling hinged about a horizontal pin and about a vertical pin for coupling the second arm to an auxiliary vessel.

Abstract: A steering arm yoke and trunnion assembly for a marine propulsion system includes a steering arm and a yoke including integral fluid paths for trim actuator fluids and for cooling water for an outboard powerhead mounted to a horizontal mounting plate within a platform extending from a boat hull. The steering arm and yoke include a drum extending through the horizontal mounting plate for rotating an attached propeller drive unit. The fluid paths extend through the drum, which is rotatably mounted to the horizontal mounting plate. The yoke includes pivot arms for attachment to a trunnion that includes actuator brackets for trim actuators fluidly connected to the actuator fluid paths of the drum.

Abstract: A hydraulic tilt device for a marine outboard drive comprising a cylinder and a piston slidably supported in the cylinder and defining a first and a second chambers. A working fluid is contained in both of the chambers. A piston rod extends from the piston through the first chamber. The first and second chambers are joined together by a passage that is opened or closed by a switchover valve. Gasses are also contained for compensating the working fluid and pressuring it in the first chamber. Means is provided for permitting flow of the working fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber when the passage is closed and the second chamber produces a pressure greater than a predetermined magnitude. The gasses are dispensable if a fluid reservoir is provided for compensating the working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supporting an outboard motor in a tilted position, relative to the transom of the boat, during transportation by trailer. The outboard motor is affixed to a boat's transom by means of a motor mounting bracket, where the motor support bracket is interposed between the motor mounting bracket and the outboard motor's drive shaft housing.

Abstract: A tilt-up handle for an outboard motor is placed in the upper rear portion of an engine cover accommodating an engine and has an outside-air inlet opening rearwardly in the boat traveling direction. The outside-air inlet protrudes rearwardly in the boat traveling direction from a rear wall of the engine cover so as to be substantially aligned with an imaginary vertical line overlapping with the rear wall of the engine cover when the outboard motor is viewed in profile. The tilt-up handle prevents moisture from entering and allows outside air to enter an engine cover without compromising air intake.

Abstract: A trolling motor mount with a first piston controlled plate-like trim tab member for hinged attachment to a boat transom and terminating rearwardly in a narrow tongue with a curved end; a second plate-like member welded to the first plate-like member forward of the tongue and with depending sides a portion of which are welded to the first plate-like member and the tongue; the second plate-like member extending upwardly at a substantial angle to the first plate-like member; a trolling motor attached beneath the second plate-like member; the tongue having a width approximating the trolling motor width; a reinforcing channel welding to the first plate-like member and tongue; the tolling motor mount having a first position when the second plate-like member and trolling motor extend out of the water, and a second position where the second plate-like member and trolling motor are submerged at an approximately horizontal trolling position.

Abstract: A transom saver and transom saver buddy for use in connection with water craft provided with an outboard motor or stern drive apparatus including transom saver structure having an elongated member adapted to be secured at one end to a trailer for the craft and at the other end to engage the motor or stern drive shank and provided with bracket structure adapted to be secured to the trailer and receive for temporary storage the elongated member which is bent to form an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A convertible or collapsible tiller arm assembly is provided for an outboard motor. The motor may be of a generally conventional structure, but includes an interface bracket for mounting the tiller arm assembly in place. The tiller arm assembly has a mating bracket which is fixed to the outboard motor for securement of the tiller arm assembly in a deployed position. Threaded fasteners may be employed for rapidly moving the assembly to the deployed position, and for collapse of the assembly. Anti-rotation structures afford transmission of steering torques to the outboard motor when the tiller arm is in the deployed position. In the collapsed position, the overall assembly offers a significantly reduced envelope dimension, facilitating storage and passing of the outboard motor through hatches, openings, and the like.

Abstract: A swivel drive assembly for an electrically powered boat. The swivel drive assembly comprising a housing which has a propeller shaft extending therethrough and a propeller mechanically coupled to the propeller shaft. The swivel drive assembly further includes a turning post having a hollow interior mechanically coupled to the housing. A drive shaft is mechanically coupled to the propeller shaft and is disposed within the hollow interior of the turning post and the housing. The swivel drive assembly further includes an electric motor mechanically coupled to the drive shaft and operable to spin the propeller thereby. In this respect, the rotation of the turning post is operative to point the housing and the propeller in a desired direction to facilitate steering of the boat.

Abstract: A power head for an outboard motor includes an improved construction that can includes a compactly arranged tilt relay unit of a hydraulic tilt and trim system. The outboard motor includes a drive unit comprising an internal combustion engine. A bracket assembly is adapted to be mounted on an associated watercraft. The bracket supports the drive unit for pivotal movement about a generally horizontally extending tilt axis. A hydraulic tilt system is arranged to tilt up and down the drive unit. The tilt system includes a hydraulic pump and an electric motor actuating the hydraulic pump. A tilt relay unit supplies electric power to the electric motor based upon a control signal. The relay unit is disposed generally between the engine and the bracket assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propeller drive arrangement and a method for moving and steering a vessel. The arrangement comprises an azimuthing propulsion unit and operating equipment for turning said azimuthing propulsion unit to steer the vessel. The operating equipment comprises an electric motor for rotating said propulsion unit by means of a mechanical power transmission machinery connected to said electric motor. A power unit supplies electric power to said electric motor. A control unit controls the operation of said electric motor by controlling said power unit. The arrangement also comprises a sensor device for detecting the rotational position of said azimuthing propulsion unit. A control unit is arranged to process steering command information from a control means and turning position information from said sensor device and to control the operation of said electric motor on the basis of this processing.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes an outboard powerhead mounted to a horizontal mounting plate within a boat platform recess. A steering arm is attached to a yoke that extends through the transom plate for rotating an attached propeller drive unit. The yoke includes integral fluid paths for hydraulic cylinders coupled to the yoke to pivot the propeller drive unit, and for powerhead cooling water. A removable gearcase plate allows the outboard powerhead, the horizontal mounting plate, the steering arm and the yoke to be pre-assembled and dropped down through the boat platform recess.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a drive unit and a bracket assembly mounted on an associated watercraft. The bracket assembly includes a swivel bracket arranged to support the drive unit for pivotal movement through a steering angle about a steering axis. A clamping bracket is arranged to support the swivel bracket for pivotal movement about a tilt axis. The clamping bracket includes a pair of bracket arms spaced apart from each. Each bracket arm defines a plurality of openings that are arranged next to one another in an arcuate line so as to minimize a fore-to-aft width of the bracket arm. As a result of the smaller bracket arm width, the drive unit can be pivoted through a larger steering angle.

Abstract: A drive apparatus (12) for a boat having a planing hull (14) including a notch (24). An engine (30) and a transmission (32) are mounted within the hull. A propeller shaft (38) is connected to the transmission with a universal joint (34) and extends rearwardly therefrom into the notch. The propeller shaft passes through a shaft support (56), and a propeller (46) is affixed to the propeller shaft behind the shaft support. The shaft support depends from a strut (58), which is mounted on the underside of a pivot arm (50). A trim drive (62) is mounted within the hull and above the notch and the pivot arm. A linearly extendable trim drive shaft (64) extends between the trim drive and the pivot arm and, when the trim drive is actuated, pivots the pivot arm, and thus the propeller, selectively upwardly and downwardly to adjust trim for maximum drive efficiency under various boat load distribution, water surface and wind conditions.

Abstract: An adjustable engine mount for a pontoon boat makes it possible to adjust the relative position of an outboard engine relative to the waterline of the boat. The mount has an elongated, tapered, four-sided body which is attached to the bottom of the hull of the boat by a pair of spaced apart, elongated mounting rails. The body is a substantially U-shaped, continuously changing cross section with an engine-mounting wall located adjacent the stern of the boat. The bow end of the body is pivotably attached to the mounting rails. The stem ends of the rails have a plurality of vertically disposed bolt holes. The vertical position of the body can be adjusted by selecting which vertically disposed bolt holes in the rails to use.

Abstract: A center pontoon for a pontoon boat provides improved performance and an adjustable engine mount. The adjustable engine mount makes it possible to adjust the relative position of an outboard engine relative to the waterline of the boat. The center pontoon includes a relieved top surface for allowing a vertical adjustment movement of the engine mount. The mount has an elongated, mount body which is adjustably attached to the bottom of the hull of the boat by a pair of spaced apart, elongated mounting rails. The mount body has a vertical profile that is compatibly shaped with the relieved top surface to provide sufficient vertical adjustable movement. The engine mount is located between a pontoon boat deck and the center pontoon.

Abstract: Inboard/outboard trim/tilt assembly including a shield assembly for being secured to a transom of the boat. A gimbal ring is pivotably coupled to the shield assembly at an axis of rotation. A drive frame is pivotably connected to the gimbal ring so that the drive frame pivots in conjunction with the gimbal ring. A single trim cylinder is included that has a first end connected to the gimbal ring and a second end connected to the drive frame. The trim cylinder has a cylinder rod and a cylinder housing and the cylinder rod is movable within the cylinder housing. The cylinder rod moves in a first direction relative to the cylinder housing for tilting the drive frame to a trim up position and moves in a second direction relative to the cylinder housing for tilting the drive frame to a trim down position. For protective purposes, the trim cylinder is at least partially covered by a portion of the gimbal ring.

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: An outboard motor has an engine in which a crankshaft is disposed perpendicularly, a flywheel is disposed to an upper end portion of the crankshaft to be rotatable in unison with the crankshaft and the flywheel is provided with a detecting member a motion of which is detected by a sensor means for detecting a detecting number of revolution and a revolution angle of the crankshaft. The detecting member is disposed in an axial direction of the crankshaft.

Abstract: In an outboard marine drive, an engine is supported on an engine mount case, and an under cover made of plastic material having a lower end attached to the engine mount case defines an open upper end which engages an open lower end of an engine cover also made of plastic material. A metallic stay member having a lower end fixedly attached to the engine mount case which is typically made of cast aluminum alloy and an upper end fixedly supporting a support rail reinforces the open upper end of the under cover. Thus, the essential part is reinforced by a metallic member, and the required mechanical strength can be achieved while minimizing the increase in weight. The upper end of the stay member may be used for attaching a latch unit for securing the engine cover to the under cover or the engine mount case.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system mounted on the stern of a boat adaptable to propelling the boat at high speeds through and over water. The depth of operation of the propeller in the water as well as the angle of attack or attitude of the propeller are each adjustable independently of the other, and steering is accomplished by lateral movement of the propeller in a single plane without modifying the depth and attitude of the propeller. In construction the drive shaft assembly is divided into three connected parts, namely the power drive shaft and an intermediated connecting shaft and the propeller shaft. The depth of operation of the propeller and its attitude are adjustable independently of each other by supporting the interconnected shaft assembly from a vertically adjustable overhanging beam structure extending from a vertical support rod at the stern of the boat about which the beam can be moved through an arc to steer the craft.

Abstract: A transom saver and transom saver buddy for use in connection with water craft provided with an outboard motor or stern drive apparatus including transom saver structure having an elongated member adapted to be secured at one end to a trailer for the craft and at the other end to engage the motor or stern drive shank and provided with bracket structure adapted to be secured to the trailer and receive for temporary storage the elongated member which is bent to form an obtuse angle.

Abstract: The drive transfers power from an engine driven drive shaft to a propeller shaft, through the hull (not the stern) of a boat. The power is transferred by a chain and sprockets which are fully enclosed and lubricated by oil inside the drive. The tension in the chain is adjustable without disassembling the drive. The propeller shaft is carried on bearings in the main housing of the drive which is made up of a top plate, a streamlined hollow strut and the propeller shaft pod. The drive shaft is carried in a sub housing made up of top and bottom halves. The chain is installed before the top half of the sub housing and the bearings for the drive shaft are installed. This method allows for the slack and clearance (sidewise from the chain) for connecting the ends of the chain together. When the drive is fully assembled, the gap between the main and sub housing is mechanically adjustable to adjust chain tension. A sealing system seals the variable width gap to retain the oil in the drive.

Abstract: A jet boat having remote steering to enable pivotal side-to-side steering of a steering nozzle from a pilot seat. A primary coupling between the steering wheel and the steering nozzle. A first pivot arm pivoted by the side-to-side steering of the steering nozzle. A trolling motor mounted pivotally to the rear of the boat and a push/pull cable assembly between the first pivot arm and the trolling motor for corresponding side-to-side pivotal steering of the trolling motor.

Abstract: A steering structure of an outboard motor is provided to have high reliability without functional deterioration. The steering structure includes a tilting shaft provided on a bracket device of the outboard motor to pivotally support the outboard motor in such a manner that the outboard motor can tilt vertically. A steering damper is disposed on the outboard motor, wherein the steering damper includes a damper cylinder and a piston rod that extends inside the damper cylinder and protrudes outwardly from the damper cylinder in a transverse direction. Openings at opposite ends of the damper cylinder are closed by a piston stopper, which slidably supports the piston rod and maintains the inside of the damper cylinder fluidtight, to form a fluid chamber. A damper piston is provided at the central portion of the piston rod in the fluid chamber to partition the fluid chamber into right and left chambers.

Abstract: A tilt stop mechanism for an outboard drive assembly includes an improved construction that is easy to handle and can be provided in a relatively narrow space of a support assembly. The support bracket includes a pair of transversely spaced portions. At least a portion of the outboard drive assembly is interposed between the spaced portions. A tilt pin couples the drive assembly to the support bracket for pivotal movement about a tilt axis extending generally horizontally. A tilt stop member is coupled to the drive assembly for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending generally horizontally. The tilt stop member has at least one stopper portion extending between the drive assembly and the support bracket when the drive assembly is in a tilted-down position. The support bracket has at least one recess. The stopper portion engages with the recess by the pivotal movement of the tilt stop member when the outboard drive is in a tilted-up position.

Abstract: A shock absorbing arrangement integrates in a compact manner into a fluid motor of a tilt cylinder, and consequently is particularly well suited for a small outboard drive that may only have a slimed tilt cylinder. The shock absorbing arrangement is provided in a piston for permitting flow from the first chamber to the second chamber upon the application of a predetermined force tending to cause the outboard drive to tilt-up. The shock-absorbing mechanism comprises a check valve assembly accommodated in a hollow space that is formed in the piston and is closed by a plug attached to the piston. A piston rod extends through the first chamber from the piston and is separately formed with the piston. The piston rod includes a passage that communicates with the hollow formed in the piston. A diameter of the passage provided in the piston rod is larger than the diameter of a valve seat for the check valve assembly in order to reduce fluid friction loss across the shock-absorbing valve assembly.