Abstract: An outboard motor which include an engine holder, an engine disposed above the engine holder in a state wherein the outboard motor is mounted to a hull, a mount unit including upper and lower mount devices for mounting the outboard motor to the hull and a bracket through which the upper and lower mount devices are mounted to the hull, an elastic thrust stopper disposed between the bracket and a body of the outboard motor, and a propeller driven in accordance with the engine operation. In such outboard motor, the distance between an axis of the upper mount device and an axis of the elastic thrust stopper both extending in a direction parallel to an axis of the propeller is set to be larger than a distance between axes of the upper and lower mount devices which extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the propeller.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly for supporting and positioning an outboard motor (44) in two primary positions. The first position is on deck (40) near the transom, a relatively safe position for attaching or removing an outboard motor while at sea. The second position is on the transom (42), in a marine propulsion operational position, with the propeller in the water. In the preferred embodiment of the positioner an outboard motor (44) is mounted to a mounting board (30) that is part of a car assembly (20) that slides in a captivated track adapted for mounting to the deck (40) and the transom (42). The track is a single continuous track from deck to transom facilitating positioning of the outboard motor in either of the two primary positions. In the alternate embodiment of the positioner the outboard motor can be positioned between the same two positions, on deck (40) and on the transom (42). The mechanism for spatial positioning using the alternate embodiment is a five-section series hinge.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a water propulsion device and a cowling housing an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine has a body defining at least one combustion chamber and an output shaft arranged to drive the water propulsion device. The cowling has a front end and a rear end. The motor includes a handle which generally encircles at least a portion of the cowling, the handle having at least one gripping portion at the front or rear end of the cowling.

Abstract: The need for transom platform sterndrive configured boats to have a backup power source in an emergency situation has been the driver in this invention. Using this invention, the rotating bracket mount, enables a motor to be mounted on the bracket mount or both removed for on board storage from inside transom platform sterndrive configured boats.

Abstract: A marine propulsion apparatus is provided in which a support structure is attached to an internal combustion engine to support the engine and allow the engine to be pivoted about a steering axis. A steering handle is attached to the support structure and the steering handle is rotatable within a range about an axis. A driveshaft housing is attached to the internal combustion engine and a driveshaft is supported within the housing. The apparatus can be raised or lowered relative to a bracket which comprises a support cylinder. The steering handle is adjustable within a range of travel and the entire marine apparatus can be raised or lower to accommodate various different types of marine vessels.

Abstract: A marine propulsion housing arrangement includes an improved construction for inhibiting an influx of water into the housing and for protecting the components thereof. A marine outboard drive comprises a drive unit and at least a swivel bracket that supports the drive unit for pivotal movement with a steering shaft. At least one mount assembly is provided for unifying the drive unit and the steering shaft. The mount assembly includes at least one mount members affixed to the drive unit and a hub member united with the mount member. The hub member is connected to both the drive unit and the steering shaft so as to unify them. A mount cover generally covers both of the mount member and the hub member.

Abstract: The present boat steering torque compensator is for being attached to a boat with a pivotable outboard motor, and a linearly movable control shaft with a first end connected to the outboard motor and a second end connected to a steering wheel. The compensator is comprised of a tube for being attached to the boat in a fixed position parallel to the control shaft. A compression spring positioned in the tube has a fixed first end adjacent the first end of the control shaft, and a movable second end. An elongated shaft positioned in the tube and through the spring has a first end connected to the first end of the control shaft by an adapter arm, and a second end positioned adjacent the movable second end of the spring. An engaging member on the second end of the elongated shaft engages the movable second end of the spring to compress the spring when the control shaft and elongated shaft are moved in the direction of the first end of the tube.

Abstract: A steering system is mounted to a body of an outboard motor and includes a steering bracket mounted at a rear side thereof to the body of the outboard motor which is mounted to a hull, a steering shaft to which the steering bracket is mounted to be rotatable, and a steering handle secured to a front side of the steering bracket. The steering bracket is provided with a front overhang portion which extends forward from the steering shaft and supports the steering handle and the front overhang portion is arranged to be offset sideways from a center line of the body of the outboard motor as viewed in a plan view.

Abstract: The trolling motor system includes a chassis adapted to be coupled to a boat, a housing pivotally coupled to the chassis, a lower propulsion unit, at least one shaft supported by the housing and coupled to the lower propulsion unit at a first end and a drive system including at least one actuator. The at least one shaft extends along a first axis. The first end is movable relative to the housing along the first axis. The drive system includes at least one actuator, a linear drive, a pivot drive and a coupler. The linear drive moves the first end of the first shaft along the first axis while the pivot drive pivots the housing about a second axis. The coupler connects the actuator and the pivot drive to pivot the housing. In one embodiment, the coupler connects the actuator and the pivot drive based upon the position of the at least one shaft along the first axis.

Abstract: A Hall effect rotational position sensor is mounted on a pivotable member of a marine propulsion system and a rotatable portion of the rotational position sensor is attached to a drive structure of the marine propulsion system. Relative movement between the pivotable member, such as a gimbal ring, and the drive structure, such as the outboard drive portion of the marine propulsion system, cause relative movement between the rotatable and stationary portions of the rotational position sensor. As a result, signals can be provided which are representative of the angular position between the drive structure and the pivotable member.

Abstract: A roller bearing drive assembly for a marine mud motor with an elongated drive tube containing a lubricant, the drive assembly configured for rotatably receiving a drive shaft including a propeller on the end. The drive assembly comprises a drive assembly housing containing an outer seal to restrict lubricant flow from the housing cavity, an inner seal to provide a lubricant chamber for pressurizing the lubricant, a bearing to rotatably connect the drive assembly housing to the drive shaft, and a seal cap to protect the outer seal from the elements.

Abstract: A power tilt and trim system for an outboard drive includes an improved construction that can be formed in compact nature without significantly reducing its strength. The system includes a support member that couples to the outboard motor. The support member has a pair of bracket arms spaced apart from each other and one of the bracket arms has an opening. An actuator is nested between the bracket arms to tilt the outboard drive. A powering assembly is disposed next to the actuator and arranged to power the actuator. At least a portion of the powering assembly lies within the opening.

Abstract: A manually adjustable outboard motor mount comprises two bracket assemblies, one being attachable to a boat transom and the other being adapted to support an outboard motor. The motor bracket assembly is constrained to movement in a straight, substantially vertical path relative to the transom bracket assembly by the cooperation of interengaging ribs and recesses on the brackets. The brackets, which have their ribs on their outer faces and their recesses on their inner faces, can be formed from a single extrusion. Cross braces fit into the recesses on the inner faces of the brackets.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system designed for shallow waters, swamps, savannahs and the like includes removable, sealed bearing units adjacent a propeller shaft casing. The bearing units include a threaded end adjacent the casing, a cover distal thereto and at least one shaft seal. Bearings may be replaced by passing the bearings from a bearing housing through an opening left behind when the cover is removed. Access to the bearings may be provided from the casing side of the bearing unit to assist with the removal and replacement of the bearings. Most preferably, the bearings are from stock, and include both bearings and bearing races.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an outboard motor is provided which prevents a moveable segment of the outboard motor from rotating about a steering axis relative to a stationary segment of the outboard motor. A slidable rod is disposed within a tilt tube of the outboard motor and is connected by a connecting link to the moveable segment of the outboard motor. If a locking device, such as a pin, is inserted through holes in the tilt tube and the rod, relative movement of the tilt tube and the rod can be prevented. If this relative movement is prevented, the moveable segment of the outboard motor is locked in position relative to the stationary segment of the outboard motor to which the tilt tube is attached.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a watercraft is provided, which may be an integral part of a watercraft or may be retrofitted to a particular watercraft. The propulsion system is mounted to the hull in a central area, such as forward of a transverse centerline of the hull. The propulsion system includes a propulsion assembly coupled to a retractable arm, which is pivotable between a stowed and operational position. In the stowed position at least a portion of the propulsion assembly may be received within a recessional housing formed in the hull.

Abstract: A wireless remote control system for extending the control functions of the electrically actuated control systems of a boat including a plurality of transmitters and receivers, each transmitter capable of generating a signal on two channels and receiver control responsive to each of the two signals and capable of synthesizing a third control signal from the combination of the two signals.

Abstract: A trolling motor system is disclosed. The trolling motor system includes a lower propulsion unit, a mounting mechanism adapted to be coupled to the boat and a first shaft fitting at least partially between the mounting mechanism and the lower propulsion unit. The first shaft has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting mechanism is configured to mount to a boat having a longitudinal axis extending from a bow to a stern of the boat, wherein the first shaft has a longitudinal length and smaller transverse width. According to another exemplary embodiment, the first shaft has a hollow interior which receives a second shaft. A passageway is formed between the exterior of the first shaft and the exterior of the second shaft to receive the signal or power transmitting line of an underwater sonar system.

Abstract: An inboard/outboard boat drive having a housing with first and second ends and a cavity passing between the housing first and second ends. The first end of housing is pivotally mounted on the boat stern. The drive includes an input drive shaft for coupling to an engine mounted within the boat, an intermediate drive shaft disposed within the housing cavity, a first universal joint coupling the input device shaft and the intermediate drive shaft, together with an output drive shaft coupled to a propulsion element and a second universal joint coupling the intermediate drive shaft and the output drive shaft.

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: A boat drive mechanism is constructed of an engine mounted in the boat; a propeller; a drive shaft having a front end connected to the engine and a rear end extending through the exterior of the transom; a propeller shaft having a rear end connected to the propeller and a front end, with the propeller shaft being moveable between a lowered position and a raised position; and a universal joint connecting the drive shaft rear end to the propeller shaft front end and spaced from the rear of the transom, the universal joint being the sole thrust connection between the drive shaft and the propeller shaft. A propeller tube surrounds at least a part of the propeller shaft. The propeller tube and shaft are raised and lowered by a first hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to the propeller tube and the transom above the drive shaft.

Abstract: A docking system is provided which utilizes the marine propulsion unit of a marine vessel, under the control of an engine control unit that receives command signals from a joystick or push button device, to respond to a maneuver command from the marine operator. The docking system does not require additional propulsion devices other than those normally used to operate the marine vessel under normal conditions. The docking or maneuvering system of the present invention uses two marine propulsion units to respond to an operator's command signal and allows the operator to select forward or reverse commands in combination with clockwise or counterclockwise rotational commands either in combination with each other or alone.

Abstract: The fastener for attaching a first component to a second component comprises an elongated opening formed in the first component with, the elongated opening having a plurality of similarly shaped portions. An insert is disposable into each one of the plurality of similarly shaped portions, which can be square in a preferred embodiment, and each of the plurality of the similarly shaped portions of the elongated opening is shaped to receive the insert therein. The insert is limited in movement by the elongated opening to a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the elongated opening. A hole is formed in the second component and a cylindrical member is disposable through the insert, through the hole, and through the elongated opening. A capture mechanism prevents the insert from moving out of the elongated opening in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the elongated opening.

Abstract: A mount assembly for a trolling motor is provided. The mount assembly includes a bracket adapted to support the trolling motor. A pivoting member, such as a link or an arm, has a first end pivotally coupled to the bracket. The pivoting member is also pivotally coupled to an abutment adjacent a boat deck or gunwale at its second end. A support member is rigidly affixed to a surface of the bracket such that the support member sustains the overhung load of the trolling motor while it is in the stowed position on the boat deck or gunwale. The support member is flat and unobtrusive when the motor is in its run position.

Abstract: A tilt mechanism for a marine outboard drive includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly disposed transversely offset from the center axis of the tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism includes a swivel bracket carrying a drive unit for pivotal movement about a generally vertically extending steering axis and a clamping bracket supporting the swivel bracket for pivotal movement about a generally horizontally extending tilt axis. The swivel bracket has wall portions transversely extending from the steering axis. One of the wall portions positioned nearer to the hydraulic cylinder assembly is reinforced greater than the other wall portion. Also, the clamping bracket comprises a pair of spaced members. One of the spaced members positioned nearer to the hydraulic cylinder assembly is reinforced greater than the other spaced member.

Abstract: The outboard motor of the present invention comprises a pedestal that is attached to a transom of a boat, a motor support platform that is attached to the outboard motor, and a steering mechanism that is attached to both the pedestal and the motor support platform. It comprises a hydraulic tilting mechanism that is attached to the motor support platform and to the outboard motor. The outboard motor is rotatable about a tilt axis relative to both the pedestal and the motor support platform. A hydraulic pump is connected in fluid communication with the hydraulic tilting mechanism to provide pressurized fluid to cause the outboard motor to rotate about its tilting axis. An electric motor is connected in torque transmitting relation with the hydraulic pump. Both the electric motor and the hydraulic pump are disposed within the steering mechanism.

Abstract: An outboard motor generally comprises a power head. An engine is mountable within an engine compartment defined within the power head. The engine is lifting into and out of the engine compartment in part through the use of lifting lugs. The engine may have one or more lifting lugs positioned in various locations for use in suspending the engine from ropes or chains during installation. The lifting lugs may attach to an upper surface of the engine, a portion of the flywheel or a drive unit of a high pressure fuel pump. The lifting lugs may also be positioned in dead space such as that between cylinder banks of a v-type engine. Moreover, the lifting lugs may be removable or pivotable to reduce the protrusion of the lifting jugs from the engine when the outboard motor is in use.

Abstract: In a tilt cylinder device for an outboard motor, a piston having its piston rod is extends to an outboard motor side and a free piston are freely movably inserted into a cylinder. Within the cylinder are oil chambers S1, S2, and S3. An accumulator chamber S4 is provided so as to surround the cylinder. A third communication passage is formed from the piston to the free piston. In the third communication passage is provided a second relief valve that opens when the oil chamber S3 has exceeded a set pressure. To this second relief valve is additionally provided an opening/closing mechanism for opening or closing the valve from the outside.

Abstract: A marine propulsion and steering unit (10) comprises a pod (13) having front and rear ends, a driving machine (14), e.g. a drive motor, accommodated in the pod, a substantially horizontal propeller shaft (15) drivingly connected to the driving machine and provided with a propeller (18) externally of the front end of the pod (13), and an upright pod supporting strut (12) rigidly attached to the pod and having at the upper end thereof swivel bearing means (11) supporting the pod supporting strut and the pod below a buoyant body for angular motion about a substantially vertical axis (C). The pod supporting strut (12) is shaped essentially as an upstanding airfoil the chord plane (V) of which contains or is proximal to the axis (T) of the propeller shaft (15) and the leading edge (12A) of which is directed towards the propeller (18).

Abstract: A tilting apparatus for a marine propulsion unit is provided with an accumulator provided in a supply line of hydraulic oil positioned between a pump and a changing-over valve for accumulating and reserving the hydraulic oil discharged by the pump, an accumulate pressure sensor for detecting the accumulated pressure in the accumulator, and a control circuit for driving the pump to accumulate the hydraulic oil into the accumulator when the accumulated pressure in the accumulator detected by the accumulated pressure sensor is lower than a preset value.

Abstract: An outboard motor is configured for steering by a tiller arm. The tiller arm is moveable relative to the outboard motor about a transverse axis and is arranged to steer the motor about the vertical axis. The outboard motor further has a power head that contains a vibration engine and is comprised of a protective cowling and lower tray. A tiller arm mounting bracket is secured to the power head and a mounting structure extends from the tiller arm. A resilient member is juxtaposed between the mounting bracket and the mounting structure. A gap is defined between a face of the resilient member and the tiller arm such that the resilient member may freely vibrate within the gap without that face of resilient member contacting the tiller and directly translating vibrational energy to the tiller arm.

Abstract: An automatically adjustable trim system for a marine propulsion system provides automatic trimming of the propeller in response to increased loads on the propeller. A propulsion unit is attached to a boat transom through a tilt mechanism including a transom bracket and a swivel bracket. In a first embodiment, the transom bracket is clamped to a flexible transom which flexes in response to forces exerted on the transom during acceleration. In a second embodiment, the transom bracket is clamped to a transom bracket mounting platform that is generally parallel to and pivotally attached to the transom. A trim angle biasing mechanism is mounted between the transom and the transom bracket mounting platform for automatically adjusting the trim angle. A third embodiment includes a trim angle biasing mechanism incorporated into the transom bracket or swivel bracket. A fourth embodiment includes a spring-loaded pawl assembly between the swivel bracket and transom bracket.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a steering lock which retains the rotational orientation of the outboard motor relative to a watercraft. The steering lock allows the motor to be pivoted about a substantially horizontal tilt and trim axis while the steering lock is engaged. The steering lock includes a friction plate which is advantageously straight. The friction plate is connected to the steering arm, and movement of either the steering arm or the friction plate requires movement of the other. At least one friction lock engages with the friction plate to secure the motor in a desired orientation. The friction lock is rigidly affixed to the outboard motor. The friction lock includes one or more disc pads. Movement of an operation lever urges the disc pads against the friction plate hold the friction plate and consequently, the steering arm, in a predetermined position.

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: An apparatus for adjusting the position of a boat motor. The apparatus contains a first transom member extending perpendicular from the transom, with the first member having a first longitudinal slot therein; and a second transom member extending perpendicular from the transom, with the second member having a second longitudinal slot therein. The apparatus further includes an upper plate position between the first and second transom member, with the first plate being attached to the first transom member and the second transom member. Also included is a first motor bracket member slidably connected to the first transom bracket and a second motor bracket member slidably connected to the second transom bracket. The apparatus further includes a lower plate position between the first motor bracket member and the second motor bracket member, with the lower plate being attached to the first motor bracket member and the second motor bracket member.

Abstract: A position indicator for a hydraulic jack plate for use with a marine outboard motor in a marine environment, the position indicator allows a boat operator to determine the position of an outboard motor relative to some fixed reference point usually the upper edge of the transom of a boat, the hydraulic jack plate has a fixed support and a moveable slide, a magnet is attached to the fixed support, this magnet activates individual segments of a multi segment transducer which is secured to the moveable slide of the jack plate when activated each segment of multi segment transducer produces a specific voltage which in turn activates a particular L.E.D., by observing which L.E.D. is activated an operator can determine the position of the slide and hence the position of the outboard motor, the light output of the L.E.D.'s is varied in relation to the ambient light.

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.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a water propulsion device and a cowling housing an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The engine has a body defining at least one combustion chamber and an output shaft arranged to drive the water propulsion device. The cowling has a front end and a rear end. The motor includes a handle which generally encircles at least a portion of the cowling, the handle having at least one gripping portion at the front or rear end of the cowling.

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: A tilt cylinder device has an exterior oil passage 61 outside a cylinder 51 for bringing oil chambers S6 and S7 into communication with each other, the exterior passage 61 is provided with a pump 72 and a control valve 73. A piston 13 is formed with a communication passage 34 for bringing oil chambers S6 and S7 into communication with each other. The communication passage 34 is provided with a first relief valve 15 which opens when a pressure in the rod side oil chamber S6 exceeds a set pressure. A hollow piston rod 14 is provided therein with a delay mechanism 16 for delaying the closing operation of the first relief valve 15 by pushing a valve body 15b of the first relief valve 15 in its valve opening direction for a predetermined time period after the relief valve 15 is opened.

Abstract: A heat-discharging electronic component is mounted in an unused space on the side of an engine of an outboard motor without unnecessarily restricting the layout of parts in the outboard motor, or increasing the number of parts or assembly steps. The unused space is a cavity between a side of the engine, an exhaust manifold, and an electronics box spaced apart from the exhaust manifold to form the cavity. The cavity is further defined by a perpendicular projection of a cover member covering the upper portion of the engine. Fixing bolts remain accessible below the cover member when a removable cover is removed, thereby improving accessibility of the heat-generating electronic component. Locating the cavity under the perpendicular projection of the fixed cover member improves protection against the entry of moisture into the heat-generating electronic component.

Abstract: An adjustable propeller system includes an outboard drive portion having a propeller. At least one linearly extendable and retractable trim arm is mounted between an outboard plate and the propeller to adjust the trim angle between the outboard plate and the propeller. An upper arm and a lower arm are each pivotally mounted to a transom mounting plate and pivotally mounted to the outboard mounting plate. The upper and lower arm are linearly extendable and retractable to adjust the depth of the outboard drive portion.

Abstract: An improved flow control mechanism for a tilt and trim adjustment system quickens tilt and trim operations of an associated outboard drive. The flow control mechanism includes a bypass line that interconnects the two sides of a respective tilt and trim cylinder. A bypass valve regulates flow through the bypass line. The bypass valve opens the bypass line when raising the outboard drive to quicken this operation. When lowering the outboard drive, however, the bypass valve closes the bypass line and connects an up chamber of the cylinder to a suction side of the pump to slow the speed at which the tilt and trim adjustment system lowers the outboard drive. The flow control mechanism also inhibits the flow of working fluid through the system when the pump is inactive.

Abstract: An automatically adjustable trim system for a marine propulsion system provides automatic trimming of the propeller in response to increased loads on the propeller. A propulsion unit is attached to a boat transom through a tilt mechanism including a transom bracket and a swivel bracket. In a first embodiment, the transom bracket is clamped to a flexible transom which flexes in response to forces exerted on the transom during acceleration. In a second embodiment, the transom bracket is clamped to a transom bracket mounting platform that is generally parallel to and pivotally attached to the transom. A trim angle biasing mechanism is mounted between the transom and the transom bracket mounting platform for automatically adjusting the trim angle. A third embodiment includes a trim angle biasing mechanism incorporated into the transom bracket or swivel bracket. A fourth embodiment includes a spring-loaded pawl assembly between the swivel bracket and transom bracket.

Abstract: A weed guard system for trolling motors comprises a bracket structure attached to the boat and capable of allowing the motor to articulate arcuately as well as vertically. A generally straight skeg extends diagonally outwardly from a motor shaft and terminates proximate the motor's propeller.

Abstract: A tilt and trim control system includes a simply-structured control unit that better protects its electrical components from contact with water and other contaminates. The control unit includes a pair of relays mounted onto to a printed circuit board. The board and the relays are potted within a housing. A plurality of wire leads are also attached to the printed circuit board with the connections between the leads and the board also being potted. The control unit is attached to the lower section of a cowling that surrounds an engine of the marine drive. The tilt and trim control system additionally includes a terminal block that is positioned within the cowling. The terminal block connects the control unit to a motor of a tilt and trim mechanism, and is positioned above the control unit on the engine. This position of the terminal block generally isolates the terminal block from water that may lie within the lower section of the cowling.

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 boat motor mounting device is provided for mounting an outboard motor to a transom of a boat. A transom portion of the mount is adapted for fastening securely to the transom of the boat at a transom base from which a vertical side projects perpendicular to the transom base. A motor mounting portion is provided adapted for fastening securely to a motor at a motor base from which a vertical side projects perpendicular to the motor base. A vertical slide guide structure is formed for mating engagement between the transom side projection and the motor side projection. The vertical slide guide includes an elongated vertical protrusion and an elongated vertical groove, both of which are sized for overlapping, adjustable vertical sliding engagement. A releasable locking mechanism is provided to hold the elongated vertical protrusion and vertical groove in a desired fixed position so that the motor is held in the fixed position relative to the boat.

Abstract: A thrust block is positioned by a steerable support in spaced relation to e hull of a seagoing vessel for angular displacement about a propeller axis and the axis of said hull intersecting the propeller axis. Forward and aft sets of propellers are rotatably mounted by hubs in the thrust block for contrarotation by propulsion motors having rotors respectively fixed to the radially outer tips of forward and aft propeller blades and electrically energized by current conducted thereto through stator and rotor windings of transformers respectively mounted in the thrust block and the propeller hubs to avoid propulsive torque transmission by the thrust block. The rotors of the propulsion motors are protectively enclosed by a radially outer shroud assembly which accommodates hydrodynamic cooling during motor operation.

Abstract: An electrical system is disclosed for a watercraft powered by an outboard motor with an internal combustion engine having a block defining a crankcase at one side and having a cylinder head generally positioned on an opposite side thereof, the engine oriented such that an output shaft thereof extends vertically. The electrical system includes a starter and generator mounted generally alongside the crankcase of the engine and between the ends thereof, the generator driven by a flexible belt extending in engagement with the output shaft, and the starter motor positioned for engagement with a flywheel positioned on the output shaft of the engine.