Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit adapted to be mounted on a boat for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis, the propulsion unit including a propeller shaft, and an engine drivingly connected to the propeller shaft, and the outboard motor further comprising structure for pivoting the propulsion unit about the generally horizontal axis, the pivoting structure being adapted to be mounted outside the boat, and the pivoting structure comprising a housing having an interior and an exterior, an electric motor in the interior, and a first quick-disconnect connector portion which is electrically connected to the motor and which is accessible from the exterior of the housing for selective mating with another quick-disconnect connector portion.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing steering device for an outboard motor having a swivel bracket constructed and arranged for mounting to a transom bracket of a boat and defining a vertical passageway includes a tubular pivot shaft being pivotally engaged in the passageway, an engine mount bracket designed to mount the engine for rotation with the pivot shaft, and a vibration absorbing torque tube for absorbing vibration generated by the engine. The torque tube is vertically disposed within the tubular pivot shaft and is secured at one end to the pivot shaft. A tiller arm has a pivot end attached to the upper end of the torque tube so that the tiller arm is connected to the engine mount bracket through the torque tube, and the torque tube absorbs vibration from the engine which would normally be transmitted through the tiller arm to the operator. In addition to absorbing engine vibration, the present device also permits positive steering control of the motor by manipulation of the tiller arm.

Abstract: A outboard motor, for mounting on the transom of a boat, has an engine substantially balanced about the center line of the outboard motor, a horizontally oriented engine output shaft and is angularly tiltable about a horizontal axis forward of the point of attachment of the outboard motor to the transom during operation. The configuration enables the location of the driveshaft housing and lower unit at a point further aft of the transom to keep the marine propulsion unit's center of gravity in a more aftward position, enabling an extended length exhaust system, better control and handling of the exhaust, increased torque, and an increasing overall engine efficiency. The low profile of the marine propulsion unit coupled with its far forward pivot point requires a smaller motor well space and increased visibility in the direction aft of the boat.

Abstract: A boat comprising a hull including a transom having laminations, a support plate fixed between a pair of laminations, a pair of horizontally spaced apart pivot pin supports each extending rearwardly from the support plate and each including an outer end projecting outwardly from the transom, a tilt pivot pin having a generally horizontal longitudinal axis, and extending between the outer ends, a mounting apparatus adapted to support an outboard motor on the tilt pivot pin, the mounting apparatus including a mounting bracket having an apparatus for supporting the outboard motor for pivotal movement about a generally vertical steering axis, and a semi-cylindrical surface, a pivot cap including a semi-cylindrical surface which cooperates with the semi-cylindrical surface of the mounting bracket to define a passage pivotally receiving the tilt pivot pin, a screw for releaseably fastening the pivot cap on the mounting bracket, and a mechanism for pivoting the mounting bracket about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The propulsion system includes a series of large inclined propellers which operate like the wheels of a vehicle and have the functions of lifting, propelling and steering the boat on the water.

Abstract: A tiller handle extension for use as a furtherance of a marine type outboard motor tiller control handle by attaching it to a tiller control handle by using an adapter that is modified to fit a tiller control handle. The device is adapted to be used quickly and easily by use of any adapter modified for attaching to virtually all sizes of tiller handles. The device not only permits one to control the throttle on the tiller control handle, but is an extension of the kill button, which stops the motor. The kill button is usually located at the outer end of the motor's tiller control handle. By attaching the present invention to the tiller control handle, the kill button is extended, by use of an actuator within the present invention, to the end of the tiller handle extension. This permits an operator to stop the motor by pushing a button, which is part of an actuator located in the present invention, which in turn depresses the actual kill button on the end of the tiller control handle.

Abstract: A tiller arm for a marine propulsion device, the tiller arm comprising a first end adapted to be connected to a propulsion unit, a second end spaced from the first end, a longitudinal axis, and a selectively actuable switch including annular selectively deformable structure surrounding the axis, deformation of the deformable structure resulting in actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a transom bracket adapted to be mounted on a boat transom and including laterally spaced rearwardly extending port and starboard portions, and a swivel bracket including a first leg connected to the transom bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and a second leg extending generally perpendicularly to the first leg and including a transversely extending portion extending in closely adjacent relation to both of the rearwardly extending laterally spaced transom bracket portions and substantially bridging the space between the rearwardly projecting laterally spaced transom bracket portions.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device includes a support adapted to be attached to a boat hull and a propulsion assembly including a propeller adapted to be driven by an engine. The propulsion assembly is connected to the support for vertical pivotal movement relative thereto and a hydraulic tilt cylinder and piston assembly is connected at one end to the support and has a second end connected to the propulsion assembly. The piston is movable toward the other end of the cylinder when the one end is pressurized to tilt the propulsion assembly upwardly. At least one trim cylinder is fixed relative to the support and includes a trim piston reciprocally mounted on the cylinder and releasably engageable with the propulsion assembly. Actuation of the propeller while the propulsion assembly is tilted upwardly is operative to force the propulsion assembly downwardly against the piston.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for controlling the planing angle of a boat powered by an outboard motor. Sensors are provided which measures the inclination of the propeller of the boat and the acceleration of the boat. An angle-changing motor is mounted between the outboard motor and the boat and a motor control means receives signals from the angle sensor and the acceleration sensor in order to control the angle between the propeller and the boat. Other sensors can be applied to detect the angle between the outboard motor and the boat in order to prevent excessive angles from occurring. A timer can also be used to nullify the effects of the acceleration sensor after a predetermined time.

Abstract: A marine propulsion driving apparatus for an inboard engine of the type having an input drive shaft with a propeller shaft extending through the stern of the boat, with the body of the drive extending substantially straight out from the stern of the boat with a propeller at the outer end thereof. Both steering of the boat and vertical trimming of the drive body are brought about by operating the drive body itself, the drive body being mounted in a mounting ring at the stern of the boat. A trimming mechanism mounted relative to the mounting ring includes two cooperating inclined adjustment rings mounted in direct contact with each other. One of these adjustment rings carries the drive body and the two adjustment rings are rotatable relative to each other such that different inclination angle combinations are obtained and the drive body is thereby trimmed vertically.

Abstract: A motor boat with auxiliary and main motors and having a transom with a pocket or recess constructed and arranged to receive and support an auxiliary outboard motor. The auxiliary motor is connected to a steering control in a helm control center which steers both the auxiliary and main motors. Preferably operating controls enable starting, tilting and steering of both motors and associated propulsion assemblies from the helm. Preferably, the operating controls include a cable carried in a sheathing attached to a steering wheel mounted in the helm control center and adapted to turn or move the rudder of the main motor and the auxiliary motor propulsion assembly to thereby steer the boat.

Abstract: A propulsion device for a boat that mounts through a hole in a bottom surface of the boat. The engine is positioned inside the boat and the propeller drive is positioned under a bottom surface of the boat. The propulsion device includes a mounting assembly, a steering assembly rotatably connecting the drive to the mounting assembly for steering the propeller drive under the boat, a trimming assembly swingingly connecting the drive to the steering assembly for trimming/tilting of the propeller drive under the boat at any steered position, and a drive shaft means providing a drive connection between the engine and the propeller drive at any steered and trimmed position.

Abstract: A system is provided for deploying a propulsor unit from the hull of a water vehicle, such as a submarine. The system comprises an opening in a submerged portion of the hull that leads to a chamber for storing the propulsor unit, a cover for covering the hull opening to render the surface of the hull substantially continuous and fluid-dynamic, the cover having first and second sides, each of which conforms to the contour of the hull and the propulsor unit being mounted on the second side of the cover, and a pivotal mounting that hingedly connects the cover and the propulsor unit attached thereto across the opening in the hull for allowing the propulsor unit to move from a first stored position within the storage chamber to a second deployed position in the ambient water surrounding the hull. A drive assembly is provided for pivotally moving the cover and its attached propulsor unit between stored and deployed positions.

Abstract: The transom mounted swivel bracket (16) of an outboard marine drive (10) has a clamp (36) with a pair of spaced parallel end tabs (40, 42) having aligned apertures (54, 56). A screw (58) has a leading end extension (68) extending through the apertures (54, 56) in the tabs (40, 42), and a shoulder (66) engaging one of the tabs and driving the one tab (40) toward the other tab (42) as the screw (58) is turned further into the swivel bracket (16), such that the clamp band (36) is tightened around the steering tube (20) to increase frictional steering resistance. The other tab (42) is held and retained by the leading end extension (68) which prevents deformation yielding movement of the other tab (42) into the tubular portion (18) of the swivel bracket (16).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a transom bracket adapted to be mounted on a boat transom and including a rearwardly and laterally open socket, a swivel bracket connected to the transom bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal tilt axis, a trail arm pivotally mounted on the swivel bracket for movement between a retracted position adjacent the swivel bracket and an extended position projecting from the swivel bracket and including an outer end receivable in the socket in the transom bracket and having a laterally extending projection, a latch member pivotally mounted on the transom bracket for movement between a retracted position and a latching position, which latch member includes a hook located, when the latch member is in the latching position, for engagement with the projection to prevent withdrawal of the outer end of the trail arm from the socket, and which hook is located, when the latch member is in the retracted position, clear of interferring engagement with travel o

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a transom bracket adapted to be mounted on a boat transom and including an upper surface, a swivel bracket connected to the transom bracket for pivotal movement about a horizontal tilt axis, a holding member pivotally mounted on the swivel bracket for movement about a horizontal second axis between a park position, a low-tilt position, and a high-tilt position, which holding member includes a low-tilt abutment surface engageable with the upper surface of the transom bracket when the holding member is in the low-tilt position and extending perpendicularly to a radial plane extending through the second axis and at a first radial distance from the second axis, a high-tilt abutment surface engageable with the upper surface of the transom bracket when the holding member is in the high-tilt position, which high-tilt abutment surface extends perpendicularly to a radial plane through the second axis and at a second radial distance from the second axis greater

Abstract: A shock absorber for absorbing external momentary steering forces acting on a steerable stern drive for boats. The shock absorber (11) is a hydraulic piston-cylinder device which is articulated between the anti-cavitation plate (9) of the drive (3) and a fixed portion (4) of the boat.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an outboard motor on a boat transom, the apparatus comprising a transom bracket including an upper portion and a portion extending downwardly from the upper portion and having a surface adapted to engage the boat transom, means including a bolt member for releaseably clamping the downwardly extending portion to the boat transom, the bolt member including a portion extending outwardly from the surface of the downwardly extending portion, and a cover removeably fastened to the downwardly extending portion by screws to conceal the outwardly extending portion of the bolt member.

Abstract: An outboard motor supporting arrangement of a boat includes a stern bracket fixed to a transom of the boat. The stern bracket is U-shaped, and has a flat bottom and left and right side walls extending upwardly from left and right ends of the bottom. Each side wall includes a slant section and a vertial section extending upwardly from an upper end of the slant section. In each side wall, there is further formed a projecting portion projecting outwardly, and extending longitudinally of the boat, for preventing water from be splashed on the outboard motor.

Abstract: A tilt-trim system for tilting and trimming an outboard propulsion unit on a boat includes a unitary cylinder unit assembly including a tilt cylinder unit and a trim cylinder unit, a stern bracket adapted to be mounted on the transom of the boat, a swivel bracket for supporting the outboard propulsion unit, the swivel bracket being pivotally supported on an upper end of the stern bracket, and a hydraulic pressure circuit for actuating the tilt cylinder unit and the trim cylinder unit. The cylinder unit assembly has an upper end pivotally supported on the stern bracket and a lower end pivotally supported on the swivel bracket.

Abstract: A manually operable unit having a single handle for driving, steering and tilting a boat propeller. The crank handle, when turned, drives the propeller through bevel gearing. A vertical sleeve surrounding a vertical drive shaft has an offset U-shaped portion terminating in a sleeve serving as a bearing for the crank handle. Pushing the crank handle against the bearing rotates the vertical sleeve which mounts the propeller, therefore steering the propeller. Pulling of the handle will tilt the vertical sleeve with respect to a mounting C-clamp to pivotally raise the propeller.

Abstract: A swivel bracket comprised of two pieces for a tiltable marine drive unit which enables the drive unit to be easily attached to, or detached from, the hull of a marine vessel. The first piece of the swivel bracket is pivotally secured to a clamp bracket which, in turn, is attached to the hull of a marine vessel. The second piece of the swivel bracket is connected at one end to the first piece of the swivel bracket by bolts and is rotatably secured at the other end to the drive unit for steering movement. The first and second pieces of the swivel bracket can be easily separated from each other.

Abstract: Torque-transmitting accommodation of substantial non-alignment of rotational shaft mechanism, particularly for interconnecting a boat motor's output means (generally vertical) and the boat's submerged propeller shaft (generally horizontal). The accommodation of non-aligned portions of the transmission is provided a flexible drive shaft member, particularly here a tightly-coiled multi-layered cable, insheathed in curved tubing and the cable's flexibility provides capability of rotation in spite of a substantial bend in the transmission of the rotational power.

Abstract: A tilt handle which is secured to the power head of an outboard drive unit on a marine vessel for moving the drive unit through a small tilt angle from a tilted-down position in which the drive unit propeller is below the surface of the water to a tilted-up position in which the propeller is out of the water. The drive unit includes an elongated swivel bracket which places the power head a substantial distance from the vessel when running. On such a drive unit, the tilt handle assists in the tilting up operation and permits the power head to be positioned near the vessel for easy operation and maintenance by the driver of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically raising and lowering boat motors includes a mounting configuration that allows the motor to move up out of the water and down into the water. A hydrofoil is connected with the motor. When the boat is propelled by a second motor, the water pushes up on the hydrofoil, forcing the first motor up out of the water. A locking device can be used to maintain the first motor in the up position. The locking device can be disengaged to allow the motor and hydrofoil to fall into the water. Alternatively, the motor and hydrofoil can be maintained in the up positon by the force of water against the hydrofoil. When the second motor is shut down the motor and hydrofoil automatically drop into the water.

Abstract: A marine installation including a transom fabricated of a first metal and including a forward surface, a rearward surface, and a mounting opening extending between the surfaces, and a marine propulsion device including a transom bracket fabricated of a second metal less noble than the first metal, and a mechanism for detachably mounting the transom bracket on the transom and for simultaneously electrically insulating the transom bracket from the transom, which mechanism includes a sleeve fabricated of electrically insulating material and engaged in the mounting opening and having therein a bore, a sheet fabricated of electrically insulating material and engaged with the rearward surface and with the sleeve and having therein an opening in registry with the bore, a washer fabricated of electrically insulating material and engaged with the forward surface and with the sleeve and having therein an aperture in registry with the bore, and a bolt having a head engaging the washer, extending through the aperture, th

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic steering assembly for a marine propulsion unit in which the axis of the cylinder travels parallel to the axis of the propulsion unit tilt axis during pivotal steering of the propulsion unit. The steering assembly provides two, two-bar link arms interconnecting the tilt tube and cylinder rod.

Abstract: Two embodiments of hydraulic tilt and trim units that include a manually operable valve for permitting flow between the chambers of the fluid motors so as to facilitate manual adjustment. In one embodiment, the valve is also automatically operable and is connected to the system so that it can relieve pressure in either of the chambers under impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically raising and lowering boat motors includes a mounting configuration that allows the motor to move up out of the water and down into the water. A hydrofoil is connected with the motor. When the boat is propelled by a second motor, the water pushes up on the hydrofoil, forcing the first motor up out of the water. A locking device can be used to maintain the first motor in the up position. The locking device can be disengaged to allow the motor and hydrofoil to fall into the water. Alternatively, the motor and hydrofoil can be maintained in the up position by the force of water against the hydrofoil. When the second motor is shut down the motor and hydrofoil automatically drop into the water.

Abstract: A steering system for an outboard motor capable of improving the operability and the responsibility to an emergency. In the steering system, a torque sensor is actuated depending upon rotation of a steering wheel to generate an output signal. The so-generated output signal is then fed to an electric motor to drive it, so that the electric motor generates torque for assisting steering of an outboard motor.

Abstract: A tilt and trim operating mechanism for a marine outboard drive including a simplified electrical arrangement for operating a reversible electric motor from a DC power source. The circuitry includes four relay switches operated in such a manner as to simplify the cost of the components since four double contact relays can be employed rather than two, three contact relays.

Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine craft which incorporates a surface drive heretofore only found with inboard motors. A specially designed constant velocity universal joint is used to pivotally couple the propeller shaft and propeller shaft extension housing to the outboard's lower unit whereby propeller thrust forces are transmitted directly through the propeller shaft to the transmission's output shaft. Furthermore, provision is made for routing engine cooling water and exhaust through the prop shaft extension housing and the propeller hub, thereby reducing the engine noise.

Abstract: Several embodiments of marine outboard drives including an arrangement for automatically adjusting the trim condition of an outboard drive in response to an acceleration and/or deceleration condition of the watercraft. In the embodiments the acceleration or deceleration condition is sensed by the position of a control element. In some embodiments this control element is a single-lever throttle and transmission control, in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the throttle linkage and in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the spark advance mechanism of the engine.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a member adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a housing which is mounted on the member for pivotal movement relative thereto and which has therein a first bore, an extendable and contractable hydraulic assembly having a first end connected to the member and having a second end having therein a second bore, a shaft extending through the first and second bores, a bushing surrounding the shaft in the first and second bores, and an elastomeric member surrounding the bushing in the first and second bores.

Abstract: A marine stern drive unit is mounted aft of the boat transom on a rigid lift arm in a manner allowing the drive unit to be independently trimmed or moved vertically up or down. The drive unit is pivotally attached to the aft end of the lift arm for trimming movement about a generally horizontal axis and the lift arm is pivotally attached to the boat to rotate about a second horizontal axis such that the drive unit is moved generally vertically. The boat engine is preferably mounted transversely and power transmission from the engine to the drive unit is provided by a flexible drive belt which is supported by the rigid lift arm. Separate trim and lift movement is supplied to the drive unit by individual fluid cylinders. The trim cylinder operatively interconnects the drive unit with the boat hull or the forward end of the lift arm. The lift cylinder operatively interconnects the boat hull and the lift arm at a point aft of its pivotal connection to the boat.

Abstract: A stern drive marine propulsion system, including an exhaust discharge control mechanism for selectively routing exhaust to an above-water outlet and to a below-water outlet, and an automatic trim control mechanism, is provided with circuitry interconnecting such components. The trim control system and the exhaust control system are selectively interconnectable so that the exhaust control is actuated responsive to operation of the trim control system.

Abstract: A retainer for a transom-mounted outboard boat motor is mounted on the inside face of the transom generally surrounding the area where the clamping thumb screws of the motor mounting bracket engage the transom. The retainer includes a retaining lip which will engage the pads on the clamping thumb screws should the motor shift inadvertently out of position and prevent horizontal sliding or vertical tilting which may result in loss of the motor even if the thumb screws are inadvertently left fully loosened and the engine is operated in reverse in a tight turn. The retainer is easily attached to the boat transom and includes a recessed mounting notch in the retainer lip which facilitates mounting and offers no significant interference to attachment or removal of the motor.

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

Abstract: An outboard motor supporting arrangement includes a stern bracket fixed to a transom of a boat, a lift member which supports the outboard motor and which is connected with the stern bracket so that the lift member is movable up and down and swingable together with the outboard motor, a vertically extending tilt cylinder which is connected between the stern bracket and lift member for causing the lift member to move up and down, and a pair of horizontally extending trim cylinders which are provided between the stern bracket and lift member, for causing the lift member to swing. Each trim cylinder is pivotally supported on the stern bracket, and a rear end of each trim cylinder is provided with thrust rollers which rolls on the lift member. Alternatively, each trim cylinder is pivotally supported on the lift member, and the front end is provided with the thrust rollers abutting against the stern bracket.

Abstract: A stern drive unit comprising a gimbal ring adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis, the gimbal ring including a rearward surface, and a lateral support portion extending rearwardly from the rearward surface, and a housing mounted on the gimbal ring for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally horizontal tilt axis, the housing including a forward surface, and a lateral support portion extending forwardly from the forward surface and adjacent the gimbal ring lateral support portion.

Abstract: A rotary switch and mounting arrangement therefore adapted to be detachably mounted on the gimbal housing of an outboard drive unit for controlling its power tilt and trim mechanism.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a marine drive including a pair of non-parallel unequal links pivotally connected at one of their ends to the transom and at their other ends to the outboard drive so that the outboard drive will be raised on pivotal movement of the links while maintaining a relatively lower amount of pivotal movement of the outboard drive relative to the associated watercraft so as to minimize the overhang and yet permit a large degree of raising of the propeller during the pivotal movement. The linkage system further permits the outboard drive to assume the desired trim angle under all driving conditions.

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

Abstract: Apparatus is described for controlling the steering of an outboard motor (e.g., a trolling motor) on a marine craft. The apparatus includes a frame for attachment to a mounting surface for the motor, a D.C. motor which can be driven in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a capstan, a flexible cable extending between the ends of the frame and being connected to the capstan and the outboard motor, and switches for actuating the D.C. motor and controlling direction of rotation. The apparatus causes the outboard motor to be pivoted in the desired direction to steer the marine craft. The D.C. motor can be controlled from a remote location on the marine craft.

Abstract: An auxiliary steering device for outboard motors is disclosed. The auxiliary steering device includes an elongated housing defining a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating moving mechanism is coupled with the elongated housing for movement along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled with the moving mechanism to reciprocatingly drive the moving mechanism along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A tie rod is coupled with the moving mechanism and the outboard motor to pivot the outboard motor which, in turn, steers the boat in response to the movement of the moving mechanism along the line defined by the longitudinal axis. A controller is also associated with the motor and a mechanism for limiting movement of the reciprocating moving member along the longitudinal axis is provided to limit movement in both directions along the line defined by the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Several embodiments of marine outboard drives including an arrangement for automatically adjusting the trim condition of an outboard drive in response to an acceleration and/or deceleration condition of the watercraft. In the embodiments the acceleration or deceleration condition is sensed by the position of a control element. In some embodiments this control element is a single-lever throttle and transmission control, in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the throttle linkage and in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the spark advance mechanism of the engine.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system is provided with dual counterrotating propellers, and a shaft and gear arrangement for driving the propellers. In a preferred embodiment, the marine propulsion system includes a depending gearcase having a steerable lower portion which is pivotable about a steering axis relative to an upper gearcase portion. A pair of coaxial drive shafts extend longitudinally through the gearcase, and are interconnected with the engine output shaft so as to rotate in opposite directions in response to rotation of the output shaft. The counterrotating propellers are preferably mounted to a pair of coaxial propeller shafts, and appropriate gearing is disposed between the coaxial propeller shafts and the coaxial drive shafts to drive the propeller shafts, and thereby the propellers, in opposite rotational directions. In a preferred embodiment, the gearing includes counterrotating gears fixed to the counterrotating drive shaft so as to provide cancelling gear torque loads about the steering axis.

Abstract: An improved exhaust system and bearing arrangement for a small displacement outboard motor that is rotatable through substantially 360 degrees for reverse operation. The drive shaft housing is formed with a reduced diameter cylindrical portion that is journaled within the swivel bracket by a bearing arrangement comprised of plastic elements and O-ring elements. The engine has an exhaust system with an exhaust pipe that at least in part encircles the drive shaft and which extends into the drive shaft housing below at least one the bearings to provide sufficient length for tuning and to avoid undue heating of the bearing.

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