Abstract: A stern drive is for propelling a marine vessel in water. The stern drive has an upper drive unit with a lower mounting surface; a lower gearcase coupled to the lower mounting surface and a trailing end surface that is angled relative to the lower mounting surface; and a propeller shaft extending forwardly from the lower gearcase and being configured to rotate a propeller for pulling the marine vessel in the water. The upper drive unit and the lower gearcase are configured such that when a forward side of the lower gearcase impacts an underwater obstruction, the lower gearcase is caused to pivot relative to the upper drive unit until the trailing end surface impacts the lower mounting surface, which thereby causes the lower gearcase to completely uncouple from the upper drive unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a marine vessel with a monohedral v-shaped hull bow portion blending into catamaran hull sponsons, a center tunnel and individual terminal tunnels on each of the sponsons. This new hull design is capable of high speeds to travel to a desired location, while still providing platform stability and shallow draft of the catamaran shaped aft portion. A removable hull transom diffuser gate and a removable side hull deflector plate may be retracted and/or lowered to reduce the signature of the vessel underway. A retractable cockpit may be included to permit stacking of the marine vessels in order to allow multiple vessels to simultaneously be shipped in a C-130 or C-17 cargo plane to a distant location. This retractable cockpit may include a multi-positional pilot house which can be elevated for rough sea conditions with hinged windshield and side plates for protection from waves for the operators.

Abstract: An air propeller assembly for moving a boat in shallow water includes a mount that can be mounted on a gunwale of a boat. A rod slidably is slidably coupled to the mount and the rod is rotatable about a vertical axis. A plate is coupled to the rod such that the plate is horizontally oriented when the mount is positioned on the gunwale. A steering handle is coupled to and extending away from the plate for steering. A motor is coupled to the plate and a propeller is coupled to the motor. The motor rotates the propeller when the motor is turned on. Additionally, the propeller agitates the air when the propeller is rotated to urge the boat through shallow water.

Abstract: A ship propulsion unit includes: an engine including a crankshaft extending in a front-rear direction of a ship; a propeller shaft; a power transmission mechanism configured to couple the crankshaft and the propeller shaft; an upper case; and a lower case accommodating the propeller shaft and connected to the upper case. The power transmission mechanism includes a drive shaft extending from the upper case toward the lower case. The upper case and the engine are fixed to a ship body. A connection portion between the upper case and the lower case is provided with a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the lower case around an axis of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for monitoring underwater impacts to marine propulsion devices. The systems can comprise a marine propulsion device that is trimmable up and down about a trim axis; a trim sensor that senses at least one of a current trim position of the marine propulsion device relative to the trim axis and a rate at which the marine propulsion device is trimmed relative to the trim axis; and a controller that is configured to compare the rate at which the marine propulsion device is trimmed relative to the trim axis to a stored threshold value to thereby determine whether an underwater impact to the marine propulsion device has occurred.

Abstract: A marine pod breakaway connection includes a breakaway connector connecting ends of a vertical shaft in an upper housing section and a vertical shaft in a lower housing section. The breakaway connector is configured to yield or fracture to allow the vertical shafts to separate during a breakaway condition when the lower housing section separates from the upper housing section. The breakaway connection further includes disconnect fittings having upper section in the upper and lower portions in the upper and lower housing sections, respectively, the engage and open when the housing sections are assembled to allow fluid flow, and close when the housing sections are separated to substantially prevent leakage of oil from the housing sections.

Abstract: A suspension device includes a clamp bracket, a tilting shaft, a swivel bracket, and a steering shaft. An outboard motor is to be connected to the steering shaft. The steering shaft is to be driven about a central axis of the steering shaft by either one of an electric steering mechanism and a hydraulic steering mechanism. The swivel bracket includes a placing portion arranged to support the electric steering mechanism and a wall portion arranged to support the hydraulic steering mechanism at a position different from that of the electric steering mechanism, and supports either one of the electric steering mechanism and hydraulic steering mechanism.

Abstract: A gear housing for an aquatic vessel is adapted to be attached at an attachment site to an underside of a hull of the aquatic vessel. The gear housing includes at least one weakened region adapted to yield when the gear housing is rotated at the attachment site following an impact. A breakaway safety system includes such a gear housing, and a fracturable member for attaching the gear housing to the hull at the attachment site, wherein the weakened region is adapted to yield such that the fracturable member fractures. An aquatic vessel includes such a gear housing or such a breakaway safety system.

Abstract: There is provided a breakaway safety system for a vessel. The vessel includes: (a) a hull; (b) one or more engine arrangements supported by the hull; and (c) one or more propeller extensions mounted to the hull and coupled to receive motive power from the one or more engine arrangements in operation.

Abstract: A marine propulsion drive unit is provided with two energy absorbing structures, one comprising a crushable or deformable nose cone or leading edge of a driveshaft housing and the other comprising a frangible interface that allows the drive unit to separate from the hull of a marine vessel. The crushable or deformable nose cone is configured to absorb energy at relatively low impact velocities with submerged structures and the frangible interface is configured to absorb energy and then detach from the hull of the marine vessel at higher impact velocities.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder unit comprises a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, and piston rod connected to the piston. The piston rod is reciprocatingly received within the cylinder, and the piston rod being movable between a first position in which the piston rod is substantially disposed within the cylinder and a second position in which the piston rod is fully extended outside the cylinder. A first hydraulic port and a second hydraulic port hydraulically connecting the cylinder unit to a reservoir. Hydraulic fluid is received by the first hydraulic port and hydraulic fluid is discharged by the second port when the piston rod is actuated to move towards the first position. Hydraulic fluid is received by the second hydraulic port and hydraulic fluid is discharged by the first hydraulic port when the piston rod is actuated to move towards the second position.

Abstract: A marine drive has a break-away mount mounting first and second sections of the drive and breaking-away in response to a given underwater impact against the second section to protect the first section and the vessel.

Abstract: A breakaway device for locking connected objects in relation to one another comprises a first magnetic field structure attached to a first object and a second magnetic field structure attached to a second object. The first magnetic field structure becoming attached to the second magnetic field structure when substantially aligned. The first structure and the second structure becoming detached when subjected to a force that overcomes a spatial force between the first magnetic field structure and the second magnetic field structure. The first magnetic field structure and the second magnetic field structure having magnetic field sources with polarities and positions in accordance with a code corresponding to a desired spatial force function.

Abstract: A marine drive has a break-away mount provided by hollowed-out threaded fasteners mounting first and second sections of the drive and breaking away in response to a given underwater impact against the second section to protect the first section and the vessel.

Abstract: There is provided a breakaway safety system for a vessel. The vessel includes: (a) a hull; (b) one or more engine arrangements supported by the hull; and (c) one or more propeller extensions mounted to the hull and coupled to receive motive power from the one or more engine arrangements in operation.

Abstract: A method for configuring a hydraulic actuator to provide energy dissipation capabilities during low energy collisions while controlling energy dissipation during high energy collisions comprises biasing a valve member towards a closed position with a resilient member having a rigidity of between 600 and 1500 lbs/in, applying a low preload to the resilient member, and restricting the flow of fluid by using a stop to limit movement of the valve member away from the closed position.

Abstract: A protective motor mounting mechanism for motors and propellers mounted at the lower end of a shaft and in the water which includes a clamp for fastening the rotor mechanism to the motor shaft and a stator mounted to a fixed cross piece and a release lever portion. The rotor and stator cooperatively engage with other to maintain the shaft in a vertical position and place the motor and propeller in a force exerting condition in the water. A release lever is connected to the stator and is biased by a helical spring to and upward and connected position. The release lever is movable to a motor and stator disconnected position and the motor shaft, motor and propeller lifts out of the water. If the motor or propeller strike an object in the water while in the force exerting condition, the spring bias is overcome and the motor shaft, motor and propeller mechanism are removed from the water.

Abstract: In a marine gas cylinder apparatus provided with a switching valve apparatus capable of switching a communication state among a piston rod side oil chamber, a piston side oil chamber and a gas chamber, the switching valve apparatus is structured such that each of respective poppet valves are arranged in each of ports open to a communication chamber provided in a valve case, each of balls is held between a ball operation surface of a rotation plate supported to the valve case and each of the poppet valves. Each of the poppet valves is moved close to or apart from the corresponding port via each of the balls in accordance with a rotating operation of the rotation plate.

Abstract: A protective motor mounting mechanism for motors and propellers mounted at the lower end of a shaft and in the water which includes a clamp for fastening the rotor mechanism to the motor shaft and a stator mounted to a fixed cross piece and a release lever portion. The rotor and stator cooperatively engage with other to maintain the shaft in a vertical position and place the motor and propeller in a force exerting condition in the water. A release lever is connected to the stator and is biased by a helical spring to and upward and connected position. The release lever is movable to a motor and stator disconnected position and the motor shaft, motor and propeller lifts out of the water. If the motor or propeller strike an object in the water while in the force exerting condition, the spring bias is overcome and the motor shaft, motor and propeller mechanism are removed from the water.

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: A new and improved spring assembly for a trolling motor bracket which is used to mount an electric trolling motor on the deck of a watercraft or boat. The spring assembly includes a rod mount plate for slidably engaging the bracket arm of the trolling motor between first and second positions, and at least one spring operably engages the rod mount plate and biases the rod mount plate in a first position. The mount collar of the trolling motor is adapted for pivotally engaging the rod mount plate of the spring assembly. Accordingly, the rod mount plate slides on the bracket arm from the first position to the second position against bias imparted by the spring or springs, as the mount collar of the trolling motor pivots from a first configuration to a second configuration on the rod mount plate.

Abstract: A new and improved spring assembly for a trolling motor bracket which is used to mount an electric trolling motor on the deck of a watercraft or boat. The spring assembly includes a rod mount plate for slidably engaging the bracket arm of the trolling motor between first and second positions, and at least one spring operably engages the rod mount plate and biases the rod mount plate in a first position. The mount collar of the trolling motor is adapted for pivotally engaging the rod mount plate of the spring assembly. Accordingly, the rod mount plate slides on the bracket arm from the first position to the second position against bias imparted by the spring or springs, as the mount collar of the trolling motor pivots from a first configuration to a second configuration on the rod mount plate.

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

Abstract: Drive assembly in a boat includes a propeller shaft housing (5) which projects downwards on the underside of the bottom (4) of the boat and is connected to a drive unit (1), arranged on the inside of the boat, via members (9) which, in the event of a load acting on the housing, for example in the event of grounding, bring about controlled separation of the housing from the drive unit and the bottom of the boat.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cylinder arrangement for a marine propulsion unit permits primarily effective tilt and trim movement through a compound tilt and trim cylinder. At least one first shock absorber valve is provided on a tilt piston and at least one second shock absorber valve is provided on a tilt cylinder that acts as a trim piston in a trim adjusted range operation. In another feature of the invention, a filter is disposed upstream of the second shock absorber valve.

Abstract: A trim-tilt device for a marine propulsion unit is described, having a portion of a cylinder of a cylinder device which projects from a housing outward in a region of a trimming operation and is covered with a tank constituting a hydraulic fluid supply/discharge device.

Abstract: In a trim-tilt device for a marine propulsion unit (20), a check valve (121) is provided for allowing a hydraulic fluid to flow from a pump (24) to a first trim chamber (32A) and a first tilt chamber (42A), and a relief valve (122), which is opened if the hydraulic pressure of the first trim chamber (32A) and the hydraulic pressure of the first tilt chamber (42A) become higher than a fixed value, are connect in parallel to a hydraulic fluid low passage (91) connecting a first trim chamber (32A) and a first tilt chamber (42A) to a pump (24).

Abstract: A tilt lock device 10 comprises a piston 13 having a piston rod 14, an inner cylinder 12 defining the piston 13 into an upper oil chamber S1 and a lower oil chamber S2, and an outer cylinder 11 surrounding the inner cylinder 12. A communication passage 34 is formed in the piston 13 for bringing the upper and lower oil chambers S1 and S2 into communication with each other, and an on-off valve 15 capable of being operated from outside is disposed in the communication passage 34 for preventing oil from flowing from the lower oil passage S2 into the upper oil passage S1, and for also serving as a shock absorbing valve which allows oil to flow from the upper oil chamber S1 to the lower oil chamber S2 when a pressure in the upper oil chamber S1 exceeds a set pressure so as to absorb a shock.

Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement for controlling the tilt and trim of an outboard drive. The hydraulic arrangement comprises a single cylinder assembly having a single bore inside wherein two separate pistons are supported for reciprocation and sealed to the cylinder with piston seals. The lower piston is connected to a valve mechanism that selectively opens or closes a cylinder relief hole depending upon the position of the piston within the cylinder. The valve mechanism operates so that the piston seals never contact the relief hole to prevent premature failure of the piston seals.

Abstract: A trim-tilt device 20 for a marine boat motor has a housing 31 forming a large-diameter trim chamber 32, a cylinder 41 inserted into the trim chamber 32 of the housing 31 to form a small-diameter tilt chamber 42, and a piston rod telescopically inserted into the tilt chamber 42 of the cylinder 41. Built into the wall of the cylinder 41 is the passage 46 for interconnecting a first trim chamber 32A and a first tilt chamber 42A.

Abstract: A tilt cylinder apparatus for a boat propeller unit comprising a cylinder unit containing an inside cylinder and an outside cylinder, an opening portion of the cylinders being closed by rod guides, a piston which is connected to an end of a piston rod placed through the rod guides and disposed slidably in the inside cylinder, a reservoir chamber which is formed between the inside cylinder and the outside cylinder and contains a fluid chamber and an air chamber, a communicating path which is formed in the rod guides and ensures a communication between the rod side chamber and the reservoir chamber through a conduit pipe disposed in the reservoir chamber, and a selecting valve which is disposed in the rod guides and selects an opening or closing of the communicating path following an outside operation, wherein when the communicating path is opened, air pressure in the air chamber of the reservoir chamber pushes the piston rod out of the cylinder unit so as to tilt up the boat propeller unit.

Abstract: Boat propeller drive unit, comprising a frame-like carrier (1) intended to be fixedly joined to a boat transom, and a propeller rig (4) which is suspended in a fork (13) for trim and tilting movement relative to the fork about a horizontal axis (a). The fork in turn is mounted in the carrier for pivoting about a vertical steering axis (b). A pair of hydraulically operated piston cylinder devices (18,20) are pivotally joined at opposite ends to the rig (4) and to the legs (12) of the fork.

Abstract: A breakaway mounting device for a trolling motor, such as an electric trolling motor, includes a support frame adapted for coupling to a mounting assembly on the bow of a fishing boat. An omni-directional swivel joint is provided in the support frame for receiving the motor's support tube. The swivel joint preferably includes a spherical bearing surface formed in the frame and a spherical bearing member conforming to the bearing surface to permit pivotal movement of the trolling motor. A biasing assembly is also provided in the frame and cooperates with the swivel joint to urge the support tube of the trolling motor into its normal operating position, while allowing angular displacement of the support tube with respect to the normal operating position when the trolling motor impacts a submerged obstruction.

Abstract: A hydraulic tilt lock mechanism for a marine outboard drive that resists popping up operation when the outboard drive is operated in reverse but permits the outboard drive to pop up when an underwater obstacle is struck with sufficient force when traveling in a forward direction. A bypass passage is provided for selectively bypassing the shock absorbing function of the tilt lock mechanism to permit manual tilt and trim up and tilt and trim down operation. A control valve arrangement for controlling the flow through this bypass passage is incorporated which includes an operator that moves along an axis that is parallel to the cylinder bore of the hydraulic tilt lock mechanism and thus affords a compact and easily accessed construction.

Abstract: A marine drive unit impact avoidance system for boats having both outboard type drives and inboard/outboard type stern drives provides a structure by which the lower, propeller-mounting drive unit on a boat is mounted for vertical movement relative to the supporting transom of a boat, and an impact/activating arm assembly is pivotally mounted at one of its ends to the lowermost forward portion of the lower unit for upwardly angled, forward extension therefrom to a pivotal mount at its other end to the boat, whereby any underwater obstruction encountered during forward movement of the boat will contact only the impact arm which operates under the impact to effect a cam action to lift the drive unit vertically to clear the obstruction without any contact of the drive unit and the underwater obstruction.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of hydraulic assemblies for interpositioning between a marine outboard drive and a watercraft for controlling the position of the outboard drive relative to the watercraft. Each embodiment includes a double acting cylinder assembly but the chambers of the cylinder assemblies do not communicate with each other so that they may be filled with different fluids and/or a fluid and a gas and at different pressures to provide manual tilt up assistance. Various control valve arrangements are also disclosed for permitting popping up action and for permitting manual tilt up operation.

Abstract: A shock absorber adapted for use with the swivel bracket assembly of an outboard motor or the like, is disclosed, which swivel bracket assembly permits rotation of the motor to clear an underwater object if and when a boat strikes such an object. The shock absorber has a two stage operation in that it permits a swivel bracket assembly to rotate and provides a counterforce that is initially lower, and after some degree of rotation, preferably sufficient to have the drive shaft housing clear the object, provides a higher counterforce to continued rotation.

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

Abstract: An improved paddle assembly and flotation device for use by a swimmer to assist in propelling the swimmer through the water. The paddle assembly is of the type which has a central float and a pair of paddles supported by a rod extending outwardly from the float. The improvement of the present invention comprises a hollow, rigid thermoplastic ball having two openings and a hollow tube passed through the two openings and affixed to the openings in a watertight manner. Then, a rigid tube extends through the hollow tube, and the rigid tube extends outwardly and is affixed to a pair of paddles at each end of the rigid tube. Preferably, there are two or more handles affixed between the thermoplastic ball and the paddles.

Abstract: A tilt locking and shock absorbing arrangement for a marine outboard drive embodying a single cylinder and piston assembly for controlling the tilt and trim positions of the drive and for further absorbing shocks applied to it. An accumulator arrangement is provided having gas over oil and is valved into the system in such a way as to retard passage of the gas into the shock absorbing device per se and which will return any escaped gas back to the accumulator.

Abstract: A mounting structure especially for electric outboard trolling motors that allows the motor and its supporting structure to pivot over a wide range if a submerged object is struck by the submerged motor. The mounting structure permits this release regardless of whether the boat is moving forward or in reverse. After the submerged object is passed, the mounting structure will automatically reset itself to the normal operating position.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of arrangements for stabilizing the running of a marine propulsion unit by slowing the speed of the propulsion unit when an underwater obstacle is struck. In some embodiments, the slowing is accomplished by misfiring of the engine and in other embodiments, the speed is reduced by throttling the fuel supply to the engine. The embodiments illustrate the application of the principle to an outboard drive of an inboard/outboard drive arrangement or for an outboard motor. The striking of the underwater obstacle is sensed by either an impact sensor, by sensing the angular position of the outboard drive, or by sensing the rise in pressure in a shock absorber that resists the popping up action.

Abstract: Several embodiments of steering devices for outboard motors that are operative to hold the outboard motor in a steered position but which will release upon emergency application due to fracturing of a frangible member. In each embodiment, the steering device comprises a pin that is movable into and out of engagement with an opening formed in the other of the members. In some of the embodiments, the member in which the opening is formed is frangible and, in another, the pin is frangible.

Abstract: An improved supporting arrangement for an outboard motor or marine outboard drive wherein a pair of links are pivotally connected at one of their ends to the transom of the associated watercraft and at the other of their ends to the outboard drive for movement of the outboard drive between a trimmed down position and a tilted up out of the water position. One of the links is expandible in length and a fluid motor is provided for this purpose. In addition, a further fluid motor is pivotally connected between one of the links and the transom for effecting the pivotal movement. Various alternative linkage arrangements are illustrated.

Abstract: A tilt locking and shock absorbing arrangement for a marine outboard drive embodying a single cylinder and piston assembly for controlling the tilt and trim positions of the drive and for further absorbing shocks applied to it. An accumulator arrangement is provided having gas over oil and is valved into the system in such a way as to prevent passage of the gas into the shock absorbing device per se. In addition, an arrangement is provided whereby the drive may be manually positioned without necessitating the operator's use of one hand to operate the mechanism when the desired position is reached.

Abstract: A remote steering device, adapted for attachment to a main propulsion unit and an auxiliary outboard motor secured to the transom of a boat in order to slave steering movement of the outboard motor to that of the main propulsion unit irrespective of the attitude of the units, which device includes first and second brackets associated with the two propulsion units joined by a connecting rod at ball joints providing three degrees of motion and wherein the connecting rod includes at least two rod members secured at a releasable rotatable joint automatically adjustable in incremental steps in response to longitudinal forces; whereby all twisting forces are resolved at or through the rotational joint and cooperative ball joints and all longitudinal forces are resolved through automatic incremental adjustment of the length of the connecting rod.

Abstract: An electric trolling motor mounting device having improved shock-absorbing capabilities. The device includes a substantially vertical bearing surface and a tube-securing element for holding the vertical tube structure which supports the motor under water, such tube-securing element being attached to the bearing surface by a two-dimensional array of horizontal compressible shock absorbers having springs held in compression between the bearing plate and the tube-securing element. A two-by-two array of four shock absorbers using coil springs is preferred. Bolts extending concentrically through the springs and each having one slideable and one fixed connection are the preferred structure, as are recesses receiving the ends of the coils.

Abstract: A tilt locking and shock absorbing arrangement for a marine outboard drive embodying a single cylinder and piston assembly for controlling the tilt and trim positions of the drive and for further absorbing shocks applied to it. An arrangement is provided whereby the trim position may be manually controlled without necessitating the operator's use of one hand to operate the mechanism when the desired position is reached. Popping up action is permitted in either normal or shallow water conditions but inadvertent popping up under shallow water, reverse drive is precluded.

Abstract: An outboard boat motor utilizes a universal coupling between the upper section of a mounting device that is attached to the hull of a boat and the lower section of the mounting device to which the motor and impeller are secured. The coupling permits universal lateral pivotal movement of one section relative to the axis of the other section and thus permits the submerged motor assembly to yield with an underwater obstruction is encountered. The universal coupling is formed in part by a coiled tension spring which is connected to the upper and lower sections of the mounting device for the boat motor through the use of convoluted members that are fixed to the sections and arranged between adjacent convolutions and at opposite ends of the spring.

Abstract: A tilt locking and shock absorbing arrangement for a marine outboard drive that normally holds the drive in a normal position against driving thrust both in forward and rearward directions and yet which permits the drive to pop up when an underwater obstacle is struck. The arrangement also permits the drive to return to its normal position once the obstacle has been passed. An arrangement is provided for permitting the motor to be tilted up without restriction and also to be adjusted in trim condition and retained there while still maintaining the aforenoted shock absorbing capabilities.