Abstract: A marine stern drive includes a tilt/trim and lift adjustment mechanism which raises and lowers the drive while maintaining an established trim angle. The adjustment mechanism includes a parallelogram linkage system. An upper lever of the linkage system is defined in part by a pair of tilt and trim actuators which vary the length of the upper linkage to adjust the trim position of the stern drive and for tilt up. A lower lever of the linkage system is defined between two flexible couplings of a propulsion drive train. One of the flexible couplings is coupled to a lower drive unit of the stern drive which permits the lower lever to rotate without changing the trim angle of the lower drive unit.

Abstract: This device includes: a motor (8) situated inside (14) the boat (2) and comprising an output shaft (7); a propeller (4); a propeller shaft (3) carrying the propeller at one end and being connected (6) by its other end to the output shaft (7) of the motor; a propeller shaft support (1) projecting outward at the stern of the boat (2) and rotationally supporting (1a, 1b) the propeller shaft (3), this support being mounted on the boat so that it can move horizontally and vertically; a vertical operation ram (13) and a transverse operation ram for moving the propeller shaft support (1) respectively vertically and horizontally. These operating rams (13) are placed inside (14) the boat (2).

Abstract: A boat propulsion unit adapted to be suspended on the outside of a boat transom and drivably connected to an engine on the inside of the transom. The unit comprises a propeller drive shaft housing, a suspension arrangement adapted to be fixedly secured to the transom, a pivot which pivotally connects the drive shaft housing to the suspension arrangement to allow pivotal displacement of the drive shaft housing relative to the suspension arrangement about a pivot axis in a vertical plane and pivot axis in a horizontal plane, a steering device which is arranged to effect pivotal displacement of the drive shaft housing about first-mentioned axis, and a trim and tilt device which is arranged to effect pivotal displacement of the drive shaft housing about the second-mentioned axis. The suspension arrangement (2) comprises a hollow frame member (5) which has a closed cross-sectional configuration and is adapted to be secured around an opening (12) in a boat transom (4).

Abstract: A boat propulsion unit adapted to be suspended on the outside of a boat transom and drivably connected to an engine on the inside of the transom. This unit comprising a propeller drive shaft housing, a suspension arrangement adapted to be fixedly secured to the transom, a pivot which pivotally connects the drive shaft housing to the suspension arrangement to allow pivotal displacement of the drive shaft housing relative to the suspension arrangement about a pivot axis in a vertical plane and pivot axis in a horizontal plane, a steering device which is arranged to effect pivotal displacement of the drive shaft housing about the first-mentioned axis, and a trim and tilt device which is arranged to effect pivotal displacement of the drive shaft housing about the second-mentioned axis. The pivot comprises a first lower and a second upper universal joint (22, 24 resp.

Abstract: A device to discourage theft of stern drives of power boat inboard-outboard propulsion units comprises a locking collar installed about the drive shaft at a location between the engine and the transom of the boat to prevent withdrawal of the drive shaft through the transom passage.

Abstract: An arrangement in a swingable turn-up inboard/outboard stern aggregate (1) for craft with an inboard engine and an outboard driving unit (2) comprising a screw (5), where the inboard driving shaft (3) of the stern aggregate (1) for connection with the engine is connected with a screw shaft (4) which is approximately horizontal in a position for use and is mounted in the lower end of a housing (7) by the aid of a transmission shaft (6), which is divided into two sections (6a, 6b) and surrounded by housing (7). The first section (6a) is at one end mounted (8) in the upper end of housing (7) and connected with driving shaft (3), via a first universal joint (A), and is at its other end, via an angular gear (B), connected with an upper end of section (6b) which is inclined rearwards and downwards. The lower end of second section (6b) is connected with screw shaft (4) at a firm angle (V), via a transmission (C) of torsional moment.

Abstract: Marine apparatus comprising a boat hull including opposed walls extending generally in the fore and aft direction, and a mounting bracket connected to the walls for supporting a propulsion unit for pivotal movement relative to the boat about a generally horizontal axis.

Abstract: The improved watercraft of the instant invention includes design advantages such as solidly connected arm drive handles to augment power from the drive pedals; a fully pivoting drive assembly which pivots along with the steering mechanism; an angularly pivotable propeller, pivotable toward the outside pontoon during a turn to assist in turning; a compact structure for transmitting mechanical power from the pedals and the arm drive handles to the propeller; and other design aspects.

Abstract: A device for setting the propulsion means of a watercraft in an arbitrary angular position within the perimeters of an imaginary conical configuration with one end of the propulsion means attached to an apex of the cone. The device comprises a first sleeve which is arranged for rotational movement about an axis which intersects the apex of the cone. The sleeve is formed with an angular portion. A second sleeve is arranged for rotating movement about the angular portion. A propulsion shaft extends through the sleeve, from the apex of the cone and exteriorly of the sleeve in a direction at an angle to the rotational axis of the sleeve, the axis likewise intersecting the apex of the cone.

Abstract: A stern drive for an inboard engine mounted in a boat, the stern drive having all of the sensitive bearings inboard of the boat to protect them from water damage, and a screw type trim system mounted on the inside of the boat transom for raising and lowering the stern drive to adjustably trim the surface of the drive unit.

Abstract: A boat propelling assembly includes a single support unit which includes a thrust articulation and horizontal and vertical movement members controlled by a horizontal actuation element. Manual or automatic inclination control is also provided by a control system to determine the inclination of the propelling member to which the propeller is engaged, so as to keep the propeller totally or partially submerged.

Abstract: A stern drive system includes a jet nozzle that is pivoted with respect to a mounting bracket and is steered by two hydraulic cylinders. An anti-rotation brace includes a rod pivotably mounted to the bracket and a sleeve pivotably mounted to the jet nozzle. The rod, the sleeve and the pivot mounts are constructed such that the antirotation brace prevents the jet nozzle from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the stern drive system, thereby allowing a modular, compact stern drive which provides advantages in terms of reduced manufacturing cost, reduced maintenance cost, and increased ease of installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved outer surface for an upper region of an encasing arrangement for the outboard unit of a watercraft inboard-outboard propulsion system. Particularly, an independent casing is disclosed which has a relatively smooth, even and continuous outer surface and which is mountable upon a portion of such an outboard unit. The casing mounts in such a manner that its outer surface locates so that it is substantially flush with the outer surface portions of the outboard unit encasement which lie adjacent to the mounted casing. The lack of uneven surfaces, according to the arrangement of the present invention, makes the unit particularly useful in connection with activities which employ a line which is utilized to tow someone or something behind the watercraft, as the line will not snag upon the upper region encasing arrangement.

Abstract: A conduit arrangement in a hydraulic tilting system for an outboard drive unit wherein a plurality of connecting members are provided, one mounted at the lower end of the gimbal housing and two mounted on the outer periphery of the gimbal housing higher than the upper connecting member but lower than the tilt shaft on the gimbal ring. A pair of inboard conduits extend from a pressure source within the hull of the associated marine vessel to the lower connecting member while two pairs of intermediate conduits interconnect the lower connecting member with a respective one of the upper connecting members. There are two pairs of outboard conduits, each pair interconnecting one of the upper connecting members with a respective one of a pair of fluid motors which extend between the gimbal ring and the outdrive portion of the drive unit for effecting tilting and trimming movement of the outdrive.

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 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: The invention comprises a steerable propeller unit for use in place of a steerable rudder and fixed propeller on watercraft employing inboard straight line propulsion systems. A coupler is fitted to the rear of the drive shaft projecting from the craft in place of a propeller. The coupler is affixed to a splined shaft which, in turn, is connected to a universal drive joint. A pivotable rudder shaft interconnects with the steering mechanism for the craft, and carries at its lower end a strut bearing. A short shaft connected to the universal joint extends through the strut bearing, and the propeller is affixed to the shaft behind the strut bearing. The propeller may thus be swung through an arc to either side of the center line of the craft by the steering mechanism. Top, bottom and side rudder plates may optionally be affixed to the strut bearing assembly.

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: An improved surface drive for a marine craft having an inboard engine in which propeller generated thrust forces are transferred directly and co-linearly from the propeller shaft, through a constant velocity U-joint to the engine or transmission shaft to thereby reduce the overall dimensions of the surface drive unit.

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 marine propulsion device (11) is provided wherein a pair of generally telescoped bellows (31; 38,46) surround the universal joint (18) and provide an exhaust passage (44) therebetween which communicates between the inboard engine (9) and the stern drive unit (2). In the embodiment disclosed herein, the inner bellows (31) rotates with the universal joint while the outer bellows (38,46) is stationary. The bellows are preferably of helical or spiral configuration and the rotating inner bellows forms an exhaust pump. In one embodiment, (FIGS. 1-3), the bellows (31,38) are concentrically disposed, while in another embodiment (FIGS. 4-5) the bellows (31,46) are eccentrically mounted.

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 marine propulsion system includes a steerable lower gearcase portion and a drive mechanism including a chain drive for driving dual counterrotating propellers. The dual propellers are rotatably mounted to the lower steerable gearcase portion by means of inner and outer coaxially extending propeller shafts. A sprocket is mounted to each propeller shaft, and first and second chain portions extend between the propeller shaft sprockets and a pair of upper drive sprockets, preferably disposed above the water line during boat operation. Coaxially extending inner and outer drive shafts are interconnected with the engine output shaft, and are adapted for counterrotation in response to rotation thereof. The coaxial drive shafts are interconnected with the upper drive sprockets for driving such sprockets in opposite rotational directions, thereby resulting in movement of the first and second chain portions in opposite directions.

Abstract: A propeller drive system for marine applications having a constant velocity universal joint for articulating the propeller shaft without transmitting the propeller thrust therethrough, the propeller thrust being delivered to the boat hull in line with an inner propeller shaft. The inner propeller shaft is gearingly connected to a marine power plant located within the boat, exits from the boat and connects to the inner race of the constant velocity universal joint. An outer propeller shaft connects to the outer race of the constant velocity universal joint and ends at the propeller.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive that is particularly adapted for use in twin stern drive arrangements and which facilitates selective reversal of the degree of rotation of the output shaft. This is accomplished by means of a bevel gear train including a bevel gear that is selectively positionable upon the input shaft so as to drive the drive shaft in either of two selective directions of rotation. The bearing and dog clutching arrangement of the system is such that loads can be taken regardless of the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device is provided wherein a flexible bellows (33) surrounding the universal joint (20) disposed between a marine engine (5) and a stern drive unit (2) is mounted to rotate with the universal joint itself. The universal joint is disposed within a chamber (61) delineated by the bellows itself and by end caps (34,43) mounted to the universal joint shafts (25,30). Supports (53,56) for the universal joint bearings (54) are constructed to permit free flow of fluid around the bearings. A quantity of lubricating oil is supplied to the chamber and at least partially fills the chamber when the latter is at rest. Upon driving rotation of the device, the bellows and universal joint and lubricating oil all rotate together. The resultant centrifugal force causes the oil to flow radially outwardly through the bearing supports to lubricate the bearings, with the oil forming a rotating mass engaging the inner bellows face.

Abstract: A chain drive marine propulsion system employs dual counterrotating propellers. The propellers are mounted to concentric propeller shafts disposed in the lower end of a depending gearcase. The concentric propeller shafts are each provided with a lower sprocket engaging a chain. A counterrotation mechanism is provided for driving the chains in opposite directions, thereby resulting in counterrotation of the propellers. Various embodiments for driving the chains in opposite directions are disclosed.

Abstract: A boat steering mechanism contemplates the disposition of parallel side-by-side drive shafts outboard of the boat's fore and aft centerline. The shafts are supported for high speed rotation by drive sleeves which are in turn supported by members attached to the transom at effectively a single universal pivot point. Such attachment of the support members to the transom allows the props at the ends of the drive shafts to swing along a shared arc in response to being driven to port or starboard by steering pistons. This enables the props to be positioned, during a turn, so that their degree of immersion in the water through which the boat is being driven remains essentially constant despite the heeling of the boat in the turn.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly for mounting on a marine vessel, movable between first and second configurations. In the first configuration, the drive assembly, which may include a propeller, is at least partially withdrawn from the water. In the second configuration, the drive assembly is linked to a power source carried by the vessel whereby the drive assembly may be operated to drive the vessel relative to the water. A steering linkage to a steering mechanism may also be provided whereby, with the drive assembly in the second configuration, the drive assembly is linked to the steering mechanism so that the propeller is oriented by operation of the steering mechanism to at least assist in steering the vessel through the water.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a boat having the motor located inboard. The mechanism disclosed includes a gearbox located outboard of the transom with an input shaft extending toward the inboard motor and an output shaft extending aft toward a propeller shaft. A univerasl joint coupling is provided to drive the propeller shaft while a gimbal ring is employed to universally mount a propeller shaft housing such that the propeller may be used for steerage as well as forward thrust. The gearbox is disclosed as including a first gear pair capable of being changed to provide different output ratios. A second drive link in the gearbox gives a selection of directions of rotation of the propeller shaft. In a first instance, a gear pair is employed. In a second instance, a chain drive is employed. Access is provided into the gearbox by a plate located between the gearbox and the transom. This plate provides a mounting for the drive links within the gearbox.

Abstract: A shaft subject to orbiting motion as it is driven in rotation is directly connected to the prime mover driving the shaft so that the prime mover follows the orbiting motion of the shaft. The housing associated with the prime mover is connected to a fixed structure through a universal coupling, which may be a gimbal, capable of preventing the housing from rotating relative to the fixed structure while permitting it to follow the orbiting motion of the shaft.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for power boats having an inboard motor and a stern drive propeller mounting. The device includes a gimbaled propeller shaft housing located outboard of the transom. A gear pair mounted within the propeller shaft housing provides a lower propeller shaft relative to the hull of the boat without requiring a greater propeller shaft angle relative to the hull and without requiring a lowered inboard motor position.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises, in combination, a main power shaft, a propeller shaft, a housing for the propeller shaft, a disc-type constant velocity joint (Rzeppa joint) operatively connecting the main power shaft and the propeller shaft, and a tillar arm operatively connected to the housing of the propeller shaft. The Rzeppa joint enables the axial angular displacemnt of the propeller shaft relative to the power shaft to be altered in all directions. Thus if the boat encounters a submerged obstacle, the propeller shaft and its housing can automatically ride over the obstacle and avoid damage or entanglement. Preferably the system also includes a latch and stop assembly that enables the operator to pre-set the vertical angular displacement of the propeller shaft relative to the power shaft in various positions, e.g., (1) uplock (for overland transport and starting). (2) shallow drive (for travelling through swamps where the water is only a few inches deep).

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gimbal housing adapted to be fixedly attached to the transom of a boat and including an end plate adapted to be generally aligned with the boat transom and having an opening, opposite sides, and a rear surface, the gimbal housing also including a first generally vertical side member extending rearwardly from one side of the end plate, and a second generally vertical side member extending rearwardly from the other side of the end plate, a gimbal ring pivotally connected to the gimbal housing for pivotal movement relative to the gimbal housing about a generally vertical steering axis, a propulsion unit pivotally connected to the gimbal ring for pivotal movement relative to the gimbal ring about a generally horizontal tilt axis, and for pivotal movement with the gimbal ring about the steering axis, a hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly connected between the gimbal ring and the propulsion unit for effecting pivotal movement of the propulsion unit relative to the gimbal ring,

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gimbal housing adapted to be fixedly attached to the rear of a boat transom, a gimbal ring, and structure accessible from rearward of the boat transom for removably connecting the gimbal ring to the gimbal housing so as to provide for pivotal movement of the gimbal ring relative to the gimbal housing about a generally vertical steering axis.

Abstract: A marine outdrive attachable to the transom of a boat having an inboard engine. The marine outdrive includes a tubular support casing securable to and extendable rearwardly of the boat's transom and having a ball socket at its rear end. The ball socket receives a ball at the front end of a tubular, propeller shaft carrier having a conical outer surface. A drive shaft connectable to the inboard engine is journalled in the support casing. A propeller shaft is journalled in the propeller shaft carrier and has a propeller mounted thereon at the rear end of the propeller shaft carrier. A universal joint couples the two shafts together, the center of such joint substantially coinciding with the point about which the ball pivots within the socket. Hydraulic steering cylinders are attached to the propeller shaft carrier to pivot the latter about a steering axis extending through the pivot point of the ball.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gimbal housing adapted to be fixedly mounted on a boat transom, a gimbal ring pivotally mounted on the gimbal housing for pivotal movement relative to the gimbal housing about a generally vertical steering axis, the gimbal ring including a lower end, a support arm extending rearwardly from the lower end, and a generally horizontal cross-member extending across the lower end for preventing deflection of the support arm, a propulsion unit extending rearwardly of the gimbal ring and being pivotally connected to the gimbal ring for pivotal movement relative to the gimbal ring about a generally horizontal tilt axis, the propulsion unit including a portion extending adjacent the support arm for lateral support thereby, and a hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly pivotally connected between the gimbal ring and the propulsion unit for effecting pivotal movement of the propulsion unit relative to the gimbal ring about the tilt axis, the hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly having one

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a mounting bracket adapted to be fixedly attached to the transom of a boat and having therein an opening, a propulsion unit pivotally connected to the mounting bracket for pivotal movement relative to the mounting bracket, a hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly connected between the mounting bracket and the propulsion unit for effecting pivotal movement of the propulsion unit relative to the mounting bracket, a manifold fixedly attached to the mounting bracket adjacent the opening, the manifold being adapted to be connected to a source of hydraulic fluid inside the boat, and a fluid line communicating between the manifold and the hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly for supplying hydraulic fluid to the cylinder/piston assembly.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a boat having the motor located inboard. The mechanism disclosed includes a gearbox located outboard of the transom with an input shaft extending toward the inboard motor and an output shaft extending aft toward a propeller shaft. A universal joint coupling is provided to drive the propeller shaft while a gimbal ring is employed to universally mount a propeller shaft housing such that the propeller may be used for steerage as well as forward thrust. The gearbox is disclosed as including a first gear pair capable of being changed to provide different output ratios. A second drive link in the gearbox gives a selection of directions of rotation of the propeller shaft. In a first instance, a gear pair is employed. In a second instance, a chain drive is employed. Access is provided into the gearbox by a plate located between the gearbox and the transom. This plate provides a mounting for the drive links within the gearbox.

Abstract: A trimmer for a motorboat with a drive mechanism mounted to be rotatably movable in a gimbal ring by way of horizontal pins is disclosed. The trimmer comprises a revolving part and a fixed part arranged within a horizontal pin. The fixed part is connected for rotation with the pin and the revolving part is connected for rotation with the gimbal ring.

Abstract: In a stern drive for watercraft, of the type using a gimbal ring to support the external propulsion unit, the gimbal ring is provided with an upper vertical square bore, a slot across the bore, and clamping bolts to provide full engagement with the square sides of a steering swivel shaft.