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

Abstract: A automated steering mechanism for an outboard motor for an effective and efficient alternative to cable steering. The automated steering mechanism for an outboard motor includes a housing, an electric motor, gears, an elongate drive member connected to a steering arm which is swivelly attached to an outboard motor, mounting brackets for attaching the housing to a boat, and a control unit connected with wires to the electric motor for energizing and controlling the direction of the electric motor.

Abstract: A manually adjustable outboard motor mount comprises two brackets one attachable to a boat transom and one to which an outboard motor can be attached. The motor bracket is constrained to movement in a straight, substantially vertical path relative to the transom bracket by the cooperation of rods on one bracket with spaced bearings in sleeves on the other bracket. The motor bracket is adjusted vertically by a shaft threaded into the transom bracket and rotatable in a combined thrust and journal bearing in the motor bracket. A nut on the threads of the shaft can be tightened against a plate of the transom bracket to lock the motor bracket against vertical movement. The nut has three radial arms disposed at 120 degree angles relative to one another to allow convenient manual tightening.

Abstract: A main propulsion device of a ship includes a turnable underwater propeller pod, a screw propeller journalled in the propeller pod at one end thereof and a substantially vertical turning shaft journalled at its upper end portion in the ship3 s hull and attached at its lower end portion to the propeller pod. The upper end portion of the turning shaft is offset relative to the lower end portion of the turning shaft perpendicular to the propeller plane toward the propeller.

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

Abstract: A stern mounted vertically adjustable propeller and rudder marine drive. The aft end of a propeller shaft, the propeller, the rudder and printle and a skeg are vertically moveable to adjust a boat's draft for use in the water and when trailering. A stern underwater slot in the boat hull and shaped to enhance water flow accommodates the propeller shaft which is driven by an inboard engine. As the propeller shaft passes through the hull slot it engages a flexible water seal mechanism which self adjusts or maintains itself in various up and downward positions; its pivotal point is common with the conterline pivotal point of a universal joint, which is attached to a drive shaft connected to the transmission of an inboard engine.

Abstract: A power steering system of an outboard motor to be mounted upon the body of a hull and including a steering bracket secured to the body of the hull, a swivel bracket rotatable about a body of the outboard motor and a pair of clamping brackets supporting the swivel bracket, comprises a manual steering unit for manually steering a steering element so as to operate the outboard motor, the manual steering unit including a link mechanism connected to the steering element and connected to the steering bracket, and a power unit operatively connected to the link mechanism of the manual steering unit. The power unit includes an electric motor for applying a steering assist force to the manual steering unit for reducing the steering load during steering operations through means of the link mechanism and also includes a mechanism for converting rotation of the electric motor into linear motion.

Abstract: An assembly for rotatably supporting the propulsion unit of an inboard/outboard marine propulsion system of a watercraft is disclosed. The watercraft includes an engine mounted therein which is drivingly connected to the propulsion unit through a through-hole formed in the transom of the watercraft. The support assembly includes a first bearing arrangement for rotatably supporting the drive from the engine to the propulsion unit and a second, concentrically mounted bearing arrangement for rotatably supporting the propulsion unit relative to the transom. The concentric bearing arrangement permits the propulsion unit to be rotated between above-water and in-water positions while minimizing the length of the propulsion system, thereby conserving space and allowing the propulsion unit to be more compact.

Abstract: A marine propulsion drive apparatus has an input drive shaft with a propeller shaft extending through the stern of the boat and a drive body extending substantially straight out the stern of the boat and having a propeller at the end thereof. Steering is accomplished by operating the drive body itself. The drive body and the stern of the boat have a common oblique upward rearward slope. The contact surface of the drive body is mounted rotatably about an axis which is perpendicular to the contact surface such that when the boat is turned in one direction or the other, the entire drive body with the propeller mechanism is rotated about that contact surface, such that the propeller mechanism at the outer end of the drive body both rotates in the horizontal plane and also dips successively downwards following the rotating movement of the drive body.

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 servo controlled trolling motor steering system provides improved speed and steering control. The system includes apparatus for mounting the motor on a boat for rotation about an axis to effect steering of the boat. A foot pedal includes a base and a foot pad pivotally mounted to the base, the foot pad being pivotal by a user to command a desired steering direction. A membrane potentiometer senses rotational position of the motor to develop an electrical signal representative of the rotational position, the signal comprising a steering feedback signal. A second membrane potentiometer senses pivotal position of the foot pad relative to the base to develop an electrical signal representative of the pivotal position, the signal comprising a steering command signal.

Abstract: A servo controlled trolling motor steering system provides improved speed and steering control. The system includes apparatus for mounting the motor on a boat for rotation about an axis to effect steering of the boat. A foot pedal includes a base and a foot pad pivotally mounted to the base, the foot pad being pivotal by a user to command a desired steering direction. A membrane potentiometer senses rotational position of the motor to develop an electrical signal representative of the rotational position, the signal comprising a steering feedback signal. A second membrane potentiometer senses pivotal position of the foot pad relative to the base to develop an electrical signal representative of the pivotal position, the signal comprising a steering command signal.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with an azimuth propeller for ships to measure the angle between the rotational axis of the propeller and the longitudinal axis of the ship (azimuth angle), and the angle of attack of the propeller blades. The azimuth propeller comprises a first housing (1) which is firmly connected with the ship, and a second housing (2) which is rotatably mounted in first housing (1). A first drive shaft (6) extends through the first housing and is connected with a drive shaft (11) of a propeller (13) with variable pitch blades (14), said drive shaft extending at an angle to the first drive shaft. A first rod (31) extends through propeller shaft (11) and is in connection with the propeller blades and is movable with them.

Abstract: A "Z" type power transmission including a steerable housing having a propeller shaft exiting therefrom. The steerable housing is mounted to a drive housing in a manner which allows rotational motion relative to the drive housing. The drive housing receives the drive shaft and steering control from the vessel and is arranged for selective vertical pivotal movement about the axis of the drive shaft to elevate the transmission. Drive force transmission between the steerable and drive housings is accomplished by use of coaxial shafts. Steering torque is provided to the drive housing along the same axis as the drive shaft so as to maintain both drive and steering torque during elevation of the unit.

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 kit includes apparatus for converting a normally remote controlled trolling motor such that the motor can be directly hand operated. The kit includes a gear mechanism which attaches to and cooperates with a directional control shaft associated with the trolling motor. An elongate transfer shaft is pivotably attachable near a lower end thereof to the trolling motor control shaft and has an outwardly extending handle near an upper end thereof for use by an operator. The transfer shaft cooperates with the gearing mechanism to rotate the directional control shaft of the trolling motor by movement of the handle by an operator. The kit may be quickly and easily retrofitted to a trolling motor after failure of remote control for the trolling motor without a fisherman having to disassemble the trolling motor or to come to shore and remove the trolling motor from the boat to effect repairs.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for steering propulsion devices such as a propeller shaft and rocket exhaust and for aiming devices such a fire hoses and lasers. The steering apparatus provides a rotational component and a tilting component to the orientation of the steered device.

Abstract: A pivotal bow thruster adapted to be adjustably pivoted about a stem of a boat, which enhances attainment of smooth, safe docking of the boat, with better control, and minimal difficulty. The bow thruster comprises two propellers which, when spinning, thrust the bow of the boat to starboard or to port, and a mechanism for pivoting the propellers about the stem of the boat. This pivoting mechanism comprises a pivoting arm coupled to the propeller unit and a gear train which, when activated, rotates the pivoting arm.

Abstract: There is disclosed a steering control system for a boat propelled by either bow mounted or transom mounted trolling motors. The steering control system includes a steering cam assembly, actuating device for imparting relative rotational movement between the steering cam and the steering cam housing, and steering device for turning the trolling motors in a manner responsive to the actuation of the switching device. The steering cam assembly has a steering cam with actuating surfaces that form varying contours, a steering cam housing that houses the steering cam such that the steering cam rotates relative to the steering cam housing, electrical switching device coupled to the steering cam housing with actuation portions responsive to the actuating surfaces. Several different embodiments of the steering device are provided that either swing the trolling motors in an arc or rotate the trolling motors.

Abstract: A remote steering assembly kit for outboard trolling motors of the type having an elongated cylindrical drive shaft housing, a trolling motor at the top of the housing to drive a propeller at the bottom thereof, the cylindrical housing being pivotally mounted on a frame clamped to the stern or the bow of a boat.

Abstract: A control unit 20 for use in combination with an outboard marine motor assembly includes a handle 110 having a plurality of telescoping sections 112A, 112B, and 112C. A coiled electrical conductor 172 extends through each of the telescoping sections 112A, 112B, and 112C and connects with electrical switch provided on a handle grip 114 of the furtherest extendable of the telescoping handle sections 112C. In one embodiment the electrical switch comprises a first switch 166 for selectively activating a motor 24 which drives a propeller 26 and a second switch 168 for selecting a desired speed for the motor 24. The handle 110 is connected to a second gearing 84. The second gearing 84 meshes with a first gearing 82 whereby the angular displacement of the handle 110 and the second gearing 84 connected thereto results in a greater angular displacement of both the first gearing 82 and a rotational shaft 28 about which the first gearing 82 is concentrically mounted.

Abstract: A remote steering assembly kit for outboard trolling motors of the type having an elongated cylindrical drive shaft housing, a trolling motor at the top of the housing to drive a propeller at the bottom thereof, the cylindrical housing being pivotally mounted on a frame clamped to the stern of a boat.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for a water-borne vessel has a drive transmission assembly comprising a drive shaft and a steering shaft which can be concentric with the drive shaft, a leg depending from the drive transmission assembly, for instance by way of a horizontal axis pivot connection so that the leg can be swung up, and a propeller housing supported on the lower end of the leg for rotary movement about the axis of the leg, for steering the vessel.

Abstract: A water-going vessel propelled via a plurality of parallel sets of two underwater turbines disposed along the underside of said vessel, with each turbine mounted on respective retractable struts. A plurality of sets of turbines extend from respective turrets disposed along the longitudinal midline of the underside of the vessel, each of said turrets rotatable through 360 degrees and each having extending therefrom one turbine set. Hull construction pieces of the vessel preferably comprise an outer and an inner containment wall within which a plurality of touching hollow spheres are sandwiched and wherein a plurality of individual lengths of high strength sheaths are within respective tubes which are parallel with the containment walls and disposed within intrices formed by the spheres. The individual lengths of sheaths are connectable to each other to form a network of sheaths encircling the hull. Stress can be introduced and adjusted within each length of sheath which is a part of the network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering arrangement for boats equipped with inboard-outboard drive (10). The gearbox (22) of the drive is arranged so as not to be horizontally pivotal in relation to the stern (12) of the boat, while the underwater housing (26) of the drive is horizontally pivotal in relation to the gearbox (22). For rotating the underwater housing in relation to the gearbox, a steering gear (44-56) acts which comprises a toothed segment (56). Hereby a total steering angle of up to 180.degree. can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor for a boat having a hull and including a support adapted to be fixed relative to the boat hull, and a propulsion assembly including a rotatably mounted propeller and being connected to the support for pivotal steering movement about a steering axis. The outboard motor also includes a pair of elongated members, coupled together for linear extension and retraction upon rotation of one of the elongated members with respect to the other of the elongated members, an end of one of the members being connected to the propulsion assembly for causing pivotal movement of the propulsion assembly about the steering axis, an assembly for fixing the other of the elongated members against longitudinal movement, and a push pull cable assembly for selectively causing rotation of one of the elongated members with respect to the other of the elongated members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a power head including an internal combustion engine having a vertical crankshaft with a lower end having fixed thereon a bevel gear, a lower unit including a rotatably mounted propeller shaft carrying thereon a propeller, a horizontal cross shaft journaled in the lower unit and in the power head for pivotally connecting the lower unit to the power head for vertical tilting movement about a horizontal tilt axis, a transfer gear fixed to the cross shaft and in mesh with the bevel gear, a drive shaft extending in the lower unit and drivingly connected to the propeller shaft and to the cross shaft, a reversing transmission operably connected between the cross shaft and the drive shaft, a rudder pivotally mounted on the lower unit aft of the propeller, and mechanism on the lower unit for pivoting the rudder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a bracket adapted to be fixed relative to the transom of a boat and including an opening extending generally horizontally when the bracket is boat mounted, a marine propulsion unit including a fixed assembly extending through the opening, fixed relative to the bracket, and including a power head located above the bracket and including an internal combustion engine, and an upper housing located below the bracket and fixed to the power head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inboard-outboard driving mechanism for a boat having a hull, the driving mechanism including a support adapted to be fixed relative to the boat hull, an engine mounted on of the support, a propulsion leg including a rotatably mounted propeller, and structure for connecting the propulsion leg to the support for pivotal steering movement about a steering axis. The inboard-outboard driving mechanism also includes apparatus for causing pivotal steering movement of the propulsion leg including a steering shaft rotatably journaled in the support, and gearing connecting the steering shaft and the propulsion leg for pivoting the propulsion leg in response to rotation of the steering shaft. The steering shaft is selectively rotated by a lever mounted on the engine for pivotal movement and having opposite ends, one of the ends being connected through a gear box to the steering shaft.