Abstract: An electric actuator for a marine steering system comprises a housing and an output shaft reciprocatingly received by the housing. There is a rotor disposed within the housing. The rotor is coupled to the output shaft of the electric actuator. Rotation of the rotor causing the output shaft of the electric actuator to reciprocate relative to the housing. There is a motor disposed within the housing. The motor has an output shaft coupled to the rotor. A longitudinal axis of the output shaft of the motor is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the output shaft of the electric actuator. There is also a drive mechanism disposed within the housing. The drive mechanism couples the output shaft of electric actuator to the rotor. The drive mechanism is on a plane radial to a longitudinal axis of the output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A marine vessel control system comprises an outer port engine which has an actuator for imparting steering motion to the outer port engine and an outer starboard engine which has an actuator for imparting steering motion to the outer starboard engine. There is an inner port engine and a tie bar coupling the inner port engine to the outer port engine. There is an inner starboard engine and a tie bar coupling the inner starboard engine to the outer starboard engine. There is an input device for inputting user steering commands to the marine vessel control system in which movement of the input device actuates the said actuators to impart steering motion to the said engines.

Abstract: An electric actuator for a marine steering system comprises a housing and an output shaft reciprocatingly received by the housing. There is a rotor disposed within the housing. The rotor is coupled to the output shaft of the electric actuator. Rotation of the rotor causing the output shaft of the electric actuator to reciprocate relative to the housing. There is a motor disposed within the housing. The motor has an output shaft coupled to the rotor. A longitudinal axis of the output shaft of the motor is parallel with a longitudinal axis of the output shaft of the electric actuator. There is also a drive mechanism disposed within the housing. The drive mechanism couples the output shaft of electric actuator to the rotor. The drive mechanism is on a plane radial to a longitudinal axis of the output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: An electric actuator for imparting steering movement to a propulsion unit of a marine vessel includes a housing and an output shaft reciprocatingly received by the housing. There is a motor disposed within the housing. The motor has a rotor assembly and a stator. Rotation of the rotor assembly causes the output shaft to translate axially relative to the rotor assembly and causes the output shaft to reciprocate relative to the housing. There is a coupling assembly mounted to the housing. The coupling assembly coupling the electric actuator to the propulsion unit of the marine vessel. There is a steering control unit mounted to the housing. The steering control unit drives the motor to cause the rotor assembly to rotate and the output shaft to reciprocate relative to the housing.

Abstract: A propeller position changing device which is capable of changing position according to cruise conditions of a vessel of a floating type.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for an outboard motor includes a steering mechanism including a guide arranged forward relative to and parallel or substantially parallel to a tilt shaft, a moving body that is rotatably coupled to an arm through a first pivot shaft parallel or substantially parallel to the tilt shaft and movable along the guide, and a support bracket that supports the guide such that the guide rotates about a second pivot shaft parallel or substantially parallel to the tilt shaft and offset relative to the tilt shaft.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes a transom bracket, a steering shaft, an outboard motor, a tilt mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The steering shaft is joined to the transom bracket, and is turnable around a steering axis extending in an up-down direction. The outboard motor is joined to the steering shaft, turnable around a tilt axis, and turnable around the steering axis together with the steering shaft. The tilt mechanism is arranged to turn the outboard motor around the tilt axis with respect to the steering shaft. The steering mechanism includes a power conversion mechanism arranged to convert power of the electric motor into turning of the steering shaft around the steering axis.

Abstract: A CPU changes a turning angle corresponding to a steering angle required for a steering device to steer a host vehicle, depending on the amount of operation for moving a steering wheel at a reference position in a tilt direction and a push-pull direction. A tilt reaction force device and a push-pull reaction force device generate a reaction force against a second operation amount for moving the steering wheel from the reference position according to the reference position of the steering wheel relative to the driver which is adjusted by a tilt/expansion mechanism. In this way, even when the reference position of the steering wheel is changed, it is possible to give an appropriate reaction force to the driver since a reaction force against, for example, an operation of pushing or pulling the steering wheel is generated according to the reference position of the steering wheel relative to the driver.

Abstract: An arrangement for the maneuver control of a twin-engine boat (1) includes an extendible rod (6) connected to the engines (8) from its ends for changing the boat thrust direction of the engines (8) and a mechanism for moving the extendible rod (6) relative to the boat (1) in the longitudinal axis direction thereof.

Abstract: Support arms are disposed on a tilting shaft on a bracket of an outboard motor. An electric actuator is mounted between the support arms. The electric actuator includes a cover member, first and second electric motors disposed individually on the opposite ends of the cover member, a feed screw configured to be rotated by the electric motors, a nut member configured to move along an axis as the feed screw rotates, a drive arm configured to move integrally with the nut member and transversely relative to the boat body, and protective boots. The drive arm is connected to a steering arm through an engaging member. If the drive arm moves in the direction of the axis along the cover member, the steering angle of the steering arm changes depending on the degree of movement of the drive arm.

Abstract: A boat propelling system capable of determining operation accuracy of a transmission mechanism includes an outboard engine main body, a swivel bracket arranged to allow the outboard engine main body to pivot in a right-left direction with respect to a hull, an electric motor provided in the swivel bracket to pivot the outboard engine main body in the right-left direction, a pivot sensor provided in the electric motor to detect a pivot angle of a motor shaft, a transmission mechanism provided in the swivel bracket to transmit a driving force of the electric motor to the outboard engine main body, a pivot sensor arranged to detect an actual pivot angle of the outboard engine main body, and an Electronic Control Unit arranged and programmed to control an operation of the boat propelling system.

Abstract: In an outboard marine motor including an upper case (4) enclosing an engine (E) and a lower case (5) fitted with a propeller (12) and connected to a lower end of the upper case, the lower case is configured to be turned relative to the upper case around a vertical axial line which is coaxial with a vertical drive shaft (10) that transmit torque of the engine to the propeller. Thereby, the outboard marine motor can be steered simply by turning the lower case. Because the upper case having a relatively large lateral dimension as compared with the lower case is not required to be turned, a large steering angle can be achieved without the outboard marine motor interfering with watercraft having the outboard marine motor mounted thereon. In particular, the lower case is turned by an actuator including an electric motor and a worm gear mechanism (50) for transmitting an output torque of the electric motor to the lower case so that a high speed reduction ratio can be achieved by using a highly compact structure.

Abstract: Support arms are disposed on a tilting shaft on a bracket of an outboard motor. An electric actuator is mounted between the support arms. The electric actuator includes a cover member, first and second electric motors disposed individually on the opposite ends of the cover member, a feed screw configured to be rotated by the electric motors, a nut member configured to move along an axis as the feed screw rotates, a drive arm configured to move integrally with the nut member and transversely relative to the boat body, and protective boots. The drive arm is connected to a steering arm through an engaging member. If the drive arm moves in the direction of the axis along the cover member, the steering angle of the steering arm changes depending on the degree of movement of the drive arm.

Abstract: An apparatus which selectively increases the size of the wake of a boat with an outboard or sterndrive motor system. The apparatus has one or more plates attached to the boat hull which, when rotated below the bottom of the hull, extend into the flow of water when underway, increasing the size of the wake due to the dynamic displacement of water. A support bar mechanism transmits propulsive force from the motor drive unit to the plates to overcome resistive hydraulic loads. Linkages may be used to locate the support bar mechanism. In one embodiment, the support bar mechanism is comprised of a plurality of members and pivots such that the support bar mechanism can be stowed substantially out of the flow of water until larger wakes are desired. In other embodiments, mechanical cable, fluidic, or electrical control systems are used to control the configuration of the support bar mechanism.

Abstract: In an outboard marine motor including an upper case (4) enclosing an engine (E) and a lower case (5) fitted with a propeller (12) and connected to a lower end of the upper case, the lower case is configured to be turned relative to the upper case around a vertical axial line which is coaxial with a vertical drive shaft (10) that transmit torque of the engine to the propeller. Thereby, the outboard marine motor can be steered simply by turning the lower case. Because the upper case having a relatively large lateral dimension as compared with the lower case is not required to be turned, a large steering angle can be achieved without the outboard marine motor interfering with watercraft having the outboard marine motor mounted thereon. In particular, the lower case is turned by an actuator including an electric motor and a worm gear mechanism (50) for transmitting an output torque of the electric motor to the lower case so that a high speed reduction ratio can be achieved by using a highly compact structure.

Abstract: The jack plate has two vertically aligned side plates and a transom plate. A travel stop block is couple to the jack plate transom plate. The travel stop block is located between an upper and lower transom bars. The operational height of the jack plate can be manually operated by turning a hex head threaded rod.

Abstract: A propulsion device includes a propulsion device main body, an attachment mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The attachment mechanism is arranged to attach the propulsion device main body to a hull such that the propulsion device main body turns right and left with respect to the hull about a swivel shaft. Further, the attachment mechanism is arranged to attach the propulsion device main body to the hull such that the propulsion device main body turns up and down with respect to the hull about a tilt shaft. The steering mechanism includes a motor and a transmitting mechanism. The transmitting mechanism is arranged to transmit a driving force of the motor to the propulsion device main body to turn the propulsion device main body to the right or the left. The attachment mechanism includes a housing space in which the motor and the transmitting mechanism are housed.

Abstract: A swivel bracket of an outboard motor pivots about an axis of a tilt shaft disposed at a front end of the bracket unit and extending horizontally in a vertical plane to adjust a tilt angle and a trim angle of the outboard motor. A steering system for the outboard motor includes a pivotal gear attached to the swivel shaft, a drive mechanism driving the pivotal gear, and an electric motor providing drive force to the drive mechanism. Preferably these steering system components are positioned between the swivel bracket and an engine cowling of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A marine drive assembly includes at least one vessel hull having at least one cavity formed therein. At least one drive assembly is disposed in the at least one cavity. The at least one drive assembly includes upper and lower units. The upper unit is pivotally mounted within the hull-cavity for adjusting a pitch of the drive assembly about a vertical axis. The lower unit is coupled to the upper unit and includes a propulsory member for propelling the vessel through a body of water.

Abstract: A swivel bracket of an outboard motor pivots about an axis of a tilt shaft disposed at a front end of the bracket unit and extending horizontally in a vertical plane to adjust a tilt angle and a trim angle of the outboard motor. A steering system for the outboard motor includes a pivotal gear attached to the swivel shaft, a drive mechanism driving the pivotal gear, and an electric motor providing drive force to the drive mechanism. Preferably these steering system components are positioned between the swivel bracket and an engine cowling of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A swivel bracket can be attached to a transom plate of a watercraft by means of a clamp bracket. A steering bracket can be rotationally provided in a swivel shaft of the swivel bracket. An outboard motor body can be secured to the steering bracket. An electric motor can be housed in the outboard motor and engaged with a stationary gear secured to the swivel bracket by way of a reduction gear. Driven by the electric motor, the steering bracket turns relative to the swivel bracket, causing the outboard motor body to turn.

Abstract: A mounting device for vertically positionally adjusting an outboard motor relative to a boat transom, the mounting device comprising at least one bracket connected to a transom, at least one support member pivotally connected to the bracket at one end and connected to an outboard motor at the other end wherein the motor is vertically positionally adjustable relative to the transom upon pivotal movement of the support member. A jack member controls the pivotal movement of the support member and comprises telescoping inner and outer tubes wherein the inner tube is connected to the transom and the outer tube is connected to the support member wherein telescopic movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube pivots the support member to vertically positionally adjust the motor relative to the boat transom.

Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.

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

Abstract: A trolling motor assembly includes a trolling motor, a motor tube coupled to the trolling motor, an elongate tubular housing telescopically receiving the motor tube, a linear actuator for vertically raising and lowering the motor tube along its axis, a steering arm, and a coupling mechanism between the motor tube and the arm. The coupling mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position while remaining connected to the motor assembly. The coupling mechanism connects the steering arm to the motor tube in the first position, whereby the tube and the motor may be rotated by the arm. The coupling mechanism disconnects the arm from the motor tube in the second position, whereby the tube and the motor may be rotated independent of the arm.

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

Abstract: A 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: An improved motor support is provided which securely holds a motor in a predetermined position and has its length continuously adjustable over a range of lengths. The motor support comprises a first bracket which is attached to the bottom portion of a motor mount, a second bracket which is attached to the lower portion of an outboard motor, and an adjustable length support arm which is secured between the first and second bracket. In one embodiment, the brackets comprise T-shaped members having hollow channels in the base and threaded channels perpendicular to the hollow channels. Additionally, the adjustable length support arm may have a first and second threaded region at respective ends of said arm for attaching the arm to the brackets. These threaded regions may be utilized to adjust the overall length of the motor support.

Abstract: The articulated support for mounting an outboard motor to the transom of a boat comprises a stationary support section secured to the boat's transom, and a movable support section to receive the outboard motor. A shorter arm has a proximate end connected to the stationary support section through a first pivot remote from the boat's transom, and a distal end connected to the movable support section through an upper pivot. A pair of longer arms have a proximate end connected to the stationary support section through a third pivot situated close to the transom of the boat, and a distal end connected to the movable support section through a lower pivot. A mechanism rotates the proximate and distal ends of the shorter and longer arms about the respective pivots in order to pivot the movable support section about the stationary support section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus having an input device (e.g., a steering wheel) which rotates about an input axis and moves an output device which provides a force along a force axis. The devices are coupled together by a cam follower mechanism which converts input torque to an "output" linear force exerted by a flexible cable or rigid rod acting along the force axis. When flexible cable is used, it can be mounted concealed in the hull of a boat, for example, and coupled to a steering-type jet nozzle or steering rudder. Thus, rotation of the steering wheel is used to manipulate the nozzle or rudder position. When manufactured, the cam follower mechanism is readily configured to provide any, some or all of a number of custom features as described herein. A new method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a motor drive unit to a boat comprises first and second boat mounting members securable to a boat and lying in a boat plane and includes first and second motor mounting members securable to a motor and lying in a motor plane spaced apart from the boat plane by a distance, the motor plane having an angular orientation relative to the boat plane. A device for setting the motor mounting members in a position displaced from the boat mounting members is connected between the boat mounting members and the motor mounting members. The setting device permits movement of the motor mounting members relative to the boat mounting members, to selectively and independently set the angular orientation, to set the distance between the boat plane and the motor plane, and to set the vertical translation of the motor plane relative to the boat plane.

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 marine installation comprising a valve and cylinder apparatus including a housing having therein a spool bore extending along an axis, a second bore extending along a second axis parallel to and spaced from the spool bore axis, and a cylinder bore extending along an axis parallel to the spool bore axis, a spool slidably housed within the spool bore, a tubular member slidably housed within the second bore, and a link for moving the spool along the spool bore axis in response to movement of the tubular member along the second axis, a piston slidably housed within the cylinder bore, a piston rod having a first end fixedly connected to the piston, and a second end connected to the propulsion unit for causing pivotal movement of the propulsion unit about its steering axis in response to axial movement of the piston rod, and a cable assembly including a sheath fixedly connected to the tubular member for movement therewith, and an inner core extending through the tubular member and fixedly connected to the second

Abstract: A trolling motor foot control apparatus is set forth to provide steering to a trolling motor by use of an associated reversing electric motor oriented orthogonally relative to the downwardly depending steering shaft of the trolling motor. The electric motor is provided with an axially extending worm gear cooperative with an internally threaded collar pivotally mounted relative to the trolling motor. A remote treadle control controls rotation of the electric motor to accordingly control desired rotation of the worm gear and accordingly control pivoting of the trolling motor for steerage purposes.

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: A device for mounting an outboard motor to the transom of a boat so that the motor can be selectively raised and lowered relative to the boat transom and so that the motor can be tilted at an angle to the vertical. The outboard motor mounting device includes a transom mounting fixture to be attached to the boat transom, and an outboard motor mounting fixture interconnected to the transom mounting fixture for selected linear movement on the transom mounting fixture up or down relative to the boat transom, and for selected pivotal movement on the transom mounting fixture about a horizontal tilt axis in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the boat.

Abstract: A retractable trolling motor assembly which is characterized by a glide track secured to the bow of a boat, a slide bracket slidably attached to the glide track and threaded on a motor-driven drive shaft journaled for rotation in the glide track and a trolling motor bracket pivotally attached to the slide bracket for supporting the shaft of a trolling motor, such that rotation of the drive shaft causes the slide bracket to traverse the glide track and selectively retract the trolling motor into a resting position on the glide track and extend the trolling motor into functional, vertical configuration at the end of the glide track.

Abstract: The invention involves an electromechanical mechanism for controlling the trim and tilt of an outboard motor mounted on outboard powered boats. Trim arms are pivotally mounted from brackets attached to a boat transom. The trim arms move the outboard motor prop housing relative to the boat transom and bottom of the boat by use of an electromechanical motor mechanism.

Abstract: A trim and tilt arrangement for an outboard drive includes an elongated support pivoted at their forward ends on the lower part of the rudder post and at their rearward ends interconnected by a connection which with the aid of elongated slots in both side walls of the outboard drive casing passes therethrough. An engagement in the outboard drive engages from behind the connecting means. Trim and/or tilt motion is achieved by either varying the length of the supporting means, or the relative position of the engagement means with respect to the outboard drive and this is accomplished from a remote-control station to the driver. The engagement is releasably secured to the connection by specially adapted locking devices which release in response to lower rearward force in forward drive and higher force in reverse drive.

Abstract: A universal steering and propulsion unit for marine craft utilizes a power train which includes a differential gearing unit with control of the power delivered being accomplished through selective braking of one side of the differential. Steering may be accomplished by a 360.degree. rotating ability of the propeller without interruption of the power delivered to the propulsion unit. The power train also provides a special gearing arrangement whereby the propeller drive shaft may be driven so as to provide forward thrust regardless of the direction of rotation of the output drive shaft of the power unit, thus obviating the necessity for oppositely rotating output shafts when dual drive units are required. The oil pressure about the propeller shaft and gear transfer housing is used for feathering the propeller blades.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a bracket adapted to be fixed relative to a boat transom, a propulsion unit including a steering arm, pivots pivotally connecting the bracket and the propulsion unit for vertical pivotal movement of the propulsion unit about a tilt axis which is substantially horizontal when the bracket is boat mounted, and for swinging movement of the propulsion unit about a steering axis which is generally transverse to the horizontal axis, a support rod fixed in spaced parallel rotation to the bracket and against movement axially of the horizontal axis and for tilting movement in common with the propulsion unit, a member carried by the support rod for movement axially of the support rod, a coupling connecting the member and the steering arm for swinging the propulsion unit about the steering axis in response to movement of the member axially of the support rod, and mechanism for selectively displacing the member axially of the support rod to thereby steer the propul

Abstract: A marine vessel is provided with substantially identical steering mechanisms at a main deck dashboard and flying bridge, for example. The vessel may be steered from either location by flexible shafting interconnecting the two steering mechanisms. No gears of servomechanisms are required in the entire steering system, although a modification of the invention discloses a conventional T-coupling device employing bevel gears therein for coupling the outputs of each steering mechanism to a common output which controls the rudder. Structure is disclosed for disengaging that steering wheel not actually steering.

Abstract: The stern drive installation includes a mounting bracket assembly for securement to the transom of a watercraft. The bracket assembly is provided with a transverse horizontal bore rearwardly of the transom for receiving one end of the horizontal cylindrical portion of the upper housing of the drive unit. A bracket assembly addition is provided with a horizontal bore which rotatably receives the opposite end of the horizontal cylindrical portion of the upper housing and is secured to the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly and the addition thereto serve to rotatably support the drive unit and provide for tilt movement of the unit on a horizontal transverse axis. The lower housing of the drive unit is dirigibly connected to the upper housing for support and to provide for pivotal movement of the lower housing relative to the upper housing to provide for steering control of the watercraft.

Abstract: A floatable passenger car for land and water cruising has a bow portion with an inclined floor, a central portion which with the bow portion forms a gliding boat body and floor and includes a bulkhead at its rear end, and a rear portion, seats being located in the central and rear portions to permit passengers to be selectively seated in the rear portion for maximum water cruising speed. The front and rear wheels are retractable into individual compartments located in the central and rear body portions, respectively, and the compartments for retaining the front wheels include sliding doors covering the openings to the compartments when the front wheels are retracted to reduce resistance during high speed cruising on the water. A propeller shaft with a propeller on the end thereof extends rearwardly from the bulkhead and is pivotable between elevated and lowered positions. The engine is located between the front wheels and is coupled through transmissions to the front wheels and the propeller shaft.