Abstract: A steering apparatus for an outboard motor is provided, which stabilizes a steering load of the outboard motor to realize good steering performance, and further is excellent in durability even when a load acts on a steering handle from above. Between a steering bracket (15) and a swivel bracket (14), a steering load adjustment device (20) that adjusts a loaded load to a steering operation following steering of a steering handle (18), and a suspension portion (40) that allows the steering load adjustment device to be supported by the steering bracket are included, and load absorbing portions (44, 22b) that absorb a load applied to the steering bracket from above are provided respectively at the suspension portion and the steering load adjustment device.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a panel mounted electrical component includes an L-shaped bracket. The bracket includes a horizontal member having a frontward facing edge and a rearward facing edge. The bracket further includes an opening on the horizontal member that is configured for receiving a panel mounted electrical component. A vertical member is aligned along the rearward facing edge of the horizontal member. The vertical member is integral with the horizontal member and defines a ninety-degree angle. A plurality of openings located on the vertical member are configured for receiving fasteners to attach an outward facing surface of the vertical member to a surface. The bracket also includes a lip that is vertically aligned along the frontward facing edge of the horizontal member. The lip is integral with the horizontal member and defines a ninety-degree angle.

Abstract: A tiller control for boats comprising a brake that holds a control line in a static position. In turn, the control line holds the tiller and rudder of the boat in a static position. The amount of pressure applied to the control line by the brake is adjustable. Pressure applied to the control line by the brake may be adjusted so that the tiller and rudder are held in a generally static position, but the tiller control can be manually overridden.

Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. In another embodiment, a cable extends through a support cable extending through a support rod of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit.

Abstract: An improvement in telescoping electric trolling motors is disclosed. The trolling motor has a telescoping shaft that changes the depth of the electric motor, and therefore the prop of the trolling motor. A cable is used to raise and lower the electric motor and telescope the shaft. The same cable is used to pivot the trolling motor into a storage position on the deck of the boat.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the field of steering systems for marine propulsion, and more specifically, to a remote mounted motor command input device for marine vessels that enables a boat operator to control a motor via a tiller arm remotely mounted at a location non-adjacent to the motor. A purpose of the device is to allow for an operator to safely and conveniently control the motor, which is mounted aft of the rear platform near the bottom of the boat transom, from within the region enclosed by the main deck perimeter railing. Therefore, the operator is not tempted to control the outboard motor while standing on the rear platform of the marine vessel and is not required to leave the main deck area or enter the cockpit in order to control the motor.

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: In an outboard motor steering apparatus, a stiff but flexible cable is wound on a reel driven by a reversible motor. The cable extends from a housing containing the reel and connects to a rod within the tilt tube of an outboard motor. The rod is in turn linked to the outboard motor so that steering of the outboard motor can be accomplished by winding the cable onto, and unwinding the cable from, the reel. The cable is guided by a bent channel within the housing so that it extends from a narrow part of the housing located aft of the reel.

Abstract: In an outboard motor steering apparatus, a stiff but flexible cable is wound on a reel driven by a reversible motor. The cable extends from a housing containing the reel and connects to a rod within the tilt tube of an outboard motor. The rod is in turn linked to the outboard motor so that steering of the outboard motor can be accomplished by winding the cable onto, and unwinding the cable from, the reel. The cable is guided by a bent channel within the housing so that it extends from a narrow part of the housing located aft of the reel.

Abstract: A steering assist system for a vehicle includes a turning device, a steering device, a steering sensor and an autopilot device. The steering device is operable to apply a first turning force to the turning device. The steering sensor detects a steering state of the steering device during which the steering device applies the first turning force. The autopilot device automatically navigates the vehicle to a desired heading of the vehicle. The autopilot device includes an actuator and a steering assist control section. The actuator is operable to apply a second turning force to the turning device. The steering assist control section controls the actuator to apply the second turning force to turn the turning device in the same direction that the first turning force is turning the turning device when the steering sensor detects the steering state of the steering device.

Abstract: A steering mount for use with a watercraft trolling motor. The steering mount including a bracket assembly for securing the steering mount to a substantially vertical surface of a watercraft. The mount also includes an arm member pivotally secured to the bracket assembly and a drive assembly secured to the arm member. A transom block is also attached to the drive assembly to which the trolling motor can be releasably secured. A first and second drive cable are utilized for rotating the transom block and a foot pedal is attached to the first and second drive cable for selectively imparting tension upon either the first or second cable to thereby rotate the transom block. A first and second electrical switch are disposed within the foot pedal for providing power to the trolling motor and for activating the trolling motor when needed.

Abstract: A steering device for an outboard engine includes: a helm mechanism operable, in response to operation of a steering wheel, to steer the outboard engine and including a drive shaft parallel to an output shaft of the operation member; an electric assist mechanism for detecting steering torque, applied to the steering wheel, to assist operation of the helm mechanism on the basis of the detected steering torque; and a power transmission section for connecting the output shaft of the steering wheel and the helm mechanism to transmit rotation of the output shaft to the helm mechanism.

Abstract: A system for steering a watercraft propelled by a water jet includes a control lever supported to pivot rightward and leftward about a first control axis, a nozzle supported on the watercraft to pivot rightward and leftward and through which water is discharged from the watercraft, first and second cables, and a steering module interconnected by the cables to the control lever and connected to the nozzle, supported to pivot laterally about a second control axis and to pivot the nozzle laterally in response to pivoting of the control lever about the first control axis.

Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a support rod of a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. Also disclosed is a method of coupling a primary propulsion unit to an auxiliary propulsion unit with a cable.

Abstract: A device that allows an operator to move steering gear at the same speed as the control device. The invention uses two electric motors with forward and reverse capabilities that are linked to function synchronously by a chain or belt that is carried by sprockets or pulleys on each of the drive motors. A second sprocket or pulley is attached to the facing of one of the drive motor sprockets (pulley). This sprocket (pulley) is linked by a chain or belt to a cable drive system by another sprocket (pulley) that is attached to a cable drive shaft. Activating the drive motors causes a cable be pulled or pushed. The cable, which is attached to the item to be moved, in turn drives this item as desired. These items can include an outboard motor, an out drive for an inboard motor, wheels, valves, etc.

Abstract: In a power steering apparatus of a watercraft 1 with propeller having a steering handle provided in a bow end of a hull, a propeller provided in a stern end of the hull, and a steering assist apparatus interposed in a steering force transmission path transmitting a steering force applied to the steering handle to the propeller, the steering assist apparatus is arranged in an intermediate portion of a steering cable constructing a propelling force transmission path.

Abstract: A thruster unit for generating side thrust for improved maneuverability of a marine vessel employs a peripherally-driven propeller situated below the waterline and remotely powered by a motor situated above the waterline via a flexible drive member. The propeller is supported by a rolling element bearing disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the propeller providing both axial and radial support. The lower portion disposed for submerged operation has a substantially thin cross section with a narrow thickness aligned transversely to the vessel to operate hydro-dynamically while the vessel is underway. This makes it possible for the present invention to remain in the operating position indefinitely even while the vessel is in motion without risking a structural damage.

Abstract: A thruster unit for generating side thrust for improved maneuverability of a marine vessel employs a peripherally-driven propeller situated below the waterline and remotely powered by a motor situated above the waterline via a flexible drive member. The propeller is supported by a rolling element bearing disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the propeller providing both axial and radial support. The lower portion disposed for submerged operation has a substantially thin cross section with a narrow thickness aligned transversely to the vessel to operate hydro-dynamically while the vessel is underway. This makes it possible for the present invention to remain in the operating position indefinitely even while the vessel is in motion without risking a structural damage.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a boat including a drive system and a propeller positioning system. The drive system may be of any type, such as outboard motors, inboard/outboard drives, surface drives, etc. The positioning system constrains movement of the propeller shaft to swing in a path generally parallel to the bottom surface of the boat. The boat has a hull with either a flat or a sloped bottom surface. Various positioning systems include bite bars, bite rams, cambered drives, jack boxes, jack plates and various linkage configurations. In one aspect a tie bar links multiple drives together. In another aspect, a four-bar steering linkage enables variations in immersion depths of multiple propellers while maintaining constant toe-in. In yet another aspect, yaw steering is achieved using differential immersion between multiple propellers.

Abstract: A retractable thruster for a surface or submersible vessel, having thruster a propulsion assembly with a rigid structure secured to a cylindrical turbine. The rigid structure contains a motor suitable for rotating at lease one propeller inside the turbine via at least one rotary shaft positioned between the motor and the propeller. The thruster preferably further has a plate for closing the hull placed beneath the turbine and secured thereto, the propulsion assembly being displaceable between a retracted position in which it is at rest inside the hull and a deployed position for providing propulsion in which the propeller is immersed beneath the hull. The propulsion assembly is movable between the retracted and deployed positions by the propulsion assembly moving in a uniformly circular direction about an axis of rotation situated substantially no higher than the level of the hull.

Abstract: A directionally-stabilized waterjet steering system for a marine vessel having a vessel structure and steered by an operator, comprising: a steering deflector with a center position; a tiller arm connected to the steering deflector; an input device; and a centering module connected between the tiller arm and the vessel structure, the centering module having a center detent corresponding to the center position, whereby the operator senses the center position of the steering deflector through the steering input device.

Abstract: To provide a power steering device for a boat with an outboard motor which helps to realize easy drive with small steering force without taking waterproofness into consideration. A gear device (4) is provided for driving a link mechanism for turning and steering an outboard motor main body at the rear of the boat body through a cable by a steering wheel (2). A steering torque input to the gear device (4) by the steering wheel (2) is detected by a torque sensor (35) to assist-drive the gear device 4 in the steering direction by an electric motor (27), a helical pinion (25), and a helical wheel (26).

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a motor-driven watercraft includes: (a) a movable, two-directional joystick including a steering arm (b) a depressible throttle trigger affixed to an upper end portion of the joystick; and (c) a pulley system including a steering cable attached to a lower end of the steering arm, the steering cable extending around pulleys affixed to the starboard or port side of the watercraft in matching pairs; a front, matching pair of the pulleys being pivotably affixed to a hull of the watercraft on either side of the joystick, a rear pair of the pulleys being affixed to the hull of the watercraft on either side of the motor; wherein depression of the throttle trigger and relatively simultaneous movement of the joystick in a first direction, or in a second, opposite direction causes the watercraft to turn in the direction of the movement.

Abstract: First and second pliable members are each attached to an outboard motor and to a fixed location on the transom or transom bracket associated with the outboard motor. One pliable member is used on the starboard side of the outboard motor while another is used on the port side. As the outboard motor is tilted about its trim axis, the two pliable members work in coordination with each other to exert a force on the outboard motor in a direction away from any direction in which the outboard motor is rotated about its steering axis as it is being tilted about its trim axis. This coordinated action by the two pliable members aligns the outboard motor in a straight ahead position when it is tilted upward into an inoperable position for transportation.

Abstract: A remotely controlled steering transom for attaching to the existing transom of a boat thereby allowing the user to control the boat motor remotely from any location in the boat. The remotely controlled steering transom includes an electrically driven transom for steering outboard boat motors that utilizes a multiple pulley system, the transom being remotely operated from anywhere in the boat.

Abstract: An outboard trolling motor operable to turn a propeller for direction control and raise and lower the propeller relative to the waterline. The present invention includes an elongated member for carrying the propeller. Upper and lower planer members are pivotally connected to one another. The upper member is adapted to pivot between raised and lowered positions relative to the lower member and the elongated member is coupled to the distal end of the upper member. A driver rotates the elongated member relative to the upper and lower members and another driver raises and lowers the upper member into raised and lowered positions, respectively. The propeller is adapted to be positioned below the waterline when the upper member is in the lowered position and above the waterline when the upper member is in the raised position.

Abstract: The present boat steering torque compensator is for being attached to a boat with a pivotable outboard motor, and a linearly movable control shaft with a first end connected to the outboard motor and a second end connected to a steering wheel. The compensator is comprised of a tube for being attached to the boat in a fixed position parallel to the control shaft. A compression spring positioned in the tube has a fixed first end adjacent the first end of the control shaft, and a movable second end. An elongated shaft positioned in the tube and through the spring has a first end connected to the first end of the control shaft by an adapter arm, and a second end positioned adjacent the movable second end of the spring. An engaging member on the second end of the elongated shaft engages the movable second end of the spring to compress the spring when the control shaft and elongated shaft are moved in the direction of the first end of the tube.

Abstract: The grease coupling of this invention is made from three elements that are conventional and readily available: a nut; an externally threaded tube; and a grease fitting. These three elements are integrated to define an effective grease coupling to lubricate a steering cable that extends through an outer sheath from the steering wheel to the outboard motor of a boat. The method of making the grease coupling enables a competent mechanic to custom-make an efficient grease coupling, and also minimizes the cost of mass producing the grease coupling.

Abstract: An auxiliary steering device for a trolling motor employing a steering block attached to the directional shaft of the trolling motor that is connected via a continuous cable to a pivoting stick positioned on the gunwale of a boat. The stick, working in combination with the directional shaft, provides remote steering of an outboard trolling motor. Remote steering enables the operator to be seated in a central location within the boat and to observe the condition of the water immediately in front of the bow. Such a remote steering arrangement also facilitates fishing and casting in all directions.

Abstract: A marine outdrive attachable to the transom of a small fishing boat having an inboard engine. The marine outdrive includes a kit having through transom mounting plate, a fabricated propeller shaft housing pivotally attached to a pivot member which is pivotally attached to said transom plate thereby providing freedom of movement in two planes. The outdrive is supported and maintained under tension in the horizontal plane by a flexible member and a shock absorber thus maintaining automatically contact with any surface in contact with the boat's keel. A kit is provided containing all essential components and instructions for installation of the outdrive on a small fishing craft. All working components are off the shelf stock items or fabricated for easy field repair.

Abstract: A trigger lever (1) is attached pivotally at a fulcrum section (4) to an outside portion of a steering housing (9) that tilts on a troll-motor clamp (11) of a conventional troll-motor assembly. A latch-release line (5) that is pulled from a select position on a steering handle (7) presses a press end (25) of a latch-release rod (23) to release a cross-bar latch (22) from engagement with ratchet slots (20) in quarter-circle edges of juxtaposed ratchet plates (17). This allows tilting of a troll-motor rod (8) to maneuver water obstacles without an operator's having either to stand, bend over or otherwise make inconvenient movements that endanger boat stability, to free both hands or to apply distracting mental effort.

Abstract: An electric motor drive comprising an electric motor within a housing and coupled to a propeller; a hollow cylindrical rotatable drive shaft projecting from the housing along a vertical axis of rotation; a boat mount anchoring the drive shaft in place with the drive shaft being rotatable within the boat mount about the vertical axis of rotation; a transmission housing with a rotor engaged to the drive shaft, a directional control cable locked to the rotor with the rotor being rotatable responsive to movement of the control cable; an electric power cable extending through the drive shaft to the electric motor to deliver electric power to the motor; and a control panel with a switch connected to the first electric power cable to control electric power to the electric motor, and a directional control connected to the control cable.

Abstract: A fluid power apparatus is connected to a pressurized fluid supply and a conventional helm pump controlled by the helm of a vessel to shift the rudder. The apparatus comprises an actuator cylinder connectable to the rudder, and a servo cylinder and a main valve connected to the helm pump to pass fluid therebetween and between the actuator cylinder. The actuator cylinder and servo cylinder have respective bodies and piston rods, and portions of the servo cylinder and actuator cylinder are connected together for concurrent simultaneous movement along respective longitudinal axes. Valve shifting structure is responsive to a change in fluid signal from the helm pump applied to the servo apparatus. Fluid diverting structure is responsive to a threshold supply pressure so as to actuate the valve to stop flow of supply fluid when supply pressure drops below the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A power steering device for use with a boat propulsion unit has a hydraulic cylinder unit for angularly moving a steering arm of the boat propulsion unit. A rotary valve mechanism for supplying working oil from a working oil tank to the hydraulic cylinder unit and discharging working oil from the hydraulic cylinder unit to the working oil tank comprises a flat valve body having oil holes defined transversely therethrough and a valve housing assembly housing the flat valve body and having ports defined therein for communication with the oil holes, the ports being connected to the working oil tank and the hydraulic cylinder unit. The power steering device also includes a steering shaft for operating the rotary valve mechanism in response to a steering action. The hydraulic cylinder unit, the rotary valve mechanism, and the steering shaft are integrally joined to each other.

Abstract: The invention is to a power steering system for a marine vehicle having an operator actuable steering helm and a propulsion unit, including a steering arm, to effect steering movement thereof about a steering axis. The system is interposed between the steering helm and the propulsion unit and mounted remote from the propulsion unit, and further is hydraulically actuated in response to operative movement at the steering helm. A gear drive means, actuated in response to steering actuation at the helm, is operably connected to power steering assist means, comprising a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly and hydraulic fluid source. Actuating means for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid through the power steering assist means is operably connected to the gear drive means. An actuable output means, preferably a gear output means is operably connected to the power steering assist means for operative movement in response to the actuating means.

Abstract: Cable steering device, especially for boats, with an operating cable (3, 4) extending between a steering wheel mechanism (1, 2) and a steering mechanism (8, 10). The operating cable consists of a flexible sheath (3) and a flexible operating core (4) displaceable in the sheath. The cable has a pair of 90.degree. curved portions (20, 22) which are fixed in individual load removing elements (24) in the form of a rigid rail with a U-profile.

Abstract: Servo-assisted cable steering arrangement, especially for boats, with an operating cable (4) connected to a steering wheel mechanism (1, 2) and displaceable in a casing (3). The outer end of the operating cable is joined to an operating rod (6) connected to a steering mechanism. The rod is displaceable in a guide tube (20) which is fixed to a valve tube (5), which is limitedly displaceable relative to and forms an operating element for a servo valve (8) of a hydraulic servo-unit in the form of piston cylinder device (10).

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: The invention provides for vertical motion of an outboard motor on an outboard motor mounting apparatus by utilizing the angular motion of the outboard motor's tilt and trim feature to achieve the lift. The preferred embodiment of the invention achieves this motion through the use of a cable and pulley system.

Abstract: An improvement in a lubrication adaptor for a marine steering system in which the lubrication adaptor is threaded onto a control cable housing and provides for the lubricated telescopic movement of a tubular member relative to the control cable housing, the lubrication adaptor having a chamber extending between a seal and a clearance between the tubular member and the control cable housing for containing lubricant, the improvement including a tapered, frusto-conical surface contour configuration along the inner surface of the chamber, the frusto-conical configuration being oriented with a smaller diameter adjacent the seal and a larger diameter adjacent the clearance for urging the lubricant in the direction away from the seal and into the clearance.

Abstract: Mud bug, a portable system for propulsion of small boats consisting basically of a carrying frame (10) housing controls for forward and reverse speed, steering, and tilt of a remote mounted outdrive assembly. Control is accomplished through flexible sheathed cables. Adjustable tension provided by (66) and (74) allows the outdrive to tilt when in forward operation if underwater obstruction is encountered, and also provides lift and lock to tilt the outdrive up and free of the water. When operating in reverse, (62) will automatically lock the outdrive down. The carrying frame provides a boom (19) and attachment for mounting the outdrive on boats with unavailable motor mounting. The carrying frame also provides outriggers (14) for stability and a lower rear seat mount. Local adjustment of both the outdrive height and tilt are controlled by the single fastener (54) in the adjustment clamp (53) on the outdrive mount.

Abstract: A fluid power apparatus is connected to a pressurized fluid supply and a conventional helm pump controlled by the helm of a vessel to shift the rudder. The apparatus comprises an actuator cylinder connectable to the rudder, and a servo cylinder and a main valve connected to the helm pump to pass fluid therebetween and between the actuator cylinder. The actuator cylinder and servo cylinder have respective bodies and piston rods, and portions of the servo cylinder and actuator cylinder are connected together for concurrent simultaneous movement along respective longitudinal axes. Valve shifting structure is responsive to a change in fluid signal from the helm pump applied to the servo apparatus. Fluid diverting structure is responsive to a threshold supply pressure so as to actuate the valve to stop flow of supply fluid when supply pressure drops below the threshold pressure.

Abstract: A vessel and a steering mechanism for the vessel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the vessel comprises a hull, a motor apparatus for providing propulsion to the hull, a pedestal mounted within the hull, and a pulley device, operably connected to the pedestal, for steering the vessel. The pulley device may comprise a first, second and third rimmed disc which are interconnected by cable means.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a propulsion unit to a boat, the apparatus comprising structure for connecting the propulsion unit to the boat for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis, a tiller handle pivotally mounted on the connecting structure independently of the propulsion unit, and structure for pivoting the propulsion unit in response to pivotal movement of the tiller handle.

Abstract: A foot operated steering mechanism (12) for conventional trolling motors (10) is provided which can be readily retrofitted to the motor (10) without interfering with normal manual control and steering of the motor (10). The steering mechanism (12) includes a pivotal plate (52) mounted proximal to the steering shaft (22) of the motor (10), along with a flexible, strap-like connector (72) secured to the plate (52) and shaft (22). A foot operated actuator (16) is connected via a cable (106) to plate (52), so that selective shifting of the actuator (16) effects corresponding pivoting of the shaft (22).

Abstract: A power steering system for an outboard motor capable of permitting an electric motor to be driven only when the driving of the electric motor is required and automatically controlling the steering force of a steering wheel depending upon the steering reaction force. The system is so constructed that a steering cable is moved depending upon the rotation of the steering wheel and the movement of the steering cable is detected by means of a steering force sensor, which supplies a signal to a controller. The controller controls the output of the electric motor depending upon the signal.

Abstract: A steering system (10) of a boat (25) has a steering column (12), a dashboard mounting structure (18), a cable housing (20), and a cable (22). Parts within the cable housing (20) transfer rotation of the steering column (12) to a push-pull movement of the cable (22), causing a rudder or the like (62) to be pivoted to steer the boat (25). The cable housing (20) has a cable access door (70) to enable convenient replacement of the cable (22) as needed. The dashboard mounting structure (18) includes first and second nuts (90, 92) and a lockwasher (94) to attach the steering system (10) to the dashboard (98). The lockwasher (94) has vertical walls (106) that prevent rotation of the first nut (90) and a tab (108) that fits into a hole (104) in the dashboard (98) when the second nut (92) is tightened to prevent rotation of the lockwasher and the steering system.

Abstract: A steering torque detecting apparatus capable of being simplified in structure and readily assembled. Potentiometers each are actuated in association with the movement of a cable wire to generate an output signal. Steering control is carried out depending upon the output signal.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided for transmitting control movement to a controlled member, such as a throttle or transmission control lever, on a marine propulsion unit from a selected one of a plurality of remote control units each of which has an operator movable between a plurality of positions. A remote control mechanism has at least one slidably supported control element operatively connected to each of the operators for linear reciprocation of the control elements upon movement of the respective operator. The remote control mechanism further includes a pinion gear operatively engaged with the control elements, a shaft connected for rotation with the pinion, and a pair of connecting links for converting the linear reciprocation of the control elements into a rotary motion of a spindle. A first rotation angle detecting device detects the rotational position of the spindle and transmits a signal to a control unit indicative of this rotational position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved system for introducing a lubricant into a cable mounting tube of a pivotable outboard motor in response to a motorboat steering cable. The improvement comprises a nut body having an end wall, a plurality of bores, a resilient seal installed in an annular recess in a bore, and a grease fitting communicating with one of the plurality of bores. The invention provides a seal between the cable mounting tube and the steering cable to prevent the intrusion of a foreign matter and provides a pathway for lubricating the cable mounting tube.