Abstract: A tiller handle assembly for an outboard motor is provided that comprises a steering handle having a generally hollow body. A throttle grip is attached to a front end of the steering handle, and a shift mechanism coupled to the steering handle. The shift mechanism includes an moveable operator that can be moved at least between two positions: one of the positions corresponding to a drive operational mode of the outboard motor and the other position corresponding to a neutral operational mode of the outboard motor. A sensor device is disposed within the hollow body of the steering handle and is configured to determine whether the movable operator is positioned in one of the two position. The location of the sensor device within the hollow body makes mounting and maintenance of the sensor device easier and generally isolates the sensor device from water.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes a bracket assembly that has a swivel bracket carrying a drive unit for pivotal movement about a steering axis that extends generally vertically. The swivel bracket has a tubular section that extends generally vertically. The drive unit has a steering member that includes a steering shaft section extending through the tubular section and defining the steering axis. The steering shaft section has top and bottom portions out of the tubular section. The steering shaft section further has an upper portion below the top portion within the tubular section, and a lower portion above the bottom portion within the tubular section. The tubular section has upper, lower and middle bushings. The upper and lower bushings pivotally support the upper and lower portions, respectively. The middle bushing pivotally supports a middle portion of the steering shaft section between the upper and lower portions.

Abstract: Proposed is a height adjusting mechanism for a tiller handle (23) of an outboard motor (1). An adjustment piece (45) is detachably attached to the front end of a handle support bracket (22) which extends rearwards from the outboard motor main body (3). The adjustment piece is configured to be attached to the front end of the handle support member in two or more different positions and provided with a corresponding number of spacer portions (47-50) having different thicknesses so as to interpose a selected one of the spacer portions between corresponding stopper surfaces (41, 42) of the tiller handle and handle support bracket depending on the positions of the adjustment piece. Thereby, the height adjusting mechanism for the tiller handle is avoided from protruding laterally or vertically from the base end of the tiller handle so that the external appearance is not impaired and interferences with the surrounding parts can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: Proposed is a height adjusting mechanism for a tiller handle (23) of an outboard motor (1). An adjustment piece (45) is detachably attached to the front end of a handle support bracket (22) which extends rearwards from the outboard motor main body (3). The adjustment piece is configured to be attached to the front end of the handle support member in two or more different positions and provided with a corresponding number of spacer portions (47-50) having different thicknesses so as to interpose a selected one of the spacer portions between corresponding stopper surfaces (41, 42) of the tiller handle and handle support bracket depending on the positions of the adjustment piece. Thereby, the height adjusting mechanism for the tiller handle is avoided from protruding laterally or vertically from the base end of the tiller handle so that the external appearance is not impaired and interferences with the surrounding parts can be effectively prevented.

Abstract: In a steering device for a small watercraft that has at least two outboard motors which propulsive directions and propulsive forces are individually controllable. The steering device can have a steering wheel that can be inclined relative to an axis of a steering shaft in any directions including a fore to aft direction and a transverse direction. A control unit that controls shift units and throttle units of the outboard motors so that a hull moves toward a side that is directed by the inclination of the steering wheel.

Abstract: In an outboard motor steering control system having a plurality of outboard motors each mounted on a stern of a boat by a shaft to be movable by an outboard motor actuator relative to the boat and each having an internal combustion engine and a propeller powered by the engine to propel the boat, a tie-bar motor (actuator) is operated such that the outboard motors can be finely operated synchronously to make desired steering angles finely, i.e., to achieve the desired steering angles in response to a detected rotation angle of a steering wheel. Also outboard motor actuators are individually operated to regulate the relative angles between the outboard motors, thereby enhancing both straight course-holding performance and turning performance.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a trolling motor comprising an inventive flexible gripping isolator sleeve positionable around the trolling motor column and a retainer which receives and retains the gripping isolator sleeve in a manner effective for holding the trolling motor column in an operating position. The gripping isolator sleeve is formed and configured in a manner effective for flexing sufficiently to allow the trolling motor to deflect in any direction when impacted and for then automatically returning the trolling motor to its operating position.

Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel is provided with a connecting link attached to first and second marine propulsion devices. The connecting link is selectively disposable in first and second states of operation which either require synchronous rotation of the first and second marine propulsion devices or, alternatively, independent rotation of the two marine propulsion devices. This allows both marine propulsion devices to be operated by a single actuator or, alternatively, independent maneuvering of the two marine propulsion devices during certain types of docking procedures.

Abstract: A tie bar arrangement uses a rod end cartridge assembly that provides relative rotatability between an associated rod end and a coupler tube. The provision of a connecting link and steering arm adapter associated with the rod end cartridge assembly also provides relative rotation about first and second axes which allow sufficient flexibility to avoid placing the tie bar arrangement under excessive stress when one marine propulsion device is tilted relative to another marine propulsion device.

Abstract: A trolling motor for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor comprises a head portion, a propulsion unit, a shaft coupling the propulsion unit to the head portion, and a mounting system configured to secure the trolling motor to the watercraft and to pivot the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount system comprises a base having a first portion adapted to be mounted to the watercraft and a second portion adapted to receive the trolling motor, a pivot member coupled to the base and configured to pivot between the deployed position and the stowed position, and a damper mechanism coupled to the pivot member and configured to impede the movement of the member as the pivot member is being moved between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Abstract: The steering handlebar for outboard motor provided herein includes a power tilt and trim switch for adjusting a trim angle and a tilt angle of the outboard motor. The switch is advantageously mounted to the handlebar at a position that provides good operability. In one embodiment, the switch is mounted on a sideways-facing surface of the handlebar, forward of the accelerator grip. The switch does not rotate together with the accelerator grip of the handlebar, which results in the switch always being visible to the operator and easy to operate. Further, the lack of rotational coupling of these two components reduces wear on a lead wire of the switch, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the lead wire and the switch.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic steering assembly for applying a force to two or more marine propulsion units. Each propulsion unit has a steering axis and a tilt axis. The tilt axis is generally perpendicular to the steering axis thereof. Each propulsion unit is rotatable about the steering axis and is supported for arcuate movement about the tilt axis thereof. The steering assembly comprises a hydraulic steering actuator including a cylinder and an elongated piston rod. The cylinder has a first end and a second end. The elongated piston rod is reciprocatingly mounted within the cylinder and extends through the cylinder for movement along a piston rod axis. A pair of support arms are pivotable about the tilt axis of a first propulsion unit. The support arms are connected to the piston rod axis allowing arcuate movement of the piston rod about the tilt axis, while maintaining the piston rod axis parallel to the tilt axis.

Abstract: A tiller arm is provided with a lock mechanism that retains the tiller arm in an upwardly extending position relative to an outboard motor when the tiller arm is rotated about a first axis and the lock mechanism is placed in a first of two positions. Contact between an extension portion of the lock mechanism and the discontinuity of the arm prevents the arm from rotating downwardly out of its upward position.

Abstract: A connection device for a marine propulsion system is provided in which a selective locking mechanism automatically connects or disconnects two components of the marine propulsion system together in response to rotation of a tube and a rod. This relative rotation of the tube and rod is caused automatically when one of the components of the marine propulsion system is rotated relative to the other component.

Abstract: A belt driven outboard drive and engine assembly mountable to the transom of small flat bottom boats in much the same manner as water-cooled outboard engines. The assembly includes a lower drive shaft assembly that does not extend below the bottom of the boat, but extends a sufficient distance behind the boat to insure the proper angle of attack when the propeller is positioned for contact with mud and vegetation. The engine-mounting bracket includes a unique dual pivot tilt-up and tilt-down capability, an incremental positioner and a pivotal horizontal steering handle. The propeller is capable of cutting through vegetation, provides propulsive thrust in mud and provides relatively fast boat speed in deep water. The assembly further includes a clutch and reverse drive electric motor.

Abstract: A trolling motor for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor comprises a head portion, a propulsion unit, a shaft coupling the propulsion unit to the head portion, and a mounting system configured to secure the trolling motor to the watercraft and to pivot the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount system comprises a base having a first portion adapted to be mounted to the watercraft and a second portion adapted to receive the trolling motor, a pivot member coupled to the base and configured to pivot between the deployed position and the stowed position, and a damper mechanism coupled to the pivot member and configured to impede the movement of the member as the pivot member is being moved between the deployed position and the stowed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for steering control of water craft by operator body motion commands. The craft is powered by an outboard motor having a first vertical axis. The water craft has a swivel seat co-axially mounted to first and second swivel bodies permitting rotation of the seat about a second vertical axis. There is a first control member-mounted between the seat and the first swivel body and a second control member mounted between the first and second swivel bodies. A connecting member connects the second control member to the outboard motor so that when a pin couples the first and second control members together the apparatus is engaged and swivel seat is able to transmit body motion steering commands via the connecting member to the outboard motor.

Abstract: A connection system for connecting two or more marine propulsion devices together provides a coupler that can be rotated in place, without detachment from other components, to adjust the distances between the tie bar arms. In addition, the use of various clevis ends and pairs of attachment plates on the components significantly reduces the possibility of creating moments when forces and their reactions occur between the various components.

Abstract: A display device 21 for electrically showing a state of an outboard motor according to a sensing result of various sensors is provided to a tiller handle such that a display surface 27 thereof faces in an oblique upward direction. Preferably, the display device is provided on an upper surface 26a of a substantially horizontally extending housing 26 of the tiller handle. Further the display device may be received in a projection 28 formed by a protruding part of the upper surface of the housing of the tiller handle.

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: Readout devices and controls are provided that alert the user to unusual propeller slip conditions. Embodiments of the invention incorporate some signal processing to account for a progressively greater slip at lower watercraft speeds. Thus, the invention provides simple information that tells the user if a boat propeller combination is being operated suboptimally, without requiring the knowledge and use of multiple slip figures for differing boat speeds. The invention allows greater economy of operation, automatic anticavitation control and can alert the watercraft operator to unusual conditions such as anchor down, propeller up other situations that affect propeller loading.

Abstract: A retractable propulsion system for s vessel has an engine (2) mounted within the hull (1; 101) with a drive shaft connected through a universal joint (6) to a propeller shaft (3; 103), supported so that it can rotate and slide in a bearing (7; 105) at a point close to the propeller (4; 104). The bearing (7; 105) is articulated at one end of an extension-retraction mechanism (8, 9; 110, 115, 116, 118) through which the propeller shaft can be placed in a first operating position outside the hull or a second retracted position in a housing (11, 12; 102, 111) in the hull with a door (13, 13?; 15). A device for actuating, guiding and locking this system has a pair of upper arms (118, 118?) and a pair of lower arms (110, 110?) forming an articulated parallelogram (118, 118?; 110, 110?).

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus includes a motor attached to a bracket assembly that is attached to and pivots from the transom of a boat. A positioning handle is attached at a distal end of the bracket assembly, and may be held at one or more positions in a retaining bracket attached to the deck of the boat near the transom. The motor is positioned substantially rearward from and above a bottom edge of the transom in order to remain operative when the boat bottoms. A preferred embodiment includes a propulsion apparatus mounted at each of two lateral ends of the transom.

Abstract: A trolling motor mount tool for assisting in the moving of a trolling motor support mount between a lowered position and a raised position. The trolling motor mount tool includes a main member having a first cutout and a second cutout, a first arm pivotally attached to the main member, wherein the first arm includes an engaging tube, and a second arm pivotally attached to the main member having an arm cutout. The user utilizes the first cutout and an arm cutout to engage the locking pin of a motor mount for a trolling motor. The user utilizes the second cutout and the engaging tube of the first arm to engage the locking pin of the motor mount.

Abstract: A trolling motor steering linkage system with motor steering and speed controls mounted adjacent to a central or midship portion of a boat for ease of one-hand operability. The steering linkage system is mounted to a top surface or hull of a boat via a propeller tube, secured to a transom which spans the width of the craft and provides support for the propeller tube. A motor control head controls the direction and the speed of the trolling motor with an integrally attached grip throttle. A roll bar is attached to the motor control head, which roll bar is supported at a raised elevation from the mounting surface of the boat by roll bar stantions. The roll bar is further connected to a linkage rod, which linkage rod is connected to the propeller tube for rotating the propeller tube, with attached trolling motor and propeller, and thereby steers the boat.

Abstract: A trolling motor steering linkage system with motor steering and speed controls mounted adjacent to a central or midship portion of a boat for ease of one-hand operability. The steering linkage system is mounted to a top surface or hull of a boat via a propeller tube, secured to a transom which spans the width of the craft and provides support for the propeller tube. A motor control head controls the direction and the speed of the trolling motor with an integrally attached grip throttle. A roll bar is attached to the motor control head, which roll bar is supported at a raised elevation from the mounting surface of the boat by roll bar stantions. The roll bar is further connected to a linkage rod, which linkage rod is connected to the propeller tube for rotating the propeller tube, with attached trolling motor and propeller, and thereby steers the boat.

Abstract: In a steering handle device including a tilting switch, an overhang portion is formed on a switch case detachably secured to a lower surface of a steering handle, and protrudes from a side of the steering handle toward a side where a steersman is in position. A tilting switch is mounted in a switch-mounting bore which is open at a rear slant wall of the overhang portion. Thus, the steering handle can be also used commonly in an outboard engine system including no tilting switch.

Abstract: A motor boat drive mounting configuration connects the drives of a boat together at their centerlines so that the drives are turned at equal angles and are synchronized by the boat's steering system. The tie bar that interconnects the drives includes an end assembly that is configured to rotate 360 degrees with respect to an outer tube. The end assembly using a lug rotatably disposed in a threaded insert to provide the rotation. An end assembly disposed at the other end of the outer tube provides selective length adjustment through a threaded connection between the end assembly and the outer tube. A lock nut locks the position of the end assembly. In one embodiment, the tie bar is connected to a reconfigurable motor mount that may be selectively reconfigured in left hand, right hand, and center configurations.

Abstract: A motor boat drive mounting configuration connects the drives of a boat together at their centerlines so that the drives are turned at equal angles and are synchronized by the boat's steering system. The tie bar that interconnects the drives includes an end assembly that is configured to rotate 360 degrees with respect to an outer tube. The end assembly using a lug rotatably disposed in a threaded insert to provide the rotation. An end assembly disposed at the other end of the outer tube provides selective length adjustment through a threaded connection between the end assembly and the outer tube. A lock nut locks the position of the end assembly. In one embodiment, the tie bar is connected to a reconfigurable motor mount that may be selectively reconfigured in left hand, right hand, and center configurations.

Abstract: A convertible or collapsible tiller arm assembly is provided for an outboard motor. The motor may be of a generally conventional structure, but includes an interface bracket for mounting the tiller arm assembly in place. The tiller arm assembly has a mating bracket which is fixed to the outboard motor for securement of the tiller arm assembly in a deployed position. Threaded fasteners may be employed for rapidly moving the assembly to the deployed position, and for collapse of the assembly. Anti-rotation structures afford transmission of steering torques to the outboard motor when the tiller arm is in the deployed position. In the collapsed position, the overall assembly offers a significantly reduced envelope dimension, facilitating storage and passing of the outboard motor through hatches, openings, and the like.

Abstract: In a steering handle device including a tilting switch, an overhang portion is formed on a switch case detachably secured to a lower surface of a steering handle, and protrudes from a side of the steering handle toward a side where a steersman is in position. A tilting switch is mounted in a switch-mounting bore which is open at a rear slant wall of the overhang portion. Thus, the steering handle can be also used commonly in an outboard engine system including no tilting switch.

Abstract: An adjustable length bar to replace the rigid bar, the one connecting the two outboards or the two outdrives of a boat, for steering purposes, said adjustable bar being electricly operated through a switch on the boat's dashboard, said switch having two operating positions, one to keep propellers creating two parallel thrusts (cruising mode), and a second to shift the propellers to create a vee configuration (maneuvering mode), by which the boat's maneuverability will be enhanced.

Abstract: A drive apparatus (12) for a boat having a planing hull (14) including a notch (24). An engine (30) and a transmission (32) are mounted within the hull. A propeller shaft (38) is connected to the transmission with a universal joint (34) and extends rearwardly therefrom into the notch. The propeller shaft passes through a shaft support (56), and a propeller (46) is affixed to the propeller shaft behind the shaft support. The shaft support depends from a strut (58), which is mounted on the underside of a pivot arm (50). A trim drive (62) is mounted within the hull and above the notch and the pivot arm. A linearly extendable trim drive shaft (64) extends between the trim drive and the pivot arm and, when the trim drive is actuated, pivots the pivot arm, and thus the propeller, selectively upwardly and downwardly to adjust trim for maximum drive efficiency under various boat load distribution, water surface and wind conditions.

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: 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: An adjustable length bar to replace the rigid bar,the one connecting the two outboards or the two outdrives of a boat, for steering purposes, said adjustable bar being electricly operated through a switch on the boat's dashboard, said switch having two operating positions, one to keep propellers creating two parallel thrusts (cruising mode), and a second to shift the propellers to create a vee configuration (maneuvering mode),by which the boat's maneuverability will be enhanced.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering assembly applies a force to a tiller arms of twin marine, outboard propulsion units and rotates the propulsion units about a steering axis between a center position and hard over positions to each side of the center position. Each propulsion unit is supported for arcuate movement about a tilt axis which is generally perpendicular to the steering axis. There is a hydraulic steering apparatus mounted on a first of the propulsion units which includes a hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to a member which is pivotally mounted on the tiller arm of the first propulsion unit. A tie-bar is pivotally connected to the steering apparatus and pivotally connected to the tiller arm of a second propulsion unit. For example, the tie-bar may be pivotally connected to the steering apparatus by a ball joint connected to the steering apparatus by a bracket which moves with the member.

Abstract: A tilt stop mechanism for an outboard drive assembly includes an improved construction that is easy to handle and can be provided in a relatively narrow space of a support assembly. The support bracket includes a pair of transversely spaced portions. At least a portion of the outboard drive assembly is interposed between the spaced portions. A tilt pin couples the drive assembly to the support bracket for pivotal movement about a tilt axis extending generally horizontally. A tilt stop member is coupled to the drive assembly for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending generally horizontally. The tilt stop member has at least one stopper portion extending between the drive assembly and the support bracket when the drive assembly is in a tilted-down position. The support bracket has at least one recess. The stopper portion engages with the recess by the pivotal movement of the tilt stop member when the outboard drive is in a tilted-up 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: A bracket for connecting steering mechanisms and or tie bars to a marine propulsion outdrive that fastens to the outside of the upper and rear cover plates of the outdrive using threaded fasteners that replace fasteners that originally secured the top and rear cover plates. The cover plates do not need to be removed to install the bracket. The bracket is secured by both horizontal and vertical threaded fasteners for greater strength.

Abstract: A boat drive mechanism is constructed of an engine mounted in the boat; a propeller; a drive shaft having a front end connected to the engine and a rear end extending through the exterior of the transom; a propeller shaft having a rear end connected to the propeller and a front end, with the propeller shaft being moveable between a lowered position and a raised position; and a universal joint connecting the drive shaft rear end to the propeller shaft front end and spaced from the rear of the transom, the universal joint being the sole thrust connection between the drive shaft and the propeller shaft. A propeller tube surrounds at least a part of the propeller shaft. The propeller tube and shaft are raised and lowered by a first hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to the propeller tube and the transom above the drive shaft.

Abstract: A steering system for plural marine propulsion engines for steering primary and secondary marine propulsion engines. The system includes a steering apparatus kit includes a tilt tube shaft adapted for slidably mounting in the secondary tilt tube of the secondary engine. A slave drag link is adapted for linking a second end of the tilt tube shaft to the secondary marine propulsion engine. A first end of the slave drag link is adapted for pivotally mounting on the tilt tube shaft. A second end of the slave drag link is adapted for pivotally mounting on the secondary marine propulsion engine. A pivot mount is adapted for mounting on the secondary tilt tube. A pivot link is adapted for pivotally mounting on the pivot mount, and the pivot link is elongate with opposite ends. A pivot arm is adapted for pivotally mounting on a first end of the tilt tube shaft. A second end of the pivot arm is adapted for pivotally mounting on the second end of pivot link.

Abstract: A tilt-trim subsystem and method for a boat propulsion system is provided. A stern bracket is mounted on a transom of the boat. A swivel bracket is pivotally supported relative to the stern bracket for rotation about a generally horizontal axis. The subsystem includes a tilt and trim assembly having at least one cam pivotally supported by the stern bracket. The cam is configured to impart a relatively slow rate of rotation to the swivel bracket, at least when there is driving contact between the cam and the swivel bracket within a predetermined angular range for trimming, as compared to a rate of rotation within a predetermined angular range for tilting.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a steering lock which retains the rotational orientation of the outboard motor relative to a watercraft. The steering lock allows the motor to be pivoted about a substantially horizontal tilt and trim axis while the steering lock is engaged. The steering lock includes a friction plate which is advantageously straight. The friction plate is connected to the steering arm, and movement of either the steering arm or the friction plate requires movement of the other. At least one friction lock engages with the friction plate to secure the motor in a desired orientation. The friction lock is rigidly affixed to the outboard motor. The friction lock includes one or more disc pads. Movement of an operation lever urges the disc pads against the friction plate hold the friction plate and consequently, the steering arm, in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An outboard motor throttle and transmission control that employs a bowden wire mechanism for transmitting control signals from the tiller handle to the engine throttle and transmission control. The control handle is pivotally mounted on the front end of a tiller arm and the wire actuators exit the control handle and enter the protective cowling on opposite sides of a longitudinal center plane or on opposite sides of the protective cowling so as to increase the length of the wire actuators in this area so as to facilitate their bending without kinking.

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 pontoon raft having a hand controlled steering mechanism and solar cells for powering an outboard electric motor. The raft has an adjustable lounge chair located between the pontoons, for supporting an occupant in a seated or reclined position.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering assembly applies a force to a tiller arm of a marine, outboard propulsion unit and rotates the propulsion unit about a steering axis between a center position and hard over positions to each side of the center position. The propulsion unit is supported for arcuate movement about a tilt axis which is generally perpendicular to the steering axis. The steering assembly includes a hydraulic steering cylinder with an elongated piston rod reciprocatingly mounted within the cylinder for movement along a piston rod axis. A pair of support arms are pivotable about the tilt axis and are connected to the piston rod, allowing arcuate movement of the rod about the tilt axis, while maintaining the rod axis parallel to the tilt axis. A member is pivotally mounted on the tiller arm for pivoting about a first axis which is parallel to the steering axis. The cylinder arm is connected to the cylinder and extends radially outwards from the piston rod axis.

Abstract: The cowl of an outboard motor is provided with resilient pads that are disposed on opposite sides of a steering mechanism with a purpose of reducing vibratory motion of the cowl when an engine is operated at idle speed. The resilient pads are held in place by brackets which are attached to the lower cowl of the outboard motor. The two resilient pads are disposed on opposite sides of the swivel tube head of the steering mechanism.

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.