Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to amounting arrangement (100) for a propulsion unit. The mounting arrangement (100) comprises an attachment arrangement (133) adapted to attach said mounting arrangement (100) to a marine vessel. The mounting arrangement (100) comprises a propulsion unit carrying arrangement (110) adapted to be rigidly connectable to said propulsion unit. The propulsion unit carrying arrangement (110) is pivotably mounted to said attachment arrangement (133). The embodiments further relate to a marine propulsion system (200) comprising a propulsion unit (210) and the mounting arrangement (100). The propulsion unit (210) is rigidly connected to the propulsion unit carrying arrangement (100). An output shaft of the propulsion unit (210) is drivingly connectable to a shaft of a propeller drive (220). The marine propulsion system is pivotably mountable to a marine vessel.

Abstract: A watercraft and a marine engine assembly for pivotably mounting to a watercraft about a tilt-trim axis are disclosed. The marine engine assembly includes an engine unit including: an engine unit housing; an engine disposed in the housing; and an exhaust conduit disposed in the housing, an exhaust inlet defined by the exhaust conduit being fluidly connected to the engine, the exhaust conduit extending forward and upward from the exhaust inlet and then subsequently extending downward and rearward to an exhaust outlet. The marine engine assembly also has a driveshaft operatively connected to the engine and a propulsion device operatively connected to the driveshaft. A center of mass of the engine is disposed below the tilt-trim axis at least when the driveshaft is vertically oriented.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of stiffening shafts, which in some cases are adapted to couple to a marine vessel. An exemplary stiffening shaft can be used to extend a motor from the marine vessel or be used as a shallow water stick anchor. The exemplary stiffening shafts can include a plurality of linked vertebrae stacked to form a column and at least one inelastic tension element threaded longitudinally through the plurality of vertebrae. The shaft can have a flexible configuration when the at least one tension element is released and a stiffened linear configuration when the tension element is tensed to react to torque and bending moments. Alternatively, the stiffening shaft can be used as a shallow water stick anchor for a marine vessel by piercing the bottom of a marine environment (e.g., a sea bed, a lake bed, a river bed, etc.).

Abstract: Described herein are examples of stiffening shafts, which in some cases are adapted to couple to a marine vessel. An exemplary stiffening shaft can be used to extend a motor from the marine vessel or be used as a shallow water stick anchor. The exemplary stiffening shafts can include a plurality of linked vertebrae stacked to form a column and at least one inelastic tension element threaded longitudinally through the plurality of vertebrae. The shaft can have a flexible configuration when the at least one tension element is released and a stiffened linear configuration when the tension element is tensed to react to torque and bending moments. Alternatively, the stiffening shaft can be used as a shallow water stick anchor for a marine vessel by piercing the bottom of a marine environment (e.g., a sea bed, a lake bed, a river bed, etc.).

Abstract: A drive train in a marine vessel includes a marine pod drive unit and an inboard engine operatively connected by a driveshaft. To protectively enclose the driveshaft, a guard sleeve having a tubular configuration is disposed around the driveshaft and extends between the marine pod drive unit and the inboard engine. The first sleeve end of the guard sleeve is coupled to a first coupling collar on the marine pod drive unit using a first annular packing and the second sleeve end is coupled to a second coupling collar on the inboard engine using a second annular packing. The first and second annular packings enable relative angular displacement between the guard sleeve and the marine pod drive unit or the inboard engine.

Abstract: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include an upper drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The upper drive unit is movably joined with a lower drive unit, which includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The lower drive unit is movable from a raised mode, in which it is adjacent the upper drive unit, to a lowered mode, in which it is a preselected distance from the upper drive unit, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and outdrive upper unit are also provided.

Abstract: An outdrive for a marine vessel, such as a watercraft having an inboard engine, is provided. The outdrive can include an upper drive unit having a driveshaft that rotates in response to rotation of an input shaft coupled to an engine within a hull of the watercraft. The upper drive unit is movably joined with a lower drive unit, which includes a propeller shaft that rotates in response to rotation of the driveshaft, and an associated propeller. The lower drive unit is movable from a raised mode, in which it is adjacent the upper drive unit, to a lowered mode, in which it is a preselected distance from the upper drive unit, thereby lowering a thrust point produced by the propeller, all while the watercraft is moving through water and while the propeller is producing thrust. A related method and outdrive upper unit are also provided.

Abstract: A support assembly for a trolling motor is disclosed whereby the trolling motor shaft is clamped into a separate threaded rack unit. A motor driving a gear engaged with the rack unit causes the trolling motor to be raised and lowered vertically. A spring is employed in the breakaway mounting assembly to allow the trolling motor propulsion unit to deflect upon striking an underwater obstacle, and thereby prevent damage to the trolling motor.

Abstract: A marine motor for shallow water boats that has a universal mounting bracket to fit all shallow water boats, the Mud Runner has a mid length drive system with a parallel shaft technology that has the most efficient forward thrust drive system for swallow water boats. The upper drive system is where the reverse drive system happens by way of gears and a drive shaft. The upper drive system and lower drive system are connected together by way of a drive belt. The lower drive system has an output drive shaft that comes down at an approximate 153 degree angle which then than transfers to a 0 degree angle. The 0 degree angle output drive shaft has a propeller attached to the shaft which gives this motor the forward thrust.

Abstract: In an outboard motor tilt movement interruption device, when a tilt-up stop condition is established by a presence of an obstacle in a tilt-up movement range of an outboard motor and the obstacle and the outboard motor are equal to or less than a predetermined distance from each other, a circuit arranged to actuate a tilt device is cut off by an ON/OFF switch. On the other hand, when the tilt-up stop condition is not established, the circuit is connected. When the tilt-up stop condition is established during an operation of the ON/OFF switch, the circuit is cut off, and tilt-up of the outboard motor is stopped. Thereafter, when the tilt-up stop condition becomes canceled, the circuit is connected and tilt-up of the outboard motor is restarted.

Abstract: A trim adjustment system includes a means for sensing the depth of the water over which a power boat is traversing and automatic means for raising the propeller and shaft of the boat motor out of danger of the propeller and shaft from becoming damaged by contact with the bed of the water.

Abstract: Drive assembly in a boat includes a propeller shaft housing (5) which projects downwards on the underside of the bottom (4) of the boat and is connected to a drive unit (1), arranged on the inside of the boat, via members (9) which, in the event of a load acting on the housing, for example in the event of grounding, bring about controlled separation of the housing from the drive unit and the bottom of the boat.

Abstract: An outboard motor protection apparatus is interposable between an outboard motor and a transom of a boat. The mounting of the motor on the transom of the boat is such as to allow for pivotal movement of the motor relative to the transom, about a first substantially horizontal tilt axis, between a drive configuration and a raised configuration. The apparatus comprises a mount for removably mounting it onto the transom of the boat with a base plate extending downwardly in juxtaposed relation to a trailing face of the transom. A leg of the apparatus is operatively positioned in leadingly adjacent relation to a skeg portion of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A tilt cylinder device has an exterior oil passage 61 outside a cylinder 51 for bringing oil chambers S6 and S7 into communication with each other, the exterior passage 61 is provided with a pump 72 and a control valve 73. A piston 13 is formed with a communication passage 34 for bringing oil chambers S6 and S7 into communication with each other. The communication passage 34 is provided with a first relief valve 15 which opens when a pressure in the rod side oil chamber S6 exceeds a set pressure. A hollow piston rod 14 is provided therein with a delay mechanism 16 for delaying the closing operation of the first relief valve 15 by pushing a valve body 15b of the first relief valve 15 in its valve opening direction for a predetermined time period after the relief valve 15 is opened.

Abstract: It is an object of the current invention to provide a trim cylinder that is cost effective; it is further an object of the invention to provide a cylinder that has few parts, less than one-third the number of parts of present art; it is further an object of the invention to provide a unique and simple check valve for operation as a shock absorber and further to provide passages integral of the extruded or molded body allowing plumbing to be attached at one end only of the cylinder; also to eliminate the plastic shroud which normally covers unsightly plumbing.

Abstract: A boat propeller sled comprising a spine, straps attached to the spine, and rails attached to the spine. The straps are sized to fit around an outboard motor lower unit, and to securely attach the spine to the lower unit. Each rail comprises a base attached to the spine, a forward ramp attached to the base, a runner attached to the forward ramp, and a rear ramp attached to the runner. In the preferred embodiment, the bases are attached to the spine at an angle of approximately ninety degrees, the forward ramps slope forward at an angle of approximately sixty degrees relative to the horizon, the runners are substantially horizontal, and the rear ramps slope upwards towards the rear at an angle of approximately thirty degrees relative to the horizon.

Abstract: The present invention prevents damage to the trolling motor and the mount by providing a shock-absorption system capable of lengthening to allow the motor assembly to pivot out of the path of an obstruction. Adjustable friction force maintains the clutch system assembly in its normal operating upright condition. When the trolling motor strikes an underwater object, the clutch friction is overcome and the clutch assembly lengthens, thus assuring that any damage is minimized.

Abstract: The lower portion of the outdrive of a stern drive motor or of an outboard motor for boats, is further protected from damage on striking submerged objects. Protection at low speed is gained by providing sharp or knife-like edge formed of rubber on the leading of the lower portion to gain the resiliency to cushion from damage at low speeds. Lower portions are typically pivotally mounted with respect to the rest of the motor to enable trim adjustment by a cylinder and piston arrangement. The cylinder and piston arrangement provides some cushion enabling damage-reducing backwards and upwards limited rocking on impact at low moderate speeds. Impact sensing mechanisms conventionally also release the pressure in the cylinder and piston arrangement at low and low-moderate speeds but are generally ineffective at moderate and high speeds to limit damage.

Abstract: A marine drive unit impact avoidance system for boats having both outboard type drives and inboard/outboard type stern drives provides a structure by which the lower, propeller-mounting drive unit on a boat is mounted for vertical movement relative to the supporting transom of a boat, and an impact/activating arm assembly is pivotally mounted at one of its ends to the lowermost forward portion of the lower unit for upwardly angled, forward extension therefrom to a pivotal mount at its other end to the boat, whereby any underwater obstruction encountered during forward movement of the boat will contact only the impact arm which operates under the impact to effect a cam action to lift the drive unit vertically to clear the obstruction without any contact of the drive unit and the underwater obstruction.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative to the transom about a generally horizontal tilt axis, and about a vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and an engine drivingly connected to the propeller, a tiller arm connected to the propulsion unit, a contractable and extendible hydraulic assembly including a cylinder connected to one of the propulsion unit and the transom, a piston slideably received in the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into opposite first and second chambers, and a piston rod having one end fixedly connected to the piston and an opposite end extending outwardly of the cylinder and being connected to the other of the propulsion unit and the transom, a valve for alternatively permitting and preventing fluid flow from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a lever mounted on the tiller arm for actuating the valve.

Abstract: An improved trimming arrangement is disclosed which is particularly suited for use with a craft having planing hull with a marine drive. In one embodiment, the trimming arrangement includes a submerged trim hydrofoil which is affixed to the drive housing of the drive system beneath the screw propeller drive shaft. So that the efficiency of the planing hull and drive system are improved at hull-planing speeds, the trim hydrofoil is positioned to create a downward force component of the stern of the planing hull during forward movement through the water. The bow of the hull is thereby urged upwardly, thus minimizing the wetted area of the hull and improving its efficiency. In a further embodiment, the trimming arrangement includes a selectively adjustable submerged hydrofoil pivotably mounted to the transom of the planing hull which is operable to provide the desired downward force component on the stern of the hull.

Abstract: A hydraulic arrangement for controlling tilt and trim of an outboard drive. The hydraulic arrangement comprises a single cylinder assembly having two separate cylinder bores in which separate pistons are supported for reciprocation. Each piston has a piston rod that is directly connected to a corresponding element of the outboard drive so as to insure against any wear or play in the system and to afford a compact assembly.

Abstract: An electric trolling motor mounting device having improved shock-absorbing capabilities. The device includes a substantially vertical bearing surface and a tube-securing element for holding the vertical tube structure which supports the motor under water, such tube-securing element being attached to the bearing surface by a two-dimensional array of horizontal compressible shock absorbers having springs held in compression between the bearing plate and the tube-securing element. A two-by-two array of four shock absorbers using coil springs is preferred. Bolts extending concentrically through the springs and each having one slideable and one fixed connection are the preferred structure, as are recesses receiving the ends of the coils.

Abstract: A tilt locking and shock absorbing arrangement for a marine outboard drive that normally holds the drive in a normal position against driving thrust both in forward and rearward directions and yet which permits the drive to pop up when an underwater obstacle is struck. The arrangement also permits the drive to return to its normal position once the obstacle has been passed. An arrangement is provided for permitting the motor to be tilted up without restriction and also to be adjusted in trim condition and retained there while still maintaining the aforenoted shock absorbing capabilities.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion installation comprising a marine propulsion device including a transom bracket having a mounting portion fixed to the rear of a boat transom below the upper edge thereof, and a pair of laterally spaced arms extending upwardly from the mounting portion and including respective upper ends located rearwardly of the boat transom and above the upper edge thereof, a swivel bracket comprising a mounting portion and a pair of laterally spaced arms extending upwardly from the swivel bracket mounting portion and including respective upper ends, a tilt pin connecting the upper ends of the transom bracket and swivel bracket arms to provide for pivotal movement of the swivel bracket relative to the transom bracket about a tilt axis which is horizontally located rearwardly of the transom and above the upper edge thereof, a propulsion unit including an internal combustion engine and a propeller mounted for rotation and driven by the engine, and a king pin connecting the propulsion uni

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having a piston position memory element is disclosed, and is particularly adapted for use with propulsion units for watercraft. A valve seat (76,242) is frictionally retained in a bore of a cylinder (24,200) and cooperates with a valve (72,266) in a piston (70,244) to stop the piston (70,244) in a preset position by blocking the flow of fluid through the valve (72,266).In a first embodiment, a poppet valve 60 is provided to allow a piston (70) to move to dissipate the energy of a collision of a watercraft propulsion unit with a stationary object, the piston (70) being provided with a valve (72) to allow the piston (70) to return to its original position. The valve seat (76) having remained in its original position and being provided with an unrestricted aperture (78) stops the piston (70) in its original position.