Abstract: An outer drive protection arrangement is attachable to a marine vessel while not immersed in water. The arrangement comprises a rim portion arranged in contact with at least a transom surface and surrounding at least one outer drive and a protective cover attached to the rim portion and enclosing a volume encompassing the at least one outer drive, in order to provide a protective gaseous environment inside the cover. The environment contained within the cover is circulated and maintained at a predetermined atmospheric condition by means of a source of conditioned gas.

Abstract: A guard for protecting wildlife is mounted on an outboard motor having a propeller and keel below an anti-ventilation plate. The guard has a spaced pair of bars each with an upper section, a lower section and between them a midsection. The upper sections of the bars can be attached to opposite sides of the anti-ventilation plate in order to position the lower sections below the propeller and keel. The lower sections have a smooth, projection-free streamline for avoiding snagging on sea weed.

Abstract: The present invention provides propeller protection apparatus surrounding a turnable propeller assembly operating beneath a bottom hull of a watercraft. The propeller protection apparatus includes one or more deflecting members; one or more support members; one or more removable axles; and two or more removable wheels.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to a propeller protector that can accommodate propeller of different sizes and is designed to be easily installed or removed from a propeller. The propeller protector includes a novel retaining device for securing the protector onto the blades of the propeller without using straps or similar devices. The novel retaining device has a high level of adaptability to accommodate blades of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes a propeller rotatable around a propeller axis, a duct that surrounds the propeller around the propeller axis, an internal combustion engine that rotates the propeller relative the duct, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller relative to the duct. The propeller includes a plurality of blades, and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades around the propeller axis. The electric motor rotates the propeller by rotating the rim.

Abstract: A boat including a propeller tunnel portion formed in a hull of the boat in which a propeller rotates on an output shaft that extends from the propeller tunnel. A protrusion having a curved portion terminates in a tip portion. The protrusion extends from the propeller tunnel portion and the tip portion terminates near the aft plane of the propeller. The placement of the protrusion in the propeller tunnel portion can be shown to improve propulsion efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a skeg protector to cover a motorboat skeg to prevent damage to the skeg and to the propellers. The SkegProtector™ apparatus is made of a composite of non-stainless steel woven material of high material strength and durability, such as carbon fiber, Kevlar®, fiberglass, titanium, and polyethylene fiber. It is affixed over the skeg using marine grade underwater adhesive, and without installing bolts or other mechanical means to secure it. Methods of manufacture comprise the use of curing using a heated platen press on aluminum molds encasing multiple layers (7) of woven material and a mandrel.

Abstract: A guard for protecting wildlife is mounted on an outboard motor having a propeller and keel below an anti-ventilation plate. The guard has a spaced pair of bars each with an upper section, a lower section and between them a midsection. The upper sections of the bard can be attached to opposite sides of the anti-ventilation plate in order to position the lower sections below the propeller and keel. The lower sections have a smooth, projection-free streamline for avoiding snagging on sea weed.

Abstract: The instant invention describes an anti-biofouling structure for placement onto structures or surfaces that are exposed to aquatic environments. Embedded within the anti-biofouling structure are agents that can diffuse out of the structure and prevent the formation and/or accumulation of plant and animal species build-up that creates biofouling. The instant invention also describes a system for preventing biofouling of an object stored in an aquatic environment which includes the anti-biofouling structure, and a protective cover element constructed and arranged to fit various structures, such as boat propellers.

Abstract: The present invention provides propeller protection apparatus surrounding a turnable propeller assembly operating beneath a bottom hull of a watercraft. The propeller protection apparatus includes one or more deflecting members; one or more support members; one or more removable axles; and two or more removable wheels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a skeg protector to cover a motorboat skeg to prevent damage to the skeg and to the propellers. The SkegProtector™ apparatus is made of a composite of non-stainless steel woven material of high material strength and durability, such as carbon fiber, Kevlar®, fiberglass, titanium, and polyethylene fiber. It is affixed over the skeg using marine grade underwater adhesive, and without installing bolts or other mechanical means to secure it. Methods of manufacture comprise the use of curing using a heated platen press on aluminum molds encasing multiple layers (7) of woven material and a mandrel.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user. A tug on the link releases the flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, the member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

Abstract: The Propulsion Protection Device includes rigid inclined deflection surfaces in the configuration of three or four rails/bars affixed, permanently and/or removable, both to the transom and to the bottom of a hull of a watercraft. The unit is aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the watercraft. At the forward most attachment point, approximately mid-point between the stern and bow, the rails/bars are flush and smooth with the hull/bottom. At the rear/transom, the rails/bars extend below the propeller, beyond the arc of the propeller, and rigid engine parts. There is a calculated inclination along the length of the rail/bars, thereby creating a deflection effect. The Propulsion Protection Device is designed to prevent catastrophic human/animal loss-of-life or injury, property loss/damage resulting from the accidental contact with the spinning propeller, and/or blunt force trauma from the impact with protruding rigid mechanical engine parts.

Abstract: A propeller shield that is designed to pivot over and away from a distal face of a propeller on a motorized boat. Generally, when the boat is at rest or moving in reverse through water, the propeller shield pivots down over the propeller's distal face and prevents accidental bodily contact with the propeller. As the boat moves forward in the water, the propeller shield pivots up and away from the propeller to allow the boat to move forward without the propeller shield causing an undesirable amount of drag or otherwise adversely affecting the boat's performance. Typically, the propeller shield has a shield member, which is sized and shaped to cover the propeller's distal face, and a connection mechanism, which attaches the shield member to the boat. In some cases, the shield member optionally comprises one or more fluid vents and hydroplane surfaces.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat wherein the link can be retrieved by a user. A tug on the link releases the flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, the member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.

Abstract: A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is installed about the propeller the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat.

Abstract: A marine propulsion drive unit is provided with two energy absorbing structures, one comprising a crushable or deformable nose cone or leading edge of a driveshaft housing and the other comprising a frangible interface that allows the drive unit to separate from the hull of a marine vessel. The crushable or deformable nose cone is configured to absorb energy at relatively low impact velocities with submerged structures and the frangible interface is configured to absorb energy and then detach from the hull of the marine vessel at higher impact velocities.

Abstract: A propeller shield that is designed to pivot over and away from a distal face of a propeller on a motorized boat. Generally, when the boat is at rest or moving in reverse through water, the propeller shield pivots down over the propeller's distal face and prevents accidental bodily contact with the propeller. As the boat moves forward in the water, the propeller shield pivots up and away from the propeller to allow the boat to move forward without the propeller shield causing an undesirable amount of drag or otherwise adversely affecting the boat's performance. Typically, the propeller shield has a shield member, which is sized and shaped to cover the propeller's distal face, and a connection mechanism, which attaches the shield member to the boat. In some cases, the shield member optionally comprises one or more fluid vents and hydroplane surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multiple propeller nozzle Venturi system and assembly consisting of two or more hydrodynamically shaped nozzle rings, axially located around the propeller and connected by the means of a plurality of equally spaced ring connecting fin struts to be used on a wide variety of sizes of watercrafts. By adjusting the conical inclination of one or more of the hydronamically shaped nozzle rings the water passing over is directed into the area of the propeller increasing the thrust pressure, thereby creating a Venturi effect. A skeg shield and a skid plate are incorporated to strengthen, or repair if broken, the lower portion of outboard and inboard-outboard motors. The overall effect of the multiple nozzle Venturi system is to enhance the performance, handling and control of a watercraft so equipped. Multiple nozzle Venturi systems are constructed to be adaptable to all sizes of vessels and all motors found on watercraft.

Abstract: A combined hull and steering mechanism for a marine vessel has a substantially rectangularly-shaped upper hull joined to a lower hull that is dual-tapered from its sidewalls to both its forward and aft portions. A directional thrust steering mechanism having a pair of vertical rudder blades positioned on either side of a conventional propeller extending from the centerline of the lower hull directs the water from the propeller, thus enabling the vessel to move more efficiently and with greater maneuverability in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-tapered hull permits a significantly better flow of water to and from the propeller and steering mechanism of the vessel, particularly when operating in reverse, thereby allowing the vessel to turn 360° in its own length.

Abstract: A propeller system for a boat includes a housing adapted to be mounted to a stern of the boat and having a receiving chamber inside and waterway at the bottom side thereof, a propeller rotatably disposed in the waterway of the housing, a driving device mounted in the receiving chamber of the housing and having a driving member and a linking member pivotally coupled to the driving member, and a guide ring connected to the linking member of the driving device and located in the waterway of the housing in such a way that the guide ring surrounds the blades of the propeller and is pivotable relative to the propeller. Thus, the propelling system has the advantage of increasing the utilization of the internal space of the boat.

Abstract: With an unmanned underwater vessel having a pressure hull, drive assembly and at least one ancillary device arranged on the pressure hull, for example a propeller protection apparatus (15), the at least one ancillary device (15) is fixedly connected to a lifting body (16), which has a lower density than the density of the water, in order to make it possible to replace the ancillary devices or to arrange additional ancillary devices on the pressure hull without changing the trim of the underwater vessel as a result. The density and volume of the lifting body (16) are selected such that the lifting force acting in the water on the ancillary device (15) and the lifting body (16) compensates for the force of gravity acting on the ancillary device (15) and the lifting body (16).

Abstract: A propeller shield apparatus for mounting to a trolling motor having an exposed propeller with a horizontal axis includes a vertical fin and an arcuate propeller shield. The arcuate propeller shield is oriented concave downward and fixed to the vertical fin. The vertical fin is carried by the trolling motor. The vertical fin spaces the propeller shield above the propeller. A curved bracket is provided, connected to the vertical fin, and is clamped to the trolling motor. Angular fins can be provided at opposite ends of the propeller shield which extend substantially radially from the horizontal axis.

Abstract: Rapid shaft stop devices and transmissions are described that utilize permanent magnets for coupling and/or braking and are useful for electronic propeller guards and other equipment. In an embodiment, one or more capacitive discharge pulses are used to rapidly stop a shaft. A magnetic transmission is provided having axially oriented magnets on each side of an air space junction that transmit torque across the junction with a torque/speed profile that particularly suits boat propellers. The junction may include a bearing and allows slippage when the propeller resistance exceeds a given value. This slippage acts as a variable gear reduction. One or more electromagnets may be energized and thereby add to or subtract from one or more magnetic fields and provide electronic control of torque and of gear reduction ratio for devices such as watercraft drive systems.

Abstract: A shielding apparatus includes a body formed from rigid material that has first and second pivotally conjoined sections removably cradled about the propeller. The body has a fulcrum axis registered parallel to a longitudinal length of the propeller. Each of the sections includes a plurality of cylindrical sleeves linearly juxtaposed end-to-end when the sections are adapted to the closed position. The sleeves receive the locking mechanism therethrough and prevent the first and second sections from pivoting to the open position. A fastener is included for locking the sections together at the closed position. The locking fastener is telescopically interfitted through corresponding distal ends of the sections. The locking fastener is detachable from the body when withdrawn along a linear plane extending parallel to the fulcrum axis such that the locking mechanism remains spaced from the propeller. The locking fastener is coplanar with the fulcrum axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device that protects inboard/outboard motors (up to 250 horsepower) from damage and simultaneously provides an underwater hydrofoil that both helps prevent inboard/outboard motor damage and is specifically designed to improve the efficiency of an outboard motor and the speed and ride of a boat. In one embodiment, an underwater hydrofoil, skeg enclosure, skeg protector and lower-unit protector are combined into a single unit that protects the skeg, the propeller and the lower unit of an inboard/outboard motor while simultaneously improving the efficiency of an inboard/outboard motor and the speed and riding qualities of a boat using that inboard/outboard motor.

Abstract: An inexpensive easy to use and reusable propeller blade cover. The blade cover of the invention may be used on many kinds and sizes of propeller blades, but are particularly suited for use on boat propellers, and can used to prevent damage to property and protect individuals from injury due to unintended contact with an uncovered boat propeller. The propeller covers of the invention may also be used to display advertising.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for improving safety and hydro-flow thrust from a trolling motor. The apparatus may include a first and second semi-circular portions configured to connect together to substantially enclose a hydro-drive device, and a semi-circular bracket coupled to each semi-circular portion, the semi-circular brackets together capable of fixedly coupling the first and second semi-circular portions to a trolling motor housing. The apparatus may also include an annular portion configured to couple to an aft opening formed by the first and second semi-circular portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a propeller drive arrangement for vessels used in water-borne traffic, and specifically to a propeller drive arrangement containing a propulsion unit, and to such an arrangement, which contains a propulsion unit, which is turnable relative the hull of the vessel. Particularly the present invention relates to a system and a method for braking a motor of a propulsion unit. The solution for braking the propulsion unit according to the present invention is based on short-circuiting a permanently magnetized motor.

Abstract: A safety propeller for a boat motor includes an annular collar having a front opening, a rear opening and a continuous peripheral wall. A plurality of angled, horizontal slits are circumferentially positioned about the peripheral wall to allow water to pass through the collar. Both the front opening and rear opening each include a plurality of guard blades radially extending from a centrally disposed hub. Between the front and rear guard blades is a main propeller likewise including a plurality of blades radially extending from a centrally disposed hub. The collar, guard blades, main propeller, shaft and hubs are integrally connected to form a unitary structure. Accordingly, when the device is operably connected to a boat motor drive means, the guard blades and main propeller rotate in unison to propel a boat through water. The guard blades are positioned at a discrete angle and pitch so as to project animals, humans and objects away from the device.

Abstract: A multi-purpose mariner safety and motor housing arrangement for the secure enclosure of the lower drive unit of an inboard/outboard or outboard motor for a boat. The multi-purpose housing preferably comprises a left half housing and a right half housing hingedly connected along a front edge thereof. The left half housing and the right half housing are arranged to lockably enclose a lower drive unit of a motor. The housing arrangement encloses a plurality of accessible, watertight sub enclosures disposed within the left and the right half housings for safe containment of emergency gear therewithin, to provide floatation and safety to mariners even when the housing is removed from the motor.

Abstract: The invention is a lower housing unit and propeller protection assembly for a boat motor. The assembly comprises a planar clamp member, securable to a boat motor upper housing unit. An adjustable length, linear connector member is secured at one end to the clamp member, with the linear connecting member positioned forward of a boat motor lower unit housing and propeller. A propeller and lower unit protection subassembly is secured to the lower unit's skeg and to an end of the linear connector member, which is opposite the clamp member. A reinforcing member is secured to the linear connector member and extends to the lower unit protection subassembly. The protection assembly transfers impact force on the subassembly and reinforcing member to the clamp member.

Abstract: Rapid shaft stop devices and transmissions are described that utilize permanent magnets for coupling and/or braking and are useful for electronic propeller guards and other equipment. In an embodiment, one or more capacitive discharge pulses are used to rapidly stop a shaft. A magnetic transmission is provided having axially oriented magnets on each side of an air space junction that transmit torque across the junction with a torque/speed profile that particularly suits boat propellers. The junction may include a bearing and allows slippage when the propeller resistance exceeds a given value. This slippage acts as a variable gear reduction. One or more electromagnets may be energized and thereby add to or subtract from one or more magnetic fields and provide electronic control of torque and of gear reduction ratio for devices such as watercraft drive systems.

Abstract: A weed deflector for a water intake formed in the lower unit of an outboard motor or stern drive of an inboard outboard engine. The weed deflector includes a fin with a leading edge disposed between a fin base and a tip. A mounting plate fixes the fin base to the lower unit (or stern drive) up flow of the water intake in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. The cross sectional form of the fin induces turbulence in the water flow adjacent to the water intake thereby reducing the ability of debris from obstructing the water intake.

Abstract: A boat propeller shield system for protecting a propeller from damage and humans from injury. The boat propeller shield system includes a cover, a front opening within the cover and a zipper extending from a perimeter of the front opening. The cover is preferably constructed of a resilient material such as neoprene.

Abstract: A propulsion system component or accessory specifically used for boats which utilize either an inboard-outboard motor, or an outboard motor. A cylindrical shroud very closely surrounds the peripheral sides of a propeller situated inside, while leaving exposed the front and rear surface areas of the propeller. The shroud closely surrounds the peripheral circumference of the propeller blades by 360 degrees. This unique aspect of the shroud minimizes slippage and maximizes fluid displacement. The shroud is installed symmetrically as to ensure uniform distance between the shroud and all propeller blades. The front of the shroud is considered the leading edge, and the rear of the shroud is considered the trailing edge. The leading edge of the shroud allows unrestricted laminar flow to the propeller from the front. The trailing edge of the shroud directs propeller wash from the rear of the propeller, out through the trailing edge of the shroud.

Abstract: A boat propulsion system for propelling a boat through water with debris in the water and shallows. The boat propulsion system includes a motor assembly being designed for being positioned in a boat. A propeller member is operationally coupled to the motor assembly whereby the propeller member is rotated by the motor assembly. The propeller member is designed for being positioned under the boat whereby the propeller member is positioned in the water for rotating in the water to propel the boat through the water when the propeller member is rotated by the motor assembly. A direction assembly is designed for being coupled to the boat. The direction assembly is designed for being actuated by the user whereby the direction assembly is for controlling the direction of the boat when the propeller member is propelling the boat through the water.

Abstract: Propeller protector slipper to be used on inboard and outboard motors of boats that are anchored, drifting, aground, docked, in storage, or out of water in transit. The propeller protector slipper ensures protection for the propeller from elements that cause pitting and damage to propeller as well as minimizing propeller related injuries. The protector propeller slipper also provides a gage for projecting the distance of the propeller of a trailored boat from a following vehicle.

Abstract: A boat propeller safety enclosure for the covering of the propeller of a boat during road transportation, which enhances the ability of those following the trailered boat to avoid contact with the propeller, is provided. This enclosure has a cinchable opening for ease of attachment and removal and for tightly fitting about a propeller. A reflective and/or brightly colored surface is provided.

Abstract: Propeller protector slipper to be used on inboard and outboard motors of boats that are anchored, drifting, aground, docked, in storage, or out of water in transit. The propeller protector slipper ensures protection for the propeller from elements that cause pitting and damage to the propeller as well as minimizing propeller related injuries. The protector propeller slipper also provides a gage for projecting the distance of the propeller of a trailored boat from a following vehicle.

Abstract: Electronic methods, devices and kits electronically protect swimmers, animals and other objects in water from propeller strikes, and alleviate propeller damage. Desirable embodiments include continuous ultrasonic sensing and detection by separate sensors to minimize reaction time for stopping internal combustion engine and electric motor driven propellers. Electric boats having direct drive to propellers are particularly amenable for electronic propeller protection. A variety of sensors may be used, including tactile, ultrasonic, galvanometric and infrared sensors. Optionally, the devices and systems can improve performance, safety and economy of boat rental operations by discouraging, limiting and even reporting propeller strikes to a boat custodian, who may be at a different location when the boat is used.

Abstract: A propeller protector for a countermeasure vehicle having a propeller shaft, a propeller fixed to the shaft, radial fins fixed on the vehicle and extending outwardly from the shaft, and a shield fixed to the fins and surrounding the propeller. The propeller protector includes a sleeve having an end wall at a first end thereof, and an open second end engaged with the vehicle, the first end and side walls of the sleeve having perforations therein. The sleeve first end is provided with a central opening. A nut is fixed to the sleeve end wall, threadedly mounted on the shaft, and disposed around the central opening. Stop structure on the sleeve and the vehicle prevents rotation of the sleeve relative to the vehicle. Rotation of the propeller shaft unscrews the shaft from the nut, permitting the nut and the sleeve to move axially to disengage from the vehicle.

Abstract: Propeller protector slipper to be used on inboard and outboard motors of boats that are anchored, drifting, aground, docked, in storage, or out of water in transit. The propeller protector slipper ensures protection for the propeller from elements that cause pitting and damage to the propeller as well as minimizing propeller related injuries. The protector propeller slipper also provides a gage for projecting the distance of the propeller of a trailored boat from a following vehicle.

Abstract: An outboard motor which includes a driving motor, a switching device (13), an impeller (15) and a blade casing (8). The switching device (13) switches rotation of a drive shaft (12) of the driving motor between normal and reverse directions. The impeller (15) is rotated with a driven shaft (14) connected to the switching device (13). The blade casing (8) includes a first duct member (19a) and a second duct member (20a). The first duct member (19a) has a first opening (18) through which water is sucked from the outside when the impeller (15) is rotated in the normal direction. The second duct member (20a) connected to the first duct member (19a) encloses the impeller (15), and has a second opening (21) through which water is sucked from the outside when the impeller (15) is rotated in the reverse direction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a protective rod system which is installed on the bottom of a boat by a hinge assembly which installation is about midway between the length of the boat. The protective rod system is designed to prevent manatees from being hit by the propeller of the boat to avoid injury. The protective rod system is so designed that when in a deployed system, the protection to the manatee is in place or a retracted system whereby the bottom of the boat is substantially clear of any obstruction so that the boat can navigate in shallow waters. The protective rod system extends below and beyond the rotation circle of the propeller when activated or deployed.

Abstract: A boat propeller safety enclosure for the covering of the propeller of a boat during road transportation, which enhances the ability of those following the trailered boat to avoid contact with the propeller, is provided. This enclosure has a cinchable opening for ease of attachment and removal and for tightly fitting about a propeller. A reflective and/or brightly colored surface is provided.

Abstract: A lower unit guard for an outboard motor includes a mounting adapted to be secured onto a flange on a housing of a boat motor. The mounting has a leading edge. A skeg receiving pocket is provided which is adapted to receive a skeg of the boat motor. The skeg receiving pocket is adapted to accommodate in close fitting relation the skeg in its entirety. The skeg receiving pocket has a leading edge, a trailing edge and a bottom edge. A reinforcement member is adapted to fit the contours of a lower unit of a boat motor. The reinforcement member has an upper extremity secured to the leading edge of the mounting and a lower extremity secured to the leading edge of the skeg receiving pocket.

Abstract: A propeller guard assembly for water craft that, in cooperation with a rotating propeller, creates a substantial increase in propulsive thrust and provides improved all around shielding of the latest state of the art propeller configurations. The increase in propulsive thrust of the propeller guard assembly of the invention is created primarily by the angle of the attack and hydrofoil cross section of the four guard rings or cowlings of the device. A secondary reason for the increase in propulsive thrust of the propeller guard assembly of the invention resides in the fact that the thrust realized is equal to the ratio between the effective projected propeller area and the area of trailing edges of the large primary and secondary guard rings which decreases the tendency of the propeller race to spread, particularly at high propeller slip during acceleration and take off.

Abstract: A propeller deflector system which includes rigid inclined vanes permanently mounted on the bottom of a hull of a water craft and aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the water craft. The vanes extend below a propeller and beyond an arc of the propeller. The propeller deflector system also includes a sensing device adapted to detect objects in water near a path of the water craft. The propeller deflector system is designed to prevent loss of human and animal life in the propeller.

Abstract: A lower unit guard for an outboard motor includes a mounting adapted to be secured onto a flange on a housing of a boat motor. The mounting has a leading edge. A skeg receiving pocket is provided which is adapted to receive a skeg of the boat motor. The skeg receiving pocket is adapted to accommodate in close fitting relation the skeg in its entirety. The skeg receiving pocket has a leading edge, a trailing edge and a bottom edge. A reinforcement member is adapted to fit the contours of a lower unit of a boat motor. The reinforcement member has an upper extremity secured to the leading edge of the mounting and a lower extremity secured to the leading edge of the skeg receiving pocket.