Abstract: A system for cutting marine grasses, weeds and other plant life to protect a propeller drive watercraft is disclosed. An adjustable, protective cutting edge to protect a propeller, drive shaft of a boat or other watercraft motor is further disclosed. A propeller protection device to mount upon a watercraft is further disclosed for optimizing the navigation of watercraft and reducing in-piloting maintenance of clearing plant matter from a propeller of a watercraft.

Abstract: A vegetation cutter attachment system for a trolling motor to aid in cutting water weeds and grass that wrap around the propeller or motor housing of the trolling motor during use. The attachment system includes a plate affixable to the motor housing and conformed to the motor housing's shape and at least one corner with a cutting surface.

Abstract: A line collector for a marine propulsion unit comprises a spool-like body for collecting fishing line, nets, weeds, and other debris. The line collector can be positioned between two propellers to protect an internal seal of the marine propulsion unit.

Abstract: A cutter assembly includes cutting blades spaced equidistant around a motor housing cover. The blades' cutting edges are orthogonal to a plane rotated around a housing centerline axis. Each cutting blade is ninety degrees from its adjacent cutting blades with respect to the housing centerline axis, and forty-five degrees from an axis orthogonal to the housing centerline. An embodiment includes a hinged cylindrical cover blade base locking around the housing for existing motor housings. Each cutting blade provides a forward oriented surface having a convex portion, an aft oriented surface having a convex portion, and a tip end. An embodiment provides a cutting blade tip end angle with respect to a housing centerline axis equal to the motor propeller blade pitch with respect to the same axis.

Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts are utilized for fishing and network communication. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a water craft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another, aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts are utilized for fishing and network communication. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a water craft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another, aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts are utilized for fishing and network communication. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a water craft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another, aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: A line cutter 1 is fitted at a propeller 2 on a shaft 3 carried in a stern tube 4. Clamped to the shaft immediately in front of the propeller is a rotatable cutting blade unit 11 comprising a split hub 12, having two halves 121, 122, one of which carries one rotating blade 14 and the other of which carries two further blades 15. Bolts 16 clamp the halves to the shaft. A split collar 17 is clamped together and to the hub by bolts 17a at a machined groove 17b in the hub to provide a location groove 18 for a stationary cutting blade unit 21. This assembly has a single blade 22 integral with a half ring 23. A second half ring 24 is clipped by interlocking formations 23a, 23b to the first half ring. The two half rings are accommodated in the location groove 18, with the interposition of thrust washers 18a, 18b.

Abstract: Sacrificial anodes and line cutters which are formed into a single unit.

Abstract: A line cutter 1 is fitted at a propeller 2 on a shaft 3 carried in a stern tube 4. Clamped to the shaft immediately in front of the propeller is a rotatable cutting blade unit 11 comprising a split hub 12, having two halves 121, 122, one of which carries one rotating blade 14 and the other of which carries two further blades 15. Bolts 16 clamp the halves to the shaft. A split collar 17 is clamped together and to the hub by bolts 17a at a machined groove 17b in the hub to provide a location groove 18 for a stationary cutting blade unit 21. This assembly has a single blade 22 integral with a half ring 23. A second half ring 24 is clipped by interlocking formations 23a, 23b to the first half ring. The two half rings are accommodated in the location groove 18, with the interposition of thrust washers 18a,18b. The invention, the stationary blade 22 has a machined, circular cross-section spigot 25 extending forwards.

Abstract: Apparatus shears foreign matter that might entangle propellers and related structures on a moving vessel by action of a blade rotating with the propeller that cooperates with a non-rotating blade held close to the rotating blade. The mechanisms for holding the blades close and parallel include a lubricant packed passage for a supporting cylinder portion of the non-rotating blade, enclosed clamping elastic bias elements for controlled movement of the cylinder, and adjustments for holding the blade parallel.

Abstract: A cable cutter (10) includes a hub (2) for attaching it to a boat's screw shaft (1) and a blade (3) carried by the hub, the cable cutter including several mutually demountable parts (11, 12) allowing the screw shaft (1) to be inserted radially into the hub (2).

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting debris from a propeller includes a spool securable to the propeller or a propeller shaft so as to rotate with the propeller. The cutting apparatus further includes a cutter oriented to pare debris from the spool. In use, debris snagged by the propeller is wound onto the spool, whereupon the debris is cut away from the spool by the cutter.

Abstract: A line cutter in the form of an apertured disk or plate mounts onto the housing of a propeller drive or screw drive. The line cutter mounts over the propeller shaft, and covers the propeller shaft seal. The line cutter opening has a small clearance over the shaft which is smaller than a standard fish line gauge, i.e., about 0.002 inches. Fishline or other debris encountered by the screw drive winds around the shaft and winds back until it is torn, ground, or cut when it encounters the circular cutting edge at the small clearance. This line cutter is useful on a trash skimmer work boat.

Abstract: A line cutter in the form of an apertured disk or plate mounts onto the housing of a propeller drive or screw drive. The line cutter mounts over the propeller shaft, and covers the propeller shaft seal. The line cutter opening has a small clearance over the shaft which is smaller than a standard fish line gauge, i.e., about 0.002 inches. Fishline or other debris encountered by the screw drive winds around the shaft and winds back until it is torn, ground, or cut when it encounters the circular cutting edge at the small clearance. This line cutter is useful on a trash skimmer work boat.

Abstract: A blade system for mounting on a marine motor such as an electric trolling motor and cutting weeds, aquatic vegetation and other debris that normally entangle the submerged motor and propeller.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for cutting debris from a propeller including a spool fixed to a propeller shaft so as to rotate with the propeller shaft and a cutter oriented to cut the debris from the spool. In use, debris snagged by the propeller is wound onto the spool, whereupon it is cut away by the cutter.

Abstract: A weed cutting apparatus for use in water is disclosed. The weed cutting apparatus would be designed to cut weeds within a body of water without having the weeds tangle on the present invention.

Abstract: A trolling motor having reverse battery protection such that an inadvertent reversal of the battery leads, as when connecting the trolling motor to a battery, will not cause unwanted operation of the trolling motor or damage to the trolling motor circuitry. The reverse battery protection includes a field effect transistor connected in series between one of the battery leads and the motor. The gate terminal of the transistor is in communication with the other battery lead such that, when the battery leads are properly connected to a battery, the transistor is driven to its conducting state and, when the battery leads are reversed, the transistor is driven to its non-conducting state.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus (10) for cutting debris (58) from a propeller (18) including a spool means (24) fixed to a propeller shaft (16) so as to rotate with the propeller shaft and a cutter (22) oriented to cut the debris from the spool means. In use, debris snagged by the propeller is wound onto the spool means, whereupon it is cut away by the cutter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a trolling motor which includes a control system capable of executing a predetermined sequence of events which will clear entangled weeds from the propeller, motor housing, and support column. The control system for the trolling motor provides momentary reversal of the propeller to accomplish reliable cleaning of the submerged components of the trolling motor without disturbing the operator selected forward speed. The system includes an input for manually activating a cleaning cycle, for periodically activating cleaning cycles, or for automatically activating a cleaning cycle upon detection of weed fouling of the submerged components.

Abstract: A marine system using a number of different cutting and grinding members positioned at different parts of a marine screw prop shaft adjacent or around the prop for clearing away any line or rope entanglements, particularly for marine props on large commercial vessels. The cutting/grinding edges and surfaces are positioned in differing directions and angles, some with supplemental, opposed members to assist in the rope cutting/abrading, severing process. The rope cutting/abrading structure likewise holds the prop to the vessel should the shaft driving the propeller break, preventing its loss. The preferred embodiment includes a set of outer, aft directed arms and a nested set of inner, substantially forwardly directed arms, each carrying, interactive, side edge cutting or abrading surfaces, with the number of arms coinciding with the number of blades on the associated propeller.

Abstract: Apparatus shears foreign matter such as lines, wires, nets and weeds that can entangle and befoul propellers, propeller shafts, bearings and related structure of propeller-driven, water born vessels. The apparatus shears by cooperative action of a rotating blade that rotates in conjunction with the propeller and a non-rotating blade supported on a non-rotating portion of the vessel. The non-rotating blade moves axially within its support. With each revolution, a slot follower connected to the non-rotating blade engages a slot carried by the rotating blade to adjust the axial position of the non-rotating blade to compensate for axial movement of the rotating blade. A wedge and valley mechanism prevents the two blades being forced apart during shearing action. Roller bearings, radially disposed, reduce friction between slot follower and slot to reduce wear on the parts and thereby prevent malfunction with prolonged operation and to provide low cost replacement of the bearings for maintenance.

Abstract: A blade system for mounting on a marine motor such as an electric trolling motor and cutting weeds and other aquatic vegetation that normally entangle the submerged motor and propeller. In a first embodiment the blade system is characterized by a fixed installation in which one or more blades are mounted directly on the motor, or blade mounts are molded or cast into the motor to receive the blades. The blades are typically secured to the motor or blade mounts by bolts and extend toward the propeller, preferably in angular relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor housing, to cut the aquatic vegetation as the submerged motor operates. In a second embodiment the blade system can be implemented as a retrofit, wherein the blades are bolted or otherwise mounted on the motor or on removable blade mounts secured to the motor by means of one or more hose clamps.

Abstract: Compression washer assembly with line cutter for mounting on a boat propeller shaft between a shoulder on the shaft and the end of a propeller hub. The compression washer assembly comprises a hub portion with a cross section conforming to the shaft. The hub portion is fixed in a central opening in a sheet metal cup, the edge of which serves as a line cutting edge, and consists of a number of punched sheet metal washer.

Abstract: A plastic propeller for marine electric trolling motors modified to prevent the entanglement and build-up of weeds by the application to its surface of a thin sheet of metal formed in the shape and size of the blade and extending beyond the blade's leading edge.

Abstract: A weed resistant boat propeller is disclosed. The propeller includes a generally circular hub that is adapted for mounting to and being rotatably driven by a boat motor. There are a plurality of blades mounted to a circumferential surface of the hub and extending therefrom in a spiral configuration. Each blade includes a curved leading edge that has an arc dy/dx<1 for the entire length of the leading edge.

Abstract: Apparatus shears foreign matter such as lines, wires, nets and weeds that can entangle and befoul propellers, propeller shafts, bearings and related structures of propeller-driven, water born vessels. The apparatus shears by cooperative action of a rotating blade that rotates in conjunction with the propeller and a non-rotating blade supported on a non-rotating portion of the vessel. The non-rotating blade is supported on a rope guard that encircles the shaft. A system for simplified installation and alignment includes an intermediate box that supports the non-rotating blade. This assembly is temporarily clamped to a rotating blade, with the box passing through an aperture in the rope guard. Then the box is welded to the rope guard at the aperture.

Abstract: Apparatus shears foreign matter such as lines, wires, nets and weeds that can entangle and befoul propellers, propeller shafts, bearings and related structure of propeller-driven, water born vessels. The apparatus shears by cooperative action of a rotating blade that rotates in conjunction with the propeller and a non-rotating blade supported on a non-rotating portion of the vessel. The non-rotating blade moves axially within its support. With each revolution, a slot follower connected to the non-rotating blade engages a slot carried by the rotating blade to adjust the axial position of the non-rotating blade to compensate for axial movement of the rotating blade. A wedge and valley mechanism prevents the two blades being forced apart during shearing action.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a trolling motor of the type having a propeller, a housing with axially spaced leading and trailing ends, a shaft carrying a propeller and journalled for rotation in the housing, and a drive for rotating the shaft and propeller. The housing trailing end has an annular, radially inwardly facing surface and the propeller has a hub with an annular, radially outwardly facing surface on which blades are mounted. The housing, shaft and propeller are mounted relative to each other so that the radially inwardly facing housing surface is radially outside of and in axially overlapping relationship with the radially outwardly facing propeller surface.

Abstract: Apparatus shears foreign matter such as lines, wires, nets and weeds that can entangle and befoul propellers, propeller shafts, bearings and the like of propeller-driven water born vessels. The apparatus shears by cooperative shearing action of rotating blades that rotate in conjunction with the propeller and a non-rotating blade mounted on a non-rotating portion of the vessel. The non-rotating blade is pivotally mounted in a rigid blade holder. A wedge and V-shaped valley mechanism operating between holder and non-rotating blade forces the non-rotating blade toward the rotating blade as the blade pivots when foreign matter is being sheared to overcome forces tending to spread the blades apart. The apparatus is intended for operation in situations where there is negligible axial movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A device shears foreign matter such as lines, wires, nets, and weeds that can entangle and befoul propellers, propeller shafts, bearings and the like of propeller-driven sea-going vessels that are sheared by cooperative shearing action of rotating blades that rotate in conjunction with the propeller and at least one non-rotating blade mounted on a non-rotating portion of the vessel. Positioning mechanism maintains the non-rotating blade in proximity to the rotating blades, for effective shearing operation. The position of the propeller will change relative to the hull, advancing axially when under way in forward drive due to the forward thrust of the propeller and retreating in reverse. Heating and cooling of the shaft will also change propeller position. The positioning mechanism senses the propeller location and moves the non-rotating blade to accomodate changes in propeller position to maintain a fixed, very close spacing between the two blades to enable them to shear foreign matter caught between them.

Abstract: In a line cutting device of the type adapted to be mounted on the propeller shaft of a water-borne vessel for the purpose of cutting lines, ropes, nets, plastic bags or other debris which may foul the blades of a propeller on the shaft, a stationary cutting blade assembly is mounted so as to be restrained against rotation by cooperation with a shaft bearing. The stationary cutting blade assembly having a radially extending stationary cutting blade with an axially directed face and at least one circumferentially directed face defining a cutting edge therebetween. A rotatable cutting blade assembly is mounted for rotation with the propeller shaft and has at least one radially extending rotatable cutting blade thereon with an axially directed face and at least one circumferentially directed face defining a cutting edge therebetween.

Abstract: A weed deflector (28) is provided by a bar (30) mounted to the driveshaft housing (12) of a marine drive (10). The bar (30) has a top portion (46) extending forwardly from the driveshaft housing (12) to a forward leading tip (32) and has a lower portion (38) bent downwardly and rearwardly and tapered back to and mounted to the driveshaft housing (12). The space (34) between the forward leading tip (32) and the driveshaft housing (12) is open so that it does not affect steering of the marine drive (10). The tapered portion (38) of the bar (30) forces weeds to slide downwardly and rearwardly therealong and off of the driveshaft housing (12). The bar (30) prevents weeds from wrapping around the strut portion (14) and covering cooling water inlets (20) or interfering with the propeller (22) or propeller efficiency.

Abstract: A weed cutting and shredding attachment for an electric trolling motor including a sharpened cutting blade oriented with the sharp edge thereof adjacent to the path of movement of the leading edge of the propeller blades on an electric trolling motor together with a mounting structure for effectively mounting the cutting element from the trolling motor.

Abstract: Discussed herein is an arrangement for reducing migration of weeds into an area between the gearcase and the propeller hub of a marine propulsion device. The arrangement is intended to reduce the problem of weed migration when a small hub propeller is used.

Abstract: A thin wall sleeve is provided including an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the rear terminal end of a marine outdrive lower unit propeller drive housing portion and the adjacent front terminal end of an associated marine propeller hub. The sleeve is mounted in position with its opposite ends telescoped over the housing portion and hub terminal ends and the longitudinal mid-portion of the sleeve bridging the axial spacing therebetween. The sleeve is mounted from the housing portion terminal end, for example, by an adhesive band layer, maintaining the inside diameter surfaces of the sleeve radially spaced outward of the outer surfaces of the housing portion rear terminal end and the hub front terminal end loosely rotatably received within the sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device including a lower unit having a gear case normally submerged in water and a propeller rotatably mounted in and extending rearwardly of the gear case. One or more grooves in the outer surface of the forward portion of the propeller outer hub in front of the propeller blade serves to trap and store fish line or the like which becomes entangled in the propeller and thereby prevent such materials from entering the gear case. The groove extends around at least a portion of the outer periphery of the forward position of the propeller outer hub, includes one or more portions which are open to a hollow interior area in the propeller, and has sufficient dimensions to serve as a barrier against propagation of fish line or the like along the outer surface of the propeller outer hub toward the gear case.

Abstract: A device mounted in encircling relation to a propeller shaft. The device cuts lines, nets and weeds, thus preventing entanglement of the propeller and preventing entanglement damage which may result to the parts of the driven assembly of the outboard, inboard/outboard or trolling motor used to propel vessels through the water. The device includes a non-rotatable, annular cutting ring member having one or more double-edged cutting blades, that is disposed in sandwiched relation to two rotatable annular members. One of the rotatable members carries no cutting blades, and the second rotatable member carries a plurality of double-edged, circumferentially spaced blades that individually cooperate with the non-rotatable blade in a shearing action. The non-rotatable member includes a protruding, forwardly expanding, wedge member, the wedge member being configured to define a forwardly opening wedge-shaped cavity.

Abstract: The specification discloses a combined rope and fish net guard for use on large ocean going marine vessels. A rope guard extends outwardly from the stern frame to closely overlap the propeller hub. The propeller hub defines an annular groove underlying the rope guard. A cutting ring is mounted on the inner cylindrical wall of the rope guard and extends inwardly into the annular groove. The cutting ring is equipped with bidirectional cutting edges or teeth.

Abstract: An upper and a lower blade are fixed together at an adjustable angle and have means for mounting same on the leading edge of the propeller drive housing of an inboard/outboard motor to cut kelp and other seaweed which would otherwise foul the prop and clog the cool, sea water input vents. The cutter has adjustable brackets which will accommodate a wide variety of different types of propeller drive housings, and will accommodate outboard motors as well as inboard motors, and will even fit on the advance edge a sailboat keel. In one embodiment, it has a combination brace/mesh screen which extends from the cutter to the propeller drive housing in front of the cooling water inlets to keep bits of seaweed and other debris from entering and clogging the cooling system, causing overheating the destruction of the motor.

Abstract: A motor-driven marine propeller is disclosed for propelling a marine vessel. The propeller includes a hub member driven by the motor and a can member disposed coaxially relative to the hub member the can member having a fore and an aft end. The hub member and the can member define therebetween an annular port for the passage therethrough of a portion of the exhaust generated by the motor. Supports extend between the hub member and the can member for supporting the can member coaxially relative to the hub member and a plurality of blades are secured to and extend from the can member with each of the blades being equidistantly spaced relative to each other. Each of the blades defines a leading and a trailing surface such that the propeller rotates in a direction from the trailing towards the leading surface in normal forward motion.

Abstract: A fish line and weed cutting arrangement for a marine propulsion lower unit wherein the cutting member may be formed from sheet metal or the like and is positioned between the propeller and thrust taking member. The propeller is formed with a recess that receives and rotatably couples the fish line and weed cutting member and which does not interfere with the axial positioning of the propeller on the drive shaft.

Abstract: Several embodiments of propeller constructions employing an improved fish line and weed cutting device that extends into a recess formed in the lower housing. In each embodiment, the cutting member is disposed radially inwardly of the recess to define a gap and one or more projections extend outwardly from the cutting member to fill the gap and define a narrow area that will prevent the entry of fish lines into the opening of the lower unit that defines the recess.

Abstract: A device mounted in encircling relation to a propeller shaft. The device cuts lines, nets and weeds, thus preventing entanglement of the propeller and preventing entanglement damage which may result to the parts of the driven assembly of outboard motor and inboard/outboard motor vessels. The device includes a non-rotatable, annular cutting member, having one double-edged cutting blade, that is disposed in sandwiched relation to two rotatable annular members. One of the rotatable members carries no cutting blades, and the second rotatable member carries three double-edged, circumferentially spaced blades that individually cooperate with the non-rotatable blade in a shearing action. The blade-carrying rotatable member includes a concentric mounting ring that is offset toward the propeller shaft housing, and the offset defines a centrally apertured projecting portion which aperture is in the form of a tapered seat that mates with a corresponding taper formed on the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A device that shears lines and nets of the type that can befoul propellers, propeller shafts, bearings, running gear and the like of propeller driven sea-going vessels. Lines or nets that can befoul the running gear of propeller-driven sea-going vessels are sheared by the cooperative action of rotatable blade members that are integrally formed with a collar member that is affixed to and rotates conjointly with the propeller shaft, and non-rotatable blade members that are integrally formed with a ring member which is mounted within a U-shaped channel means that is formed in such rotatable collar member. The non-rotating mounting ring may carry a single blade or a pair of diametrically opposed blades, and is maintained in its operative disposition relative to the rotating blades as a result of its slidable mounting in the channel formed in the rotatable collar.

Abstract: An inboard outboard drive for boats, particularly planing boats, of the S-type comprising an inboard engine and a vertical propeller leg having an upper inboard end and extending through an opening in the hull to an outboard propeller carrying portion. The engine has a horizontal output shaft with a universal joint driving shafting extending through the propeller leg to drive the propeller. The propeller leg for side steering is pivotally mounted in a watertight bearing which is located inboard and is inclined so that the bearing axis, defining the side steering axis, passes through the universal joint. The drive is supported near its forward end on two vibration damping supports mounted in the hull and supporting the engine, and on a resilient damping member mounted in the hull and supporting the projecting portion of a bracket which supports the propeller leg to reduce the lever arm of the propeller thrust.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use in conjunction with the propeller assembly of a boat to prevent underwater foliage from fouling the drive mechanism of the boat. The shank end of the tool is secured to the motor housing and supports the cutting blade end thereof in close proximity with the propeller hub. As the hub rotates, underwater foliage encountered by the propeller assembly is swept into contact with the cutting edges of the blade whereupon the foliage is cut and the cutting thrown away from the motor.

Abstract: A device that shears lines and nets of the type that can befoul propellors, propellor shafts, bearings, running gear and the like of propellor driven, sea-going vessels. A first pair of non-rotatable, diametrically opposed, radially extending cutting blade members are disposed on opposite sides of a keel, or on opposite sides of a strut that depends from the hull of an inboard motor-type boat or ship. Such blade members are provided with respective forwardly extending wedge-shaped projection portions that wedgingly engage respective rearwardly opening wedge-defining base members that are fixedly secured to opposite sides of the keel or the strut. A second pair of rotatably mounted, diametrically opposed, radially extending cutting blade members are disposed on opposite sides of a collar that is affixed to and that rotates conjointly with a propellor shaft, and such second cutting blade members cooperate with the first cutting blade members to effect a shear of troublsome lines and nets.

Abstract: The marine propulsion device includes a lower unit having a gear case normally submerged in water and arranged to discharge engine exhaust gas rearwardly from the rear end into the water exteriorly of the propeller hub. A ring member or thrust ring including a hub mounted on the propeller shaft for common therewith, an annular collar and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, radially extending spokes or ribs interconnecting the annular collar and the hub serves as a fishline and weed cutter. The annular collar includes an annular outer surface which extends closely adjacent an annular inner surface in the interior of the gear case adjacent the trailing edge of the gear case.