Abstract: A marine drive (10) has two counter-rotating surface operating propellers (12 and 14). A planing plate (230) extends rearwardly from the drive housing (20) above the propellers (12 and 14) and pushes down on the surface of the water during initial boat acceleration to in turn lower the bow and aid in getting the boat up on plane. Right and left inclined splash plates (240 and 242) along the sides of the housing (20) extend from the torpedo portion (188) rearwardly and upwardly at an incline and meet the planing plate (230).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit including a lower unit having port and starboard sides and comprising a drive shaft housing having an upper end, a power head including an engine fixedly attached to said upper end of said drive shaft housing, and an engine cover assembly comprising a starboard lower cover member extending downwardly to said lower end of said drive shaft housing and including an inwardly open recess, a port lower cover member extending downwardly to said lower end of said drive shaft housing and including an inwardly open recess, and means connecting together said port and starboard cover members independently of said lower unit and in surrounding covering relation to said drive shaft housing, and means resiliently supporting said lower cover members on said lower unit and including rubber mounts respectively extending from said port and starboard sides of said lower unit and into said inwardly open recesses of said lower cover members.

Abstract: A marine drive (10) has two counter-rotating surface operating propellers (12 and 14). The lower horizontal torpedo portion (188) of the housing (20) has an upper zone (276) with outer surface profiles (11T-17T) along horizontal cross-sections defining wedges with sharp leading tips (11LT-17LT) forming a sharp leading edge (278) for slicing through the water, the sharp leading tips (11LT-17LT) defining the sharp leading edge (278) defining a first line extending downwardly and rearwardly at a first angle (280) relative to vertical. The torpedo portion (188) has a lower zone (270) with outer surface profiles (1B-10B) along horizontal cross-sections defining wedges with sharp leading tips (1LT-10LT) defining a second line (272) extending downwardly and rearwardly at a second angle (274) relative to vertical.

Abstract: A boat is provided with an integral jet power unit encased in a waterproof housing. The hull has a well or compartment open at top and bottom which removably receives the power unit. Retaining elements hold the power unit in place in the compartment. Resilient gasket seals the housing in the well, reduces transmission of vibration and cushions the thrust generated by the jet. The walls of the well are sealed to the bottom of the boat hull so that the hull will not leak when the power unit is removed. The invention may be embodied in various hull constructions including folding and inflatable boats, where handling the hull and power unit separately greatly enhances operation, transport and storage.

Abstract: Several embodiments of induction systems for two cycle, crankcase compression, internal combustion engines employed for powering outboard motors. The outboard motor is supported for tilt and trim movement and the induction system is designed so as to extend from the intake ports of the engine in a generally rearward direction so as to be substantially unaffected by changes in trim angle and acceleration. The invention is described in conjunction with both V-type and inline type of engines.

Abstract: A marine drive is provided with a large volume anode, about 30 cubic inches, for galvanic protection. The anode (230) is a brick-like block member tapered along each of its height, width and length dimensions. The drive housing has an anode-mounting section (232) extending rearwardly therefrom and has a downwardly opening cavity (234) of substantially the same shape and volume as the anode, and receiving the anode in nested flush relation.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine structure includes a multi-cylinder engine body having a plurality of cylinders vertically arranged therein. A fuel feed system has a fuel pump connected to a plurality of carburetors disposed in a vertical arrangement sideways of the engine body in independent correspondence to the cylinders. The fuel pump is disposed below a lowermost one of the plurality of carburetors arranged vertically. An outboard engine including a case tiltably mounted at a stern. A multi-cylinder engine body is contained in the case. A fuel feed system supplies a fuel to a plurality of carburetors disposed in correspondence to the cylinders. A fuel filter is also provided. The fuel pump is disposed below a lowermost one of the plurality of carburetors arranged vertically and above the fuel filter in a tilted-down state of the case.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved outer surface for an upper region of an encasing arrangement for the outboard unit of a watercraft inboard-outboard propulsion system. Particularly, an independent casing is disclosed which has a relatively smooth, even and continuous outer surface and which is mountable upon a portion of such an outboard unit. The casing mounts in such a manner that its outer surface locates so that it is substantially flush with the outer surface portions of the outboard unit encasement which lie adjacent to the mounted casing. The lack of uneven surfaces, according to the arrangement of the present invention, makes the unit particularly useful in connection with activities which employ a line which is utilized to tow someone or something behind the watercraft, as the line will not snag upon the upper region encasing arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing improved oil circulation in a marine propulsion system. A supply passage is formed in the gearcase, having its inlet in communication with a space located forwardly of the lower face of the driven gear located in the propeller shaft cavity. The supply passage communicates oil to a drive shaft housing supply passage, and communication between the drive shaft housing supply passage and the upper cavity formed in the drive shaft housing, within which are disposed the lower and upper gears and the input gear, is cut off. Oil flowing through the drive shaft housing supply passage is routed to the universal joint bearings, and temperature of oil at the universal joint bearings is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising an upper housing which has a lower surface and which is adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative thereto, a lower housing having an upper surface mating with the lower surface, a propeller shaft rotatably supported by the lower housing, and an arrangement for reducing fretting between the lower surface and the upper surface.

Abstract: A rust preventive method for an aluminum basis material comprises the steps of forming an anodic oxide film on a surface of a basis material made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, sealing the anodic oxide film with molybdenum disulfide, and forming at least one paint coat on top of the film thus obtained. An outboard motor body of aluminum or aluminum alloy has on a surface of it an anodic oxide film sealed with molybdenum disulfide and at least one paint coat on top of the film thus obtained.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of seal arrangement for sealing between the cowling and tray of the powerhead of an outboard motor. In each embodiment, the seal includes a base portion, a seal portion and an intermediate portion that deflects by bending for achieving sealing action without necessitating any compression of the material in the seal. As a result, significantly lower sealing pressures can be employed.

Abstract: An electrical component housing for the powerhead of an outboard motor in which the housing is mounted to the engine between oppositely slanted cylinder banks, which provide a V-shaped engine. The engine is mounted to an adaptor plate, and the electrical component housing is interconnected with the adaptor plate through projections provided on the housing which are received within recesses formed in the adaptor plate. Mounting flanges are provided at the upper portion of the electrical component housing, and are secured in mounting surfaces associated with the engine.

Abstract: A stern drive unit comprising a gimbal housing which is adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat and which has therein an exhaust-water passage including a forwardly opening inlet, a rearwardly opening outlet, an exhaust conducting portion, a water conducting portion, and a water outlet communicating with the water conducting portion.

Abstract: A manually operated outboard motor. A propeller is connected to a first shaft which is geared through plastic mitre gears to a further shaft. The further shaft is connected to a gear which, in turn, is driven by a gear connected to a crank extending from the top of the housing of the outboard motor. The crank includes a handle and the crank and handle are manually rotated which, in turn, rotates the propeller.

Abstract: Several embodiments of internal combustion engines as applied to outboard motors incorporating a combined electrical generator and air compressor unit driven by the engine output shaft and having a single input shaft that drives both the electrical generator and the air compressor. The air compressor supplies compressed air for a fuel/air injection system and the combined unit is disposed in a recess formed by the engine so as to provide a compact assembly.

Abstract: A sealing member is provided in a marine propulsion unit, which is interposed between adjoining surfaces of the driveshaft housing and lower unit of the propulsion unit and extends around an exhaust gas discharge passage formed in the lower unit to prevent exhaust gas from leaking out from between the driveshaft housing and lower unit.

Abstract: A skeg protector is mounted on the leading edge of the skeg of a boat motor. The protector is in the form of a channel of stainless steel fitted on the skeg with the base of the channel spaced forwardly of the leading edge of the skeg. A rubber strip extends along the inside of the channel. To mount the protector on the skeg, elongate, horizontal slots are formed in the channel flanges and holes are drilled through the skeg in line with the slots. Dome head machine screws and nuts are fastened through the slots and the bores of the skeg. These slots allow the skeg protector to yield somewhat on impact with a submerged object.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system of the type having a sacrificial anode for corrosion protection of the casing includes structure whereby the propeller is electrically insulated from the casing and the sacrificial anode. The structure includes spacers made of insulating materials, spacers having insulating coatings, or insulating coatings on the surfaces of the propeller or the propeller shaft. Electrical insulation of the propeller prevents unsightly and efficiency-reducing depositions on the propeller surfaces and reduces the required size of the anode.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gear housing adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a clutch assembly including a clutch housing, a shaft rotatably supported within the clutch housing and adapted to be drivingly connected to a propeller, opposed bevel gears coaxially supported within the clutch housing for rotation relative to the shaft, and a clutch mechanism located between the bevel gears for causing selective and alternative driving engagement of the bevel gears and the shaft, and a mechanism for affording insertion of the clutch assembly as a unit into the gear housing and for affording removal of the clutch assembly as a unit from the gear housing.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gear housing adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the gear housing and adapted to be drivingly connected to a propeller, a clutch mechanism supported within the gear housing and operably connected to the drive shaft, an actuating member movably supported by the gear housing and including a portion extending exteriorly of the gear housing, and a mechanism mounted on the gear housing for forming a substantially water-tight chamber containing the portion of the actuating member.

Abstract: A stern drive unit comprising a metal upper gear housing which is adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis and about a generally horizontal pivot axis, a generally vertical drive shaft rotatably supported by the upper gear housing and adapted to be driven by an engine, a lower gear housing fixed to the upper gear housing for common movement therewith, a propeller shaft which is rotatably supported by the lower gear housing, which is driven by the vertical drive shaft and which is adapted to have mounted thereon a propeller, and plastic covers covering more than a majority of the upper gear housing.

Abstract: A cooling water pickup system is provided for a marine stern drive. The stern drive includes an outdrive housing having a cooling water passage defined therein with first and second cooling water inlet openings defined on opposite sides of the housing and communicated with the passage. An exterior surface of the housing has first and second recesses defined therein by first and second recessed shoulders adjacent the first and second cooling water inlets. First and second inserts are received within the first and second recesses and abut the respective recessed shoulders. Each insert includes a locking member extending inward into the cooling water passage. The locking members of the first and second inserts each include a camming surface and an outwardly facing locking surface located outward of the camming surface.

Abstract: A seal structure for placement at the joint between first and second cowl sections forms a seal between the cowl sections at two distinct locations. A resilient seal is formed at each sealing location, with one of the resilient seals being provided by a composite sealing construction. A flexible sealing strip for placement at the joint includes portions which form a pocket disposed between facing surfaces of the cowl sections, and a resilient cord placed within the pocket around the periphery of the joint. The pocket forming portions of the sealing strip can be moved to an open position so as to allow the strip to be satisfactorily stapled or otherwise connected to one of the cowl sections, as well as to allow placement of the cord within the pocket. The second resilient seal is provided by an enclosed air space disposed between another set of facing surfaces provided on the cowl sections.

Abstract: A propulsion device for a marine application or the like that includes an engine and propulsion unit that contains a transmission. The engine and propulsion unit are connected together by means of a connector plate. A first series of threaded fasteners connect the connector plate to the engine and a second series of threaded fasteners connect the propulsion unit to the connector plate.

Abstract: An outboard motor and more particularly an improved power head layout for an outboard motor wherein an engine, starter motor, lubricant storage tank, spark advance linkage, throttle control linkage, and firing system for the spark plugs are all contained within the protective cowling of the power head and disposed so that they may be conventiently serviced while at the same time providing a compact arrangement.

Abstract: A device for supporting the drive shaft of a marine propulsion unit wherein a single thrust bearing that supports the drive shaft against its thrust loads is biased by means of an elastic connection between the water pump and the drive shaft for simplifying the construction and eliminating the necessity for separate biasing springs for this purpose.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising an engine including an exhaust outlet, a lower unit including a high-speed exhaust outlet and a rotatably mounted propeller driven by the engine, a generally vertical conduit communicating with the high-speed exhaust outlet, a wall surrounding the conduit and defining a water jacket between the wall and the conduit, the water jacket including a lower portion filled with water, a foward portion, and an exhaust gas inlet located above the level of the water and communicating with the engine exhaust outlet, and an adaptor connecting the engine to the lower unit, the adaptor including a first passage communicating between the engine exhaust outlet and the conduit, a port located forwardly of the passage and communicating with the forward portion of the water jacket at a point above the level of the water in the water jacket, a low-speed exhaust cutlet located rearwardly of the first passage, and a second passage extending interiorly of the adaptor and communicating between th

Abstract: A marine drive (2) includes a lower drive unit (4) having a strut portion (6) and a torpedo portion (10) which are blended along a blended portion (30) such that all horizontal cross-sections through the blended portion and the strut portion have outer profiles defining smooth continuous non-concave surface elements continuously curved convex along the entire front to back length thereof, and such that all vertical cross-sections through the strut portion, blended portion and torpedo portion have outer profiles defining a central zone (62) of concave outer surface elements wherein the degree of concave curvature continually increases front to back.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit including a gear case rotatably supporting a propeller shaft adapted to support a propeller, which gear case includes an interior passage leading to a water pump, which gear case also includes a leading edge and opposite side surfaces having outwardly convex configurations extending rearwardly from the leading edge, one of the side surfaces including a cooling water inlet comprising an opening located in the one side surface, communicating with the interior passage, and defined by forward and rearward walls, a recess located in the one side surface forwardly of the opening and having a rearward end located at the forward wall of the opening and a forward end, which recess increases in lateral depth from the forward end to the rearward end, and a screen located in the opening and including an inclined portion extending outwardly and rearwardly from the forward wall of the opening, and a side portion extending rearwardly from the inclined po

Abstract: A marine outboard drive having a lower housing configured to generate the necessary side forces to balance the side thrust of the propeller regardless of the degree of submersion of the propeller in the water.

Abstract: A marine drive (2) having a lower gearcase (4) with a torpedo housing (10) having an internal lubricant-containing cavity (26) has a removable drain plug (50) and drain plug hole (52) at a location away from the exterior hydrodynamic surface (46) of the torpedo housing along which water flows, to prevent cavitation burns on the torpedo housing and the propeller (24), and to aid in eliminating propeller ventilation.

Abstract: Two embodiments of marine outboard drives incorporating a lubricant cavity that encircles at least one of the drive shaft supporting bearings and which is adapted to contain a lubricating oil for lubricating the bearing. There is provided a drain passage that intersects the lubricant cavity and which is disposed so that it will be positioned below the lower portion of the cavity when the outboard drive is tilted up to a service condition.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system (10) with a depending gear case (20) having water inlet openings (28) is provided with water intake scoops (44) for increasing the flow of water to a water pump (16). Each scoop (44) is provided with a water-receiving opening (46) leading to a passage (52) provided therein for passing water through the scoop toward the water pump. The head portion (48) of each scoop protrudes from the gear case (20), and the water-receiving opening (46) is spaced outwardly from the gear case (20) to provide an active water pickup from the flow of water past the gear case (20).

Abstract: A marine propulsion system (10) with a depending gear case (20) having water inlet openings (32 and 34) is provided with water intake plates (62 and 64) covering the water inlet openings (32 and 34) and having outer forward lips (66 and 68) spaced forwardly and outwardly of the water inlet openings (32 and 34) and outwardly of tapered gear case sections (36 and 38) leading to such openings. The water intake plates (62 and 64) define with the gear case (20) entrance cavities (70 and 72) around the water inlet openings (32 and 34), trapping additional water and directing same inwardly into the water inlet openings (32 and 34) for increasing water flow to a transverse passage (30) and to the water pump (16).

Abstract: An outboard engine construction in which an engine is mounted at the upper end of an extension case provided with a stern bracket adapted to be clamped to a stern plate of a vessel and a gear case having a rotatable propeller is connected to the lower end of the extension case. A drive shaft connected to a crank shaft of the engine is housed within the extension case and a drives a gear assembly connected to the propeller. The extension case is constituted by a primary upper case portion and a selectively removable auxiliary lower case portion. A transmission is contained in the auxiliary case portion and is detachably interposed therewith between the drive shaft and the gear assembly.

Abstract: A horizontally elongated panel constructed of dielectric material is provided including front and rear ends. The panel is provided with a longitudinal slot closed at its forward end and open at its rear end and the front end of the panel is forwardly and upwardly curved. The lower unit of an outboard motor is forwardly, snugly seatable within the slot and the panel is mountable from the opposite side outwardly projecting cavitation plate portions of the lower unit. The panel functions as a water confining panel for disposition substantially at the surface of an associated body of water for sealing the area in which the outboard motor propeller turns against the entrance of ambient air into the water from above the water surface.

Abstract: An outboard motor drive shaft housing attachment apparatus includes at least one extended fin plate, having a raised front portion and a pair of angled side portion and an attachment bar shaped to fit an opening in the outboard motor shaft housing. The attachment bar is passed through the opening in the shaft housing and removably attached to the fin plate with fasteners. Additional fasteners are used to attach the fin plate to the outboard motor shaft housing. The fin plate can have anti-skid steps formed thereon and a sacrificial anode attached thereto. A method of attaching an outboard motor attachment, comprises the steps of removing the outboard drive shaft housing sacrificial anode to leave an opening through the housing; sliding a shaft through the opening in the housing created by the removal of the sacrificial anode; attaching a fin plate to the shaft extending through the shaft housing opening; and then attaching the fin plate directly to the housing with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: An improved vibration damping structure for an outboard drive having a drive shaft housing with a pair of spaced apart side walls. A resilient coupling is provided between the spaced side walls for damping vibrations.

Abstract: An outboard motor arrangement and particularly an improved power head construction therefor embodying a hinged cover member that is pivotal to offer access to the engine for servicing without necessitating its removal. In addition, an elastomeric support is provided for the engine that minimizes the transmission of vibrations from the engine to the associated watercraft.

Abstract: An outboard drive arrangement having a drive shaft housing having spaced walls defining a hollow interior. An exhaust pipe extends into the hollow interior and resilient elements are interposed between the exterior walls of the exhaust pipe and the interior walls of the drive shaft housing for providing a resilient connection therebetween for damping vibrations.

Abstract: Two embodiments of flywheel covers for outboard motors that are readily removable from their connection to the motor without special tools so as to facilitate emergency starting.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit having opposite first and second sides and including a lower unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and a drive shaft housing including a drive shaft drivingly connected to the propeller, and a power head mounted on the drive shaft housing and including an internal combustion engine drivingly connected to the drive shaft, a cowl assembly enclosing the power head and including a first lower cowl member removably and resiliently mounted on the first side of the propulsion unit, a second lower cowl member removably and resiliently mounted on the second side of the propulsion unit, and an upper cowl member removably mounted on the first and second lower cowl members, and a bolt detachably connecting the first lower cowl member to the second lower cowl member.

Abstract: An outboard motor cowling arrangement wherein the cowling includes a tray that is affixed directly to the drive shaft housing independently of the other cowling portions.

Abstract: An improved outer cowling arrangement for the power head of an outboard motor in which both the tray and top housing are formed from a synthetic resin for improving silencing. To insure a good fit and sealing, a supporting member and retaining member are affixed to each other and the supporting member is carried by one of the portions. Releasable latching means are carried by the other portion to engage the retainer member for holding the cowling portions together. The top housing has an inclined forward face in which a panel is positioned for passing the starting handle and starting rope. A guide defines a path of movement for the starting rope that is perpendicular to this inclined surface so that the motor can easily be started from a higher level, for example, when used as an auxiliary power source for a sailboat.

Abstract: A lower unit for a marine propulsion device, which lower unit comprises a drive shaft housing having a lower end, a gear case housing connected to the lower end of the drive shaft housing, a propeller shaft located in and extending axially through the gear case housing, a member for rotatably supporting the propeller shaft inside the gear case housing, which member is located in the gear case housing, which is in encircling relationship to the propeller shaft, and which includes therein an open area in communication with the environment outside of the gear case housing, a sacrificial anode in the open area, and a fastener for releasably securing the sacrificial anode in the open area.

Abstract: Several embodiments of vibration damping devices for preventing the transmission of vibrations from the power head of an outboard motor to the transom of the boat to which it is attached. In each embodiment, a vibration damping pad is interposed between the power head and the drive shaft housing to isolate vibrations. In accordance with another feature of the invention, a flexible coupling is interposed between the engine output shaft and the drive shaft for permitting relative vibration damping between the power head and the drive shaft housing. A number of embodiments are disclosed that show various arrangements through which the vibration damping pad is affixed to a pair of supporting plates. In addition, an arrangement is provided for cooling the vibration damping pad in the area through which exhaust gases are passed from the engine to the drive shaft housing.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit, a horizontal drive shaft rotatably supported in the propulsion unit, a second drive shaft rotatably supported in the propulsion unit, and water pump means. The horizontal drive shaft has an aft end, and is adapted to be rotationally driven by an engine. The second drive shaft has upper and lower ends, and extends transversely to the horizontal drive shaft. The second drive shaft is connected to the horizontal drive shaft for rotationally driving the second drive shaft, and is adapted to drive a propeller. The water pump means communicates with the cooling jacket of the engine for circulating water through the cooling jacket, and is drivingly connected to one of the upper end of the second drive shaft and the aft end of the horizontal drive shaft.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit having a housing exposed to sea water and subject to attack by the sea water is provided with a permanent type anode housing substantially constant surface characteristics mounted on the housing and supplied with constant voltage. Holes under the anode through the housing to interior passages permits the current on the anode to influence and protect the passages.

Abstract: A propeller mount for deflecting ice away from the propeller of an icebreaker includes a wedge-shaped body, the front end of which is pointed, and the remainder of which flares rearwardly to direct ice outwardly away from the propeller assembly. By providing bubblers in the sides of the body near the front end thereof, outward deflection of ice by the mount is promoted. The rear of the body is also slightly wedge-shaped to provide a similr wedging action at the stern for steering ice away from propellers.