Abstract: There is disclosed a marine propulsion system for a shaft-driven boat. The system includes a recess formed in the hull of the boat, and a drive cassette. The drive cassette includes: a housing; a static tube extending rearwardly from the housing and fixed relative thereto; and at least one drive shaft extending through the static tube and into the housing. The drive shaft is supported for rotation within the static tube by at least one shaft bearing, and is rotatably supported within the housing by thrust bearings. The static tube, the drive shaft, the or each shaft bearing, and the thrust bearings are all coaxially aligned with one another. The housing and the recess are mutually configured such that the housing may be engaged within the recess to install the drive cassette within the drivetrain of the boat.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a motor arranged adjacent to a front surface of a first body, the first body having a cavity arrange between the front surface and a back surface of the first body. The motor may include a rotor having a shaft formed substantially of a single unit of material that is coupled directly to an impeller including a bearing surface received by a cooperating bearing surface arranged in a nozzle. The bearing surface of the impeller, and the cooperating bearing surface of the nozzle, support the impeller rotationally on the shaft such that when the shaft is rotatably displaced by the motor, the impeller displaces the water into the cavity arranged between the front surface of the first body and the back surface of the first body and into the nozzle to create a jet of water.

Abstract: A monitor and alarm system is provided for a marine vessel having a rotatable propeller drive shaft supported by one or more water-cooled bearings contained in strut barrels mounted on struts extending from the vessel hull or in stern tube assemblies. A heat sensor on the hull senses the ambient temperature of the water surrounding the vessel and one or more sensors on one or more bearings sense the temperature of the bearings. The sensed temperatures are electrically communicated via wires or wirelessly to gauges for monitoring and to a processing unit. The processing unit compares the sensed temperatures and generates a signal to an alarm device to initiate a bearing overheat warning or alarm if the differential between the bearing temperature and the ambient water temperature exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A collapsible and disconnectible for storage yet extending for use emergency motor drive unit for a boat. A motor is secured to a hollow drive-shaft pipe segment. Another pipe segment is attached to the end of that pipe segment and has a propeller at its end. A drive shaft of the motor is coupled to the propeller by flexible tubing passing through the hollow bores of the pipe segments. A third, and possibly fourth and fifth, pipe segment(s) is(are) provided between the other two segments to extend the length of the overall device. At least one pipe segment has a vertical support post which allows the device to be selectively held in the receptacle of an anchor light receptacle, when needed. A clamp block and ball swivel allow for rotational, lengthwise, and angular movement of the pipe segments to adjust the motor and the propeller to maximize efficiency of use.

Abstract: A support for a marine motor propeller shaft comprising a single leg having an upper section attached to the hull of a boat and a lower section supporting a propeller shaft. The leg has an angled helical twist near the upper section such that the propeller support is angled away from the centerline of the hull and faces the flow vector of inflowing water to the propeller. The angle of the helical twist is determined by analyzing the flow dynamics of water entering the propeller to determine peak fluid flow.

Abstract: A marine drive is engaged with and is driven by a vessel's engine drive shaft. The drive includes: a universal joint secured to the vessel's hull; a first screw shaft supporting a first screw; a first gear set driven by the first screw shaft; a second screw shaft driven by the first gear set; a second gear set driven by the second screw shaft; a third screw shaft driven by the second gear set and supporting a second screw; and a third screw supported by the second screw shaft at its terminal end. The first and second gear sets are enclosed within a water-tight enclosure enabling rotational speed differentiation between the first and second screw shafts and enabling rotational sense reversal between the second and third screw shafts. An actuator provides changes in angle of attack of the second and third screws.

Abstract: A drive shaft supporting structure for a small boat is provided which permits simplification of a hull and for which manufacturing productivity is increased. The drive shaft supporting structure includes a shaft-supporting member for rotatably supporting a drive shaft inside of a hull, and an elongate cylindrical sleeve. The cylindrical sleeve is arranged between the shaft-supporting member and a hull opening which permits penetration of the drive shaft through the hull. The drive shaft supporting structure is configured in such a manner that a front end portion of the cylindrical sleeve is connected to the shaft-supporting member and a rear end portion of the cylindrical sleeve is connected to the hull opening.

Abstract: A stern-drive unit for boats with an inclined hull, wherein the mechanical units are separated from the supporting structure, which is made in the form of a structure (10) supporting parts (7, 5) which transmit motion from an inverter (6) to the propeller, consisting a plate (11) to be attached to the keel of the boat, to which are connected a pair of V-shaped arms with a first sleeve (15) fitted at the lower ends thereof, and a third arm with a second sleeve (16) fitted at the lower end thereof, said sleeves (15, 16) housing a box (17) to which lead propeller shaft (5) and a shaft (7) orthogonal to it, leading from a motion inverter, seal means being fitted between said box (17) and said shafts (5, 7). The drive is light and easily adaptable at low cost to the various keel configurations used by different boat builders.

Abstract: In an outboard drive or an inboard-outboard drive, power generated by a single engine is transmitted in left and right directions from a main drive shaft, thereby finally causing left and right propellers to be rotated, the left and right propellers being arranged about the main drive shaft so as to be spaced apart from the main drive shaft at approximately equal distances from the main drive shaft and facing a travel direction of a marine vessel, the outboard drive or inboard-outboard drive being provided with left and right shift cam assemblies for causing rotation situations of the propellers to be controlled dependently from each other, the rotation situations including normal rotation, reverse rotation and non-rotation situations of the propellers.

Abstract: A modular engine mount (EM) trolling motor/lower unit mounting bracket is provided. The bracket includes a lower mounting EM bracket that is secured to the cavitation plate of a vessel's outboard or I/O. This lower bracket includes a support carriage that supports the trolling motor. It is secured on the bracket by a cap. To accommodate dual trolling motors, a dual bracket is mounted on the lower bracket. This dual bracket includes a central yoke and two lateral support carriages. Caps are then used to secure each of the trolling motors/lower units on the lateral support carriages. In this configuration, the mounting yoke includes a closure structure that mates with the lower bracket to close the trough provided therein. In a tri-motor configuration, this closure structure is not included, and the trolling motor is secured in place on the lower bracket by the central mounting yoke.

Abstract: A separator for separating particles entrained in a fluid is disclosed. The separator includes a sleeve adapted to be mounted over a rotatable shaft for forming a cavity therebetween, an inlet to the cavity, an outlet to the cavity and means for imparting a centrifugal force on fluid within the cavity. The means for imparting the centrifugal force is operatively connected to the shaft so that, in use, spinning of the shaft creates the centrifugal force. In use, a slurry of fluid and particles enters the cavity through the inlet, the particles are caused to separate from the fluid by action of the centrifugal force, and the separated particles and fluid leave the cavity via the outlet with the particles tending to be closer to the sleeve than the shaft.

Abstract: A combination strut and rudder control assembly (300) for use in a marine vessel includes a strut (301) used for providing support to a drive shaft assembly and a relatable shaft (311) positioned behind the strut (301) for controlling a rudder used to steer the marine vessel. The invention promotes efficient operation of the marine vessel though the use a strut (301) combined with a rudder control to enable proper alignment and mounting of these devices under the vessel's hull.

Abstract: For monitoring the temperature of a water-cooled bearing mounted in a strut on an engine-driven water vessel and supporting the vessel's propellor shaft, a heat sensor on the strut for sensing the bearing temperature, and visual and/or audible indicator means on the vessel operated by the heat sensor to indicate overheating of the bearing.

Abstract: A water jet apparatus having a single drive shaft rotatably supported by a pair of bearings installed in an inlet housing. The impeller is securely mounted on a splined end of the drive shaft which extends out of the inlet housing in the aft direction. The drive shaft is not supported by the stator housing, thereby eliminating the need to install bearing inside the stator housing during assembly. Oil seals are arranged between the drive shaft and an inlet housing projection which extends into a cavity formed in the front end of the impeller.

Abstract: A water jet apparatus mounted to a horizontal hull section and having a shift and steering control assembly which penetrates a hole in that hull section. The shift and steering control assembly has a modular lever and shaft subassembly which is installed in the inlet housing, before the inlet housing is installed in the hull. The modular lever and shaft assembly includes a shift and steering control housing mounted to the inlet housing and having respective bores for housing shift and steering shafts. Upper shift and steering levers are coupled to the upper ends of the shift and steering shafts respectively, while lower shift and steering levers are coupled to the lower ends of the shift and steering shafts respectively. Respective control cables are attached to the upper levers inside the hull; respective control rods for operating a steering nozzle and a reverse gate are attached to the lower levers outside the hull.

Abstract: In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extend rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel. A coupling cover encompasses the coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly or the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly.

Abstract: In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extend rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel. A coupling cover encompasses the coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly or the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly.

Abstract: In a marine vessel having a drive shaft that extend rearwardly from its hull, wherein the drive shaft has a coupling and a bearing assembly along its length that are supported by struts, which struts are also secured to the hull of the vessel. A coupling cover encompasses the coupling and is mounted adjacent to a bearing assembly. A fairwater encompasses the coupling cover and is attached to the bearing assembly or the strut associated therewith to define a chamber and a clearance space between the fairwater and the coupling cover for directing fluids therethrough and through the bearing assembly to lubricate such bearing assembly. Vanes are located on the coupling cover or on a separate support located within such chamber to enhance the fluid flow through the bearing assembly.

Abstract: An improved strut support for propeller shafts of marine vessels is provided. The improved strut support includes a palm, a strut section and a propeller shaft bearing. The palm includes horizontal and vertical sections for mounting to the hull and transom, respectively. The strut section connects the propeller shaft bearing to the palm and is connected to the horizontal section, the vertical section and a slot disposed in the rear portion of the horizontal section for improved rigidity and propeller shaft stability.

Abstract: A strut mounted, counter rotation marine propeller propulsion system of the single engine is provided including a depending propeller shaft strut from which aligned front and rear propeller shafts are supported including remote ends disposed exteriorly of the strut and having front and rear propellers, respectively, mounted thereon and adjacent ends drivingly interconnected through the utilization of bevel gearing within a journal hub carried by the lower end of the strut. The forward extremity of the front propeller shaft is removably coupled to the rear end of a rearwardly and downwardly inclined power shaft journaled through the bottom of the associated hull and the strut includes horizontally outwardly projecting and forwardly and upwardly inclined opposite side water deflector plates for smoothing out the water discharge, in conjunction with the strut itself, from the front propeller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a regulating device which permits changing inclination angle of the shaft line of a propeller and comprises an at least partially spherical and revolving box containing the support bearings of the propeller shaft and two stands supporting the same propeller shaft and connected by slots and locking bolts.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing cavitation erosion is disclosed which includes ducts and openings (30, 32, 34, 40) for discharging a stream of gas positioned upstream of and adjacent to a propeller (11), in a direction perpendicular to the oncoming flow and at a lateral position relative to the propeller rotation axis.

Abstract: A dual boat propeller structure is described for counter-rotation of the propellers. A housing is located outside the boat hull in alignment and connection with an engine shaft. The housing stores a conversion mechanism with which coaxially-mounted propeller shafts are brought into counter-rotation to correspondingly rotate the propellers. A strut interconnects the housing to the boat hull in a manner so as to reduce vibrations from the counter-rotating mechanism. The housing has a frusto-conical shape with which a large diameter aft end is sized commensurate with the hub of the propellers for smooth water flow.

Abstract: An asymmetric set of pre-swirl vanes (stators) and a specially matched propeller for use on an inclined shaft. The propulsor is designed by considering the mutual interaction of the propeller on the vanes and the vanes on the propeller. The propulsor unit provides the following:1. increased propulsive efficiency due to the reduced rotational (swirl) and axial kinetic energy losses in the propulsor's slipstream;2. reduction or elimination of propeller cavitation;3. reduction or elimination of unsteady propulsor forces as well as propulsor-induced hull vibrations.A unique feature of the present invention is that a prior art flat faced commercially available propeller can be modified to match the vane flow field for optimum propulsor performance. The use of commercially available propellers reduces the installation or hardware cost significantly and allows the propeller to be repaired easily if damaged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a drive system for a marine craft of the type wherein the power plant or drive engine is located inboard of the craft and the overall craft is designed for high performance operation. The system includes twin drive engines preferably of the diesel type mounted in spaced relation to the stern of the craft. Two elongated straight line drive shaft extend from a driving interconnection with separate ones of the engines rearwardly so as to have respective distal ends located outboard of the craft and be oriented to pass through the transom such that the drive shafts are maintained at a predetermined angular orientation sufficient to position propeller structures at a substantially optimum surface piercing position relative to the static water line.

Abstract: A multi-layered sleeve bearing supports the propeller shaft of a propeller-driven water craft, the layered sleeves comprising an outer fixed master housing, an intermediate removable bearing housing, and an innermost bearing sleeve press-fitted in the removable bearing housing, such that when the bearing sleeve is worn past use, it may be replaced under water by removing the propeller from its shaft and sliding the bearing housing along with the worn bearing sleeve off of the shaft, taking the bearing housing above water and replacing the bearing sleeve within the bearing housing, and then replacing the bearing housing within the master housing under water. The procedure avoids the removal of rudder shaft or rudder as well as the necessity of dry docking the craft.

Abstract: There is disclosed in a surface effect ship which is constructed substantially of aluminum alloy material a hull construction including a side hull component which is bottomed by an operationally "wet" aluminum alloy keel plate, an improved propeller support arrangement comprising a superior strength thin-profile steel alloy strut extending cantilever-wise through the keel plate and carrying at its outer end bearing means for support of a ship propeller shaft. Interiorly of the side hull the steel strut is mechanically anchored to an operationally "dry" aluminum alloy member of the side hull structure, while at its underwater "wet" intersection with the aluminum alloy keel plate it is supported thereby but electrolytically and dynamically insulated therefrom by means of an epoxy-like housing device which at that cantilever support juncture encircles the strut.

Abstract: A high performance speedboat with a planing type hull and incorporating a drive mechanism having a one or two-speed-forward, step-up, V-gear, hydraulic transmission, which connects the engine drive shaft and the propeller shaft in V-drive structure. The propeller shaft extends rearwardly through the boat transom to provide a "thru-drive" system in coaction with a unitary strut and stern steering support assembly for placement on the boat transom. Such assembly includes a planar transom member secured to the boat transom, and a rearwardly extending, generally horizontal, planar structural member secured to the transom member and extending rearwardly of the boat. The structural member is bifurcated and has a pair of spaced rear end portions having rudder support means operatively disposed thereon for receiving rudder assemblies therein. Also provided is a pair of spaced strut support members secured to the assembly and extending downwardly therefrom with each having a propeller shaft support.