Boat propulsion system

Claim 2

A propulsion unit mounted on a boat rotatable about a substantially vertical axis for normal steering, steering means, a steering cable connected between said steering means and said propulsion unit for normally steering the boat in a generally forward direction, a control means operatively connected to and controlling said propulsion unit for rapidly turn-ing it about said axis through substantially 180*to effect a changeover between forward and reverse drive of the boat, a means operably connected to said propulsion unit for inclining it a predetermined degree from alignment with said axis for controlling vertical trim of said boat, an engine connected to said propulsion unit for driving it, and a clutch means operatively connected between said engine and said propulsion unit, said clutch operated in unison with said control means to provide for disconnect of drive from said engine during the rapid turning of said unit.

Claim 3

The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control means includes a separate reversing cable operatively connected to said propulsion unit, said reversing cable operable to initiate the rapid turning of said propulsion unit.

Claim 4

The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said control means includes a fluid operated cylinder operatively connected to said propulsion unit for initiating the rapid turning of said unit.

Claim 5

The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said last mentioned means comprises a hydraulic cylinder having a piston differentially movable therein, and wherein one end of said cylinder is coupled to a tiltable mounting means for said propulsion unit and said piston is coupled to said propulsion unit for inclining said propulsion unit.

Claim 6

The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein a rearwardly and downwardly extending strut is mounted proximate said propulsion unit, said strut having mounted at its lower end a trim tab likewise inclinable with said unit for trim control.

Claim 7

A propulsion unit pivotally mounted on a boat and rotatable about an upstanding axis, steering means, means connected between said steering means and said propulsion unit for swiveling it for normal steering, reversing means operatively connected to said propulsion unit for rapidly turning it through substantially a half-circle turn about said axis to provide a changeover between forward and reverse drive of the boat, said propulsion unit including a steering tube and a steering gear mounted thereon, a pivotal lever mounted on said unit proximate said steering gear, a control gear mounted on said lever and having its teeth engaged with the teeth of said steering gear, said lever coupled to said steering means for providing normal steering, said lever further coupled to said reversing means and rockable by it to provide a rapid half-circle turn of the steering gear and propulsion unit, and means operatively connected to said propulsion unit for pivoting it a predetermined degree from alignment with said upstanding axis to provide tilt of said propulsion unit.

Claim 8

A propulsion unit pivotally mounted on a boat and rotatable about an upstanding axis, steering means, means connected between said steering means and said propulsion unit for swiveling it for normal steering, reversing means operatively connected to said propulsion unit for rapidly turning it through substantially a half-circle turn about said axis to provide a changeover between forward and reverse drive of the boat, said propulsion unit including a steering tube and a steering gear mounted thereon, a pivotal lever mounted on said unit proximate said steering gear, a control gear mounted on said lever and having its teeth engaged with the teeth of said steering gear, said lever coupled to said steering means for providing normal steering, said lever further coupled to said reversing means and rockable by it to provide a rapid half-circle turn of the steering gear and propulsion unit, and means operatively connected to said propulsion unit for pivoting it a predetermined degree from alignment with said upstanding axis to provide tilt of said propulsion unit.

Claim 9

The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein said control gear comprises a sector gear mounted at one end of said lever, said sector gear having its center proximate the pivotal point of said lever.

Claim 10

The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein said reversing means includes a hydraulic cylinder operably connected to said lever and actuable to provide said rapid half-circle turn.

Claim 11

The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein a rotatable threaded shaft is mounted proximate said lever end, said shaft having a nut threadably mounted thereon, said nut operably coupled to said lever for pivoting it to provide normal steering responsive to rotation of said threaded shaft, and a means comprising a flexible tube is connected between said steering means and said shaft for controlling its rotation.

Claim 12

The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein an internal combustion engine is connected to said propulsion unit for driving it, and wherein a throttle means is operatively connected to said engine for initiating its idling operation during the rapid turning of said propulsion unit.