초록 ▼

A boat drive mechanism is constructed of an engine mounted in the boat; a propeller; a drive shaft having a front end connected to the engine and a rear end extending through the exterior of the transom; a propeller shaft having a rear end connected to the propeller and a front end, with the propell

A boat drive mechanism is constructed of an engine mounted in the boat; a propeller; a drive shaft having a front end connected to the engine and a rear end extending through the exterior of the transom; a propeller shaft having a rear end connected to the propeller and a front end, with the propeller shaft being moveable between a lowered position and a raised position; and a universal joint connecting the drive shaft rear end to the propeller shaft front end and spaced from the rear of the transom, the universal joint being the sole thrust connection between the drive shaft and the propeller shaft. A propeller tube surrounds at least a part of the propeller shaft. The propeller tube and shaft are raised and lowered by a first hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to the propeller tube and the transom above the drive shaft. The propeller tube and shaft are moved laterally to steer the boat with a second hydraulic cylinder in operative communication with the propeller tube and shaft through the first hydraulic cylinder.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [15.]15. A boat having a transom and a drive mechanism to propel said boat; said drive mechanism comprising:a) an engine mounted in said boat;b) a propeller;c) a drive shaft having a front end connected to said engine and a rear end, said drive shaft extending through said boa

[ What is claimed is:] [15.]15. A boat having a transom and a drive mechanism to propel said boat; said drive mechanism comprising:a) an engine mounted in said boat;b) a propeller;c) a drive shaft having a front end connected to said engine and a rear end, said drive shaft extending through said boat transom;d) a propeller shaft having a rear end connected to said propeller and a front end, said propeller shaft being moveable between a lowered position and a raised position;e) a universal joint connecting said drive shaft rear end to said propeller shaft front end, said universal joint being the sole thrust connection between said drive shaft and said propeller shaft;f) a propeller tube surrounding at least a part of said propeller shaft;g) a first hydraulic cylinder for moving said propeller shaft between a raised position and a lowered position including a first housing pivotally connected to said transom, and a first piston rod having a lower end pivotally connected to said propeller tube and an upper end;h) a steering arm having a first end attached to said first piston rod upper end and a second end; andi) a second hydraulic cylinder for laterally moving said propeller shaft including a second housing pivotally connected to said transom and a second piston rod having a first end pivotally attached to said steering arm second end, whereby movement of said second piston rod causes a lateral movement of said propeller shaft.