Brunswick Corporation

Zf Friedrichshafen Ag

Niel M Schueller

David J Waldvogel

John A Groeschel

Richard A Davis

Kevin R Anderson

Gary L Meisenburg

Michele Zottele

Andrea Pellegrinetti

Steven R Johns

Charles F Gray, Jr

Carl J Prien

A mounting assembly for a stern drive engine including a mounting base, an engine mounting foot or bracket for securing an engine to a watercraft, and a lock ring for securing the engine mounting bracket in a constant position relative to the mounting base. The mounting base includes a threaded mounting bolt to receive a first adjustment nut, the engine mounting bracket, the lock ring and a second nut. The bottom surface of the locking ring engages a top surface of the engine mounting bracket with a downwardly extending arm or arms of the lock ring extending through an aperture in the engine mounting bracket to engage the first adjustment nut. The threaded bolt of the mounting base extends through apertures of the engine mounting bracket platform and mounting ring, and a second nut engages the top surface of the lock ring, preventing rotation of the first adjustment nut, and ultimately limiting movement of the marine stern drive engine.

Mounting assembly and lock ring for marine stern drive engine

A system and method for combined control of steering and trim of a marine engine unit. The system and method includes a steering apparatus generating steering signals, a trim control generating trim signals, an electronic unit receiving steering trim and cylinder position signals and sending output signals. A port hydraulic cylinder and a starboard hydraulic cylinder that extend and retract are included. The cylinders connected to first and second port and starboard joints to provide movement of the engine unit. The first and second port and starboard joints enable movement of the engine unit vertically and horizontally when the port and starboard hydraulic cylinders are extended and retracted to provide a full range of steering and trim movement of an engine unit using only two hydraulic cylinders.

Engine unit with combined trim and steering

Methods and systems are for corrosion protection on marine vessels. A marine drive is for propelling a marine vessel in saltwater. The marine drive includes a generally planar outer running surface and a collection area located proximate to the outer running surface. An electrode conducts electricity from a source of electricity to the saltwater such that the electricity reacts to the saltwater and generates chlorine gas bubbles that tend to cause corrosion on the outer running surface. The electrode is mounted on the marine drive and protrudes out from and at an angle to the outer running surface so as to inhibit flow of the chlorine gas bubbles towards the collection area at least when the marine vessel is stationary.

Systems and methods for corrosion protection on marine drives

The invention concerns a marine vessel propulsion system that can be set into an opening of a boat's hull and which comprises a propulsion and steering unit () that can be rotated or swivelled about a vertical axis (z) and which is fixed to the hull by a securing mechanism () having a predetermined fracture point or level. It is proposed that a protective plate () is arranged on the boat's hull in the aft direction (opposite to the direction of travel F) and behind the propulsion and steering unit ().

Propulsion system for marine vessel

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. An improved top cover for placement on top of the drive shaft housing includes an inlet in the top cover for receiving circulating oil pumped by the upper driven gear, which is routed to a recess formed in the underside of the top cover for distribution throughout the upper area of the drive shaft housing. A return passage is formed in the drive shaft housing and the gearcase for routing oil back to the propeller shaft cavity.

Growing community of inventors

Fond du Lac, WI, United States of America

Niel M Schueller