Tilt-trim subsystem for boats using a stern drive system

A boat having a stern drive propulsion system including an outdrive generally disposed downstream relative to water flow aft a transom of the boat, the outdrive configured to be rotated about a predetermined axis to impart a desired trim or tilt to the drive system, the boat comprising:

• a gimbal unit having means for pivotally receiving a first anchor pin pair;
• a gimbal unit having means for pivotally receiving a first anchor pin pair;
• a tilt-trim subsystem assembly affixed to the outdrive, the tilt-trim assembly having one respective end thereof configured to pivotally receive a second anchor pin pair supported by the outdrive, the assembly including a pair of cylinders, each cylinder straddling a respective side of the outdrive and having one end thereof connected to the corresponding first anchor pin so that when the cylinder pair is actuated the outdrive and the tilt-trim subsystem assembly are rotated together about the predetermined axis, the assembly further including a hydraulic circuit configured to actuate the cylinder pair therein, the hydraulic circuit configured to actuate storage tank connected to pass a predetermined fluid to the pump, said pump and tank being interposed within the cylinder pair and positioned rearwardly of the outdrive to avoid resistance to water flow.

A tilt-trim subsystem assembly affixed to an outdrive of a stern drive supported by a gimbal unit and configured to rotate about a predetermined axis to impart a desired trim or tilt to the drive system, the tilt-trim assembly having one respective end thereof configured to pivotally receive one anchor pin supported by the outdrive, the assembly including at least one cylinder having one end thereof pivotally connected to another anchor pin so that when the cylinder is actuated the outdrive and the tilt-trim subsystem assembly are jointly rotated about the predetermined axis, the assembly further including a hydraulic circuit for actuating the at least one cylinder therein, the hydraulic circuit comprising a pump and an electric motor coupled to drive the pump in response to externally-derived signals, the gimbal unit including a recess for receiving a plurality of leads coupled to the electric motor for supplying the externally-derived signals to the motor and wherein the recess is sealed to prevent entry of moisture into the motor.

A kit affixed to an outdrive of a stern drive supported by a gimbal unit and configured to rotate together with the outdrive to impart a desired trim or tilt to the drive system, the kit comprising:

• a tilt-trim assembly having one respective end thereof configured to receive one anchor pin supported by the outdrive section, the assembly including at least one cylinder having one end thereof connected to another anchor pin so that when the cylinder is actuated the outdrive and the tilt-trim subsystem assembly are jointly rotated about a predetermined axis, the assembly further including a hydraulic circuit for actuating the at least one cylinder therein, the hydraulic circuit comprising a pump and a fluid storage tank connected to pass a predetermined fluid to the pump, the hydraulic circuit further comprising an electric motor coupled to drive the pump in response to externally-derived signals supplied to the motor and wherein the respective end of the at least one cylinder comprises a piston connected to the first anchor pin to impart rotation in a first direction upon the piston being extended and in a second direction opposite the first direction upon the piston being retracted, the assembly including passages within the assembly situated proximate the first anchor loin to provide fluid communication between the pump and the at least one cylinder therein.

A tilt-trim system for a stern drive having an outdrive, the tilt-trim system comprising an actuactor including a cylinder/piston unit and a unitized body, the unitized body being integrally cast and having a bore formed therein within which the actuator extends and retracts to rotate the outdrive about a generally horizontal axis and thereby impart a desire trim or tilt to the stern drive, the tilt-trim system further including a fluid circuit for actuating the actuator, the fluid circuit being routed through passages formed within the unitized body the unitized body being configured to be within the footprint of the outdrive and positioned generally rearwardly of and wherein the pump and electric motor are positioned on the stern drive outdrive.

A stern drive system having an outdrive configured to be rotated about a generally horizontal axis to impart a desired trim or tilt to the drive system comprising:

• a gimbal unit having means for pivotally receiving a first anchor pin;
• a tilt-trim subsystem assembly affixed to the outdrive, the tilt-trim assembly having one respective end thereof configured to pivotally receive a second anchor pin supported by the outdrive, the assembly including at least one cylinder having one end thereof connected to the first anchor pin so that when the cylinder is actuated the outdrive and the tilt-trim subsystem assembly are rotated about the generally horizontal axis, the assembly further including a hydraulic circuit for actuating the at least one cylinder therein, the hydraulic circuit comprising a pump and a fluid storage tank connected to pass a predetermined fluid to the pump, the hydraulic circuit further comprising an electric motor coupled to drive the pump in response to externally-derived signals, the gimbal unit including a recess for receiving a plurality of leads coupled to the electric motor for supplying the externally-derived signals to the motor and wherein the recess is sealed to prevent entry of moisture into the motor.