Dual propeller surface drive propulsion system for boats
OwnerJames Stallingsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The dual propeller surface drive propulsion system for boats is a combined propulsion and steering system for vessels with inboard engines comprising an enclosed thrust bearing assembly mounted to the transom of the vessel, a transom box mounted to the transom of the vessel that encompasses the thrust bearing assembly, an articulated outdrive pivotally connected to the transom box, a gearbox contained within the articulated outdrive, two counter rotating propeller shafts equipped with surface-piercing propellers and a steerable rudder system. Counter-rotating propellers reduce propeller-induced torque. By combining an articulated outdrive with a steerable rudder greater maneuverability of the vessel is achieved.
Claims10
A dual propeller surface drive propulsion system for marine vessels having inboard motors, comprising:
- a drive shaft projecting from the transom of the vessel;
- an enclosed thrust bearing assembly mounted to the transom of the vessel, said thrust bearing assembly being pivotally connected to the drive shaft;
- a transom box mounted to the transom of the vessel that encompasses the thrust bearing assembly;
- an articulated outdrive pivotally connected to the transom box by a gimbal box which allows for articulation of said articulated outdrive about a plurality of axes, and wherein the articulated outdrive has an outdrive input shaft that is pivotally connected to the thrust bearing assembly;
- first and second, non-coaxial propeller shafts contained within the articulated outdrive wherein each propeller shaft has a forward driven end, an aft driving end, and a longitudinal axis of rotation;
- a surface-piercing propeller connected to the aft driving end of each propeller shaft;
- and
- a rudder extending from said articulated outdrive.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.