This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.

This application describes clutch mechanisms for use in a steering control system, e.g., a steering control system used to steer a trolling motor for a boat. Such clutch mechanisms can reduce and avoid damage to the steering control system (e.g., a steering motor) when the system is subjected to unusually large impact loads (e.g., when the trolling motor or boat contacts an obstruction). The clutches described in this application can be used to decouple the steering control system from a steering shaft (or other drive mechanism) upon application of a large impact load, thus reducing damage to and increasing the lifespan of such system. In some cases, the clutch is a ball and spring mechanism. In other cases, the clutch is a slip tooth mechanism.

The present innovation relates generally to propulsion mechanisms for propeller-driven vehicles and vessels, and, more particularly, to gear-driven transmissions for airboats.

The present innovation relates generally to propulsion mechanisms for propeller-driven vehicles and vessels, and, more particularly, to gear-driven transmissions for airboats.

A marine propulsion device includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a circulator, a case, and an attachment body. The second gear is meshed with the first gear. The third gear is meshed with the first gear, and the third gear is coaxial with the second gear and opposed to the second gear. The circulator is between the second gear and the third gear. The case includes an internal space in which the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, and the circulator are located. The case includes an attachment hole to which the circulator is attached. The attachment body is inserted into the attachment hole so as to attach the circulator to the case.

A marine propulsion device includes a first gear, a second gear, a third gear, a circulator, a case, and an attachment body. The second gear is meshed with the first gear. The third gear is meshed with the first gear, and the third gear is coaxial with the second gear and opposed to the second gear. The circulator is between the second gear and the third gear. The case includes an internal space in which the first gear, the second gear, the third gear, and the circulator are located. The case includes an attachment hole to which the circulator is attached. The attachment body is inserted into the attachment hole so as to attach the circulator to the case.

A marine propulsion system having a steering axis that allows pivoting of propellers along a first vertical axis directly beneath a gear box located inside the hull of a boat. A lower gear box can be placed within a vented or non-vented tunnel eliminating the need for a rudder and providing directional control of the boat by the orientation of the lower gear box. Surface piercing propellers and/or counter-rotating propellers may be used with the propellers pivoted around the vertical axis of the gear box. The offset steering axis allows pivoting around the first vertical axis wherein a secondary axis is moved with minimal drag providing superior maneuverability at both high and low speeds.

A marine propulsion system having a steering axis that allows pivoting of propellers along a first vertical axis directly beneath a gear box located inside the hull of a boat. A lower gear box can be placed within a vented or non-vented tunnel eliminating the need for a rudder and providing directional control of the boat by the orientation of the lower gear box. Surface piercing propellers and/or counter-rotating propellers may be used with the propellers pivoted around the vertical axis of the gear box. The offset steering axis allows pivoting around the first vertical axis wherein a secondary axis is moved with minimal drag providing superior maneuverability at both high and low speeds.

The planetary gearset has different areas of use. Transmissions are intended for example for marine propulsion device. A main planetary gearset that connects the input shaft to the output shaft so as to drive the output shaft into forward rotation. A complementary planetary gearset together with the main planetary gearset that connect the input shaft to the output shaft so as to drive the output shaft into reverse rotation. A forward brake engages the main planetary gearset in a forward gear wherein the main planetary gearset drives the output shaft into the forward rotation. A reverse brake engages the complementary planetary gearset in a reverse gear wherein the complementary planetary gearset together with the main planetary gearset drive the output shaft into the reverse rotation.

The planetary gearset has different areas of use. Transmissions are intended for example for marine propulsion device. A main planetary gearset that connects the input shaft to the output shaft so as to drive the output shaft into forward rotation. A complementary planetary gearset together with the main planetary gearset that connect the input shaft to the output shaft so as to drive the output shaft into reverse rotation. A forward brake engages the main planetary gearset in a forward gear wherein the main planetary gearset drives the output shaft into the forward rotation. A reverse brake engages the complementary planetary gearset in a reverse gear wherein the complementary planetary gearset together with the main planetary gearset drive the output shaft into the reverse rotation.