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.

A coaxial contra-rotating circumferential thruster includes: an input end, a one-way commutator, a two-way deflector, a steering support and two output ends. The input end is connected to a power device. The one-way commutator converts one rotation into two rotations having the same rotation speed and opposite rotation directions. The two-way deflector respectively indirectly connects two shafts of a contra-rotating sleeve shaft to two output shafts thereof by means of two bevel gear pair. Two unidirectional deflecting torques respectively generated by the two bevel gear pairs have the same magnitude and opposite directions. By transferring by means of a bracket or an output sleeve shaft, the two unidirectional deflecting torques cancel each other. The two output ends are respectively connected to two propellers (or rotors). A turnaround control device controls the steering support to be turned around, the control torque required for co-rotating and contra-rotating is the same.

A coaxial contra-rotating circumferential thruster includes: an input end, a one-way commutator, a two-way deflector, a steering support and two output ends. The input end is connected to a power device. The one-way commutator converts one rotation into two rotations having the same rotation speed and opposite rotation directions. The two-way deflector respectively indirectly connects two shafts of a contra-rotating sleeve shaft to two output shafts thereof by means of two bevel gear pair. Two unidirectional deflecting torques respectively generated by the two bevel gear pairs have the same magnitude and opposite directions. By transferring by means of a bracket or an output sleeve shaft, the two unidirectional deflecting torques cancel each other. The two output ends are respectively connected to two propellers (or rotors). A turnaround control device controls the steering support to be turned around, the control torque required for co-rotating and contra-rotating is the same.

An outboard motor includes: a driveshaft housing configured to accommodate a driveshaft; and a gear case bulging laterally below the driveshaft housing and configured to accommodate a gear device, wherein an inside of the driveshaft housing communicates with an inside of the gear case, an introduction port for introducing lubricating oil into the gear case is opened on the driveshaft housing, and a confirmation port for causing the lubricating oil introduced into the gear case to flow out is opened on a front end side of the gear case.

An outboard motor includes: a driveshaft housing configured to accommodate a driveshaft; and a gear case bulging laterally below the driveshaft housing and configured to accommodate a gear device, wherein an inside of the driveshaft housing communicates with an inside of the gear case, an introduction port for introducing lubricating oil into the gear case is opened on the driveshaft housing, and a confirmation port for causing the lubricating oil introduced into the gear case to flow out is opened on a front end side of the gear case.

An axial flux propulsion system for an electric boat that includes interconnecting subsystems including a mounting system, a traction system, a transmission system, an electrical power distribution system, a control system, and a fluid management system, among other boat systems. The traction system typically is an axial flux motor/generator. Various embodiment of the axial flux propulsion system may include a stern drive embodiment and a jet drive embodiment. Portions of the axial flux propulsion system may be both inboard and outboard. A control system may control the operation of the various boat systems including the axial flux motor/generator, and as a result, control the overall operation of the boat.

An axial flux propulsion system for an electric boat that includes interconnecting subsystems including a mounting system, a traction system, a transmission system, an electrical power distribution system, a control system, and a fluid management system, among other boat systems. The traction system typically is an axial flux motor/generator. Various embodiment of the axial flux propulsion system may include a stern drive embodiment and a jet drive embodiment. Portions of the axial flux propulsion system may be both inboard and outboard. A control system may control the operation of the various boat systems including the axial flux motor/generator, and as a result, control the overall operation of the boat.

A system for adjusting the rotational timing between driveshafts rotated by an output shaft. The system includes a flange coupler configured to be coupled to a first of the driveshafts to prevent rotation therebetween. The flange coupler defines openings therein. A coupler input gear defines openings therein and is configured to rotatably mesh with a second input gear coupled to a second of the driveshafts. Fasteners are configured to the extend through the openings in the flange coupler and the openings in the coupler input gear to rotationally fix the flange coupler and the coupler input gear, which are fixable at multiple rotational orientations therebetween. The rotational timing between the driveshafts is adjustable by rotating the coupler input gear into different orientations of the multiple rotational orientations relative to the flange coupler prior to fixing the flange coupler to the coupler input gear.

A system for adjusting the rotational timing between driveshafts rotated by an output shaft. The system includes a flange coupler configured to be coupled to a first of the driveshafts to prevent rotation therebetween. The flange coupler defines openings therein. A coupler input gear defines openings therein and is configured to rotatably mesh with a second input gear coupled to a second of the driveshafts. Fasteners are configured to the extend through the openings in the flange coupler and the openings in the coupler input gear to rotationally fix the flange coupler and the coupler input gear, which are fixable at multiple rotational orientations therebetween. The rotational timing between the driveshafts is adjustable by rotating the coupler input gear into different orientations of the multiple rotational orientations relative to the flange coupler prior to fixing the flange coupler to the coupler input gear.

A motor comprising: (a) a stator having a plurality of ferrous cores surrounded by a plurality of windings; (b) a pair of rotors positioned on opposing sides of the stator, each rotor including a ring gear; and (c) a drive shaft extending through a cutout of the stator, the drive shaft having a pinion gear positioned near an end of the drive shaft in communication with the ring gears of the rotors; wherein the rotors rotate in opposing directions so that the ring gears translate a movement of the rotors to the drive shaft through the pinion gear to rotate the drive shaft in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of rotation of the rotors.