The Steyr system and others are discussed in an October 2006 Soundings
Trade Only article titled, "Industry Evaluates New Hybrid Drives" on Pages
30-32.
8 Oct 2008 a newcomer won an honorable mention Innovation Award in
the same category (Inboards), Caudwell
Marine for their Axis drive.
18 Sept 2008 U.S. Patent Application 2008/0214067 for Surface
Piercing Propeller Tunnel awarded to David Gruenwald. Published
4 Sept 2008. Flooded tunnel results in smooth acceleration, improved
handling, and a shorter transition period. This is a Ven-T boat
patent.
21 Jan 2008 We have noticed some new Asian outboard web sites
recently including:
3 Oct 2007 Trailer Boats October 2007 issue briefly reviews Mercury
Marine's new high horsepower tiller power steering option.
They also mention two similar products; Engine Steer at
enginesteer.com and Warrior at warriorboats.com
Mercury's unit is a hydroelectric system with some parts borrowed
from the Verado. It fits all the way up to 250 HP Optimax two
strokes.
3 Oct 2007 Trailer Boats October 2007 issue has a nice review of
Yamaha's huge new 350 HP V-8 outboard. They are targeting some of the
larger boats currently using several three or more outboards.
30 Aug 2007 International Boat Industry Nov. 2006 issue has a mention
of the Yellowfin Marine Drive, a variable surface drive, that seems
to have resurfaced after laying low a few years.
It mentions the drive was shown at the Southhampton Boat Show in
Sept. 2006. The VSD (Variable Surface Drive) is now said to show
the fruits of its 12 year development and five years of testing.
30 Aug 2007 International Boat Industry Nov 2006 issue also mentions
Honda showed some outboards with BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque)
at the Southampton and La Rochelle Boat Shows in late 2006. Their mid
rage BF75 and BF90 units used BLAST to advance timing so they could
get on plane faster. The system is controlled by the programmed
electronic fuel injection system (PGM-FI). The same outboards also
featured a further forward center of gravity (1.5 inches).
30 Aug 2007 Boating magazine's Jan 2007 issue has a nice feature
story on Indmar's new catalytic converter.
27 July 2007 I noticed Boating magazine had some nice coverage of Mercruiser's
new small VAZER drive by Charles Plueddeman. They report the four cylinder engine
was originally designed for Opel in Europe and is now produced in South America.
It will only be offered with power steering and closed cooling. The block is
angled 50 degrees to port to lower its profile in boats and the exhaust manifold
riser is routed behind the engine further lowering its profile. It uses the Alpha
lower unit with a shorter midsection. VAZER is said to be the first automatic
draining stern drive. Although heavier than an outboard, it moves the center of
gravity forward and down making boats more stable.
4 July 2007 We received a note from Running Tide Yachts, they are in process
their "Power Propulsion" page which discusses some less well known propulsion
approaches.
It was nice to hear from them again and nice to see someone else trying to
pull some of this stuff together.
Came across a great review of Outboard Motor cost analysis in
an EPA document for the upcoming emissions standards. It has
an indepth discussion of costing an outboard and is dated 4 April 2007.
U.S. Patent 7,195,525 Outboard Motor issued 27 March 2007
assigned to Honda for a hybrid internal combustion engine -
battery powered outboard. The improvement over other hybrids
is said to be a more simple controller mountable near the
battery (not on the outboard) removing it from the arear of
heatand and vibration, as well as reducing the contraints on
its shape and volume if it were to be placed under the cowling.
U.S. Patent Application 2007/0010144 Shroud Enclosed Inverted
Surface Piercing Propeller Outdrive published 11 Jan 2007,
invented by Howard Arneson (dont think we need to remind you
who this gentleman is). Basically, a shroud shaped like an
updside down horseshoe surrounds the bottom half of the prop.
********************
11 Apr 2007 Motor Boating magazine just published a great
article on the last 100 years of marine propulsion titled
"Power Century" written by Tim Banse.
http://www.motorboating.com/motorboat/features/article/0,12696,1608506,00.htm
**********************
10 April 2007 Brunswick has recently been awarded a few
interesting marine drive patents.
U.S. Patent 7,188,581 Marine Drive With Integrated Trim Tab
issued 13 March 2007 for a version of their new Zeuss
Cummings MerCruiser Pod Drive that includes a hydraulically
activated flap (trim tab).
U.S. Patent 7,185,599 Jet Drive Propulsion System for a
Pontoon Boat issued 6 March 2007 for a jet drive "pod"
that can easily be intergrated into a pontoon boat. The
pod can even include the fuel tank.
U.S. Patent 7,182,033 Self-Contained Marine Propulsion
System for a Pontoon Boat isseud 27 Feb. 2007 similar to
the patent above.
U.S. Patent 7,175,491 Assembly System for a Marine Propulsion
Device issued 13 Feb 2007 for a stern drive and engine combination
that could be assembled together before being installed in
the boat to speed up boat building operations.
U.S. Patent 7,131,385 Method for Braking a Vessel With Two
Marine Propulsion Devices issued 7 Nov 2006 describes steering
twin drives for optimum braking (adding drag from putting them
sideways).
Volvo Penta has also had some interesting patents recently
U.S. Patent 7,186,157 Turning Propeller Drive for a Boat
issued 6 March 2007 for a through the bottom of the hull
drive.
U.S. Patent 7,182,657 Boat Hull With Outboard Drive and
Outboard Drive for Boats issued 27 Feb 2007 for a though
the bottom of the hull drive.
U.S. Patent 7,118,434 Outboard Drive for Boats issued
10 Oct 2006 for a through the bottom of the hull drive.
The Brunswick and Volvo Penta patents above continue to
follow the trend of "niche" drives - developing drives
for more specific applications, with the exception of the
Brunswick's assembly process patent.
******************
2 March 2007 VEN-T BOATS recently showed a small entry
level boat propelled by a vented tunnel drive running a
shallow running surfacing propeller surrounded by a shroud
and twin rudders at the rear.
Designed by Ingenium Product Development, VEN-T BOATS
debuted the new boat at the recent Dealer Expo in
Indianapolis. We will be covering this drive from our
VEN-T BOATS page
http://www.rbbi.com/company/ingenium/ven-tboats/ven-tboats.htm
More info is available from the official VEN-T BOATS site
http://www.ven-tboats.com
**********************
23 Jan 2007 Mercury MerCruiser announced a new 100HP stern
drive called Vazer to be built in Stillwater. Its a 1.6L GM
Vortec SOHC-4 with a compact stern drive. Production is
scheduled to begin in March in Stillwater per IBI news
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20070023114826ibinews.html
**********************
24 Sept 2006 - seems like drive innovations have been
pretty slow lately. Just saw
"Inventor Claims Overdrive System Cuts Fuel Costs"
Soundings Trade Only
August 2006 Pgs 20 & 33.
Patrick Shea of Texas has an overdrive that mounts
between the bellhousing and the drive of stern drives.
He claims it drops fuel consumption 16.5 to 17 percent.
Shea says the device is patented, he is looking for a
manufacturer, and would consider selling his patent.
He is also working on a unit for outboards.
************************
25 May 2006 - came across an interesting List Serv
on Marine History from a Canadian University
MARHST-L@POST.QUEENSU.CA
it appears to have some drive info in it.
Archives are online at:
http://post.queensu.ca/cgi-bin/listserv/wa?A0=marhst-l&D=0
*********************
25 Apr 2006 - Minn Kota has released some electric
trolling motors that mount to the top of outboard
anticavitation plates. Looks like they mount as a pair.
The freshwater version is called "Engine Mount Motors"
and the salt water version is called Riptide.
********************
15 Mar 2006 - Several drive manufacturers purchase
drives or powerheads from other drive manufacturers.
Who Makes What for Whom?
Trailer Boats February 2006 (page 28)
by Jim Barron
Details the who makes what drives and powerheads
from which manufacturer now and in recent years.
*************
12 Mar 2006 - we came across an interesting historical
item yesterday in a 1905 edition of the New York Times
Boat With 60 Mile Speed:
Inventor's Prediction After His Test at the Garden
New York Times
9 March 1905 pg 14
Fritz Grawert-Zellin showed his prototype boat yesterday
at the Sportsmen's Show at Madison Square Garden.
His small boat easily towed a 30 foot launch around the
Garden. It uses a combination of a new type of ship, a new
type of propeller and a Keel propeller. The Grawert turbine
will be half the size of the smallest turbines in use today
for the same size craft according to Mr. Grawert-Zellin.
It is a rotary engine with the pistons directly mounted to
the propeller shaft. Compressed gasses are brought in to
the explosion chamber within the cylinder. Water is thrown
from the screws, travels right out from the concave blades
instead of rushing aslant. A small 3500 rpm prop allows
high speed due to its location amidship. He anticipates
60 mph speed from ocean going vessels using this design.
***********
16 Feb 2006 Cummins MerCruiser Pod Drive introduced
at Miami Boat Show per ibinews report dated today.
The project, code names Zeus, has horizontal contrarotating
propellers (sounds like a response to Volvo's new drive).
It will be launched in 2007 and can be mated with a 500hp
Quantum engine. The report also says it uses a joystick control
and includes a GPS driven "station keeping" feature.
*********************
16 Feb 2006 - Mercury Press Release today announces
a new 700 HP racing engine teamed with a new drive called
the The ACE Drive. The new drive, a dry sump sterndrive, was
also introduced at Miami this week. The new drive fills the gap
between Bravo One XR and the dry-sump Six drives.
**********************
16 Feb 2006 - Indmar Products Co. is introducing its
production-ready catalytic converter at the Miami
International Boat Show, which gets under way tomorrow.
per Soundings Trade Only news report dated today.
********************
10 Feb 2006 - "Did You Know" Boating Industry
Feb 2006 pg 18 once again reports Yamaha is looking
at much larger outboards, and for the first time mentions
Mr. Dyskow (Yamaha Marine U.S.) suggested "the time
is coming for the marine industry to consider HYBRID
technology."
The same magazine reported on page 42 in a "Noteable
Quotables" section, Mr. Dyskow as saying "There's
no secret that we're intrigued by the four-stroke bass
category".
*******************
14 Feb 2006 ibi news announced today that Mercury
"remanufactures" 10,000th outboard poewrhead since
it stated in 1999. Their Oshkosh site rebuilds powerheads
for over 70 outboard and sport-jet engine applications.
They anticipate moving in to a larger facility to meet
increased demand. Mercury remanufactures carburetors
in Arkansas, sterndrive and inboard engines in Missouri,
and water pumps, starter motors, and alternators in Florida.
********************
10 Jan 2006 "Latest Tests of Hydrodynamic Flushing Technique
Very Promising" IBI news. 6 Jan 2006.
Tyvik of Norway continues to develop displacement boat populsion
technology using nozzles to flush water horizontally perpendicular
to the bow to reduce pressure on the front of a boat, allowing water
at the back of the boat to push it forward. This method might be
employed by houseboats for nonpropeller propulsion (it could also
remove propeller injuries on displacement boats).
The technology is called Hydrodynamisk fremdrift in their language.
Tyvik
http://www.tyvik.com
Student Web site at Vestfold University
http://baat.stud.hive.no
**********************
3 Jan 2006
"Smooth Drive" Yamaha Hydra Drive
"Propulsion Report" Trailer Boats.
January 2006. Pg. 28.
Jim Barron reminds us Yamaha has continued to sell
their Hydra Drive in Australia, New Zealand and other
countries, and reports this year they will be introducing
several diesel versions in Europe. They have also
began using their TRP (Twin Rotating Propellers) on
this drive. Trailer Boats reports they dont know if Yamaha
intends to re-introduce it to the U.S., but if they did,
all they would need to do is pack it and ship it.
*************
3 Jan 2006
"Power to Burn"
Marine Propulsion Report 2006"
Trailer Boats. January 2006. Pgs. 60-70.
They report two stroke outboards are nearly extinct this
year due to EPA regulations that have become more
restrictive every year since 1998. Only Yamaha and
Johnson will offer two strokes this year. "Johnson reportedly
has enough pollution credits banked with the EPA to build
these engines for several more years but eventually they
will be phased out entirely."
The article again reports Yamaha currently builds outboards
to 300 HP and has indicated higher horsepower units
are coming to power 30 to 40 foot boats using largers
propellers.
*******************
26 Dec 2005
"UK. Newage gears up for London Boat Show"
BYM News 15 December 2005
http://www.bymnews.com/new/content/view/22005/56/
Newage Transmissions will be showing their StepDrive two speed
automatic transmission for Volvo Penta's 290 DuoProp at the London
Boat Show. It "sandwiches" in between the drive leg, maintains the
same gear ratio in top gear, and its low gear greatly improves
propeller efficiency at slow speeds and during acceleration.
Low gear is engaged below 1500 rpm.
*****************
19 Dec 2005
"Electric Outboards: Quietly Grow Boat Sales on
Restricted Lakes". by Jeff Davidson
Boat & Motor Dealer. November 2005 Pgs.25-26
does a great job discussing recent innovations in
electric outboards designed by Minn Kota to push
14 to 18 foot pontoon boats at 5 mph for two hours
with four regular deep cycle marine batteries.
A propeller redesign and seeking comments from
potential users in areas restricted from using gas
powered outboards has greated a new alternative
for these areas.
**********************
19 Dec 2005
"Bye-Bye Stern Drive" by the Boating Tech Team.
Boating Magazine. January 2006. Pgs. 116-119.
Compares stern drives and V-drives. The article
discusses many of the minor nuances between the
drives and their performance. The details they mention
would be well considered by others considering
producing an alternative drive.
*****************
2 Dec 2005
Yesterday we posted our latest marine drive design paper
"Marketing New Marine Drive Concepts Similar to Outboards
and Stern Drives: a Difficult Path for Independent Inventors
and Small Companies"
and a companion chart
"Recreational Marine Drive Commercialization Path Chart"
Both can be reached from our Marine Drive Design
Papers page at:
http://www.rbbi.com/white/white.htm
We are currently working on a paper focusing on
market statistics for outboards 30 HP and below.
***********************************************************
23 Nov 2005
U.S. Patent #6,966,806 for a "Replaceable Leading
Edge for a Marine Drive Unit" was issued yesterday
(22 Nov 2005) to Brunswick for a separate leading
edge portion of the nose cone/drive shaft housing
made from a different material than the main portion
to allow crushing and deformation to protect the main
portion on impact with debris or other obstacles.
They also mention the possibility of putting "crush boxes"
in the structure of the new part.
**********
23 Nov 2005
I also came across a Pursuit Dynamics patent
today, U.S. Patent 6,662,549, for their pursuit drive
(steam drive) issued back on 16 Dec 2003, I am
not sure if I listed earlier or not, so I relisted it here.
This patent is an example of the highly informative
patents filed by those seeking investors (they
include much more data and information than
normal patents from large existing entities).
************************
2 Nov 2005
How Rating Horsepower by the Big Number on the Cover
Came to Be. by Ralph Lambrecht, "Technical Corner",
Boat & Motor Dealer, May 2005 Pgs: 8 and 10.
I just came across the above buried in a pile of magazines.
Mr. Lambrecht has another great column, this time he
explains the horsepower rating standards used in the past,
efforts to change them, and how it will be done in the future.
**********************************
19 Oct 2005
Norwegian Team Turns Prop Insided Out
ibiNews 19 Oct 2005
Brunvoll and Norpropeller AS of Norway have been
working on the "Rim Driven Thruster" (RDT) since
1992. The prop is powered at the "rim" (similar to
an electric motor) not by a central shaft. Norpropeller
is said to be focusings on small craft applications.
http://www.ybw.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20050919115046ibinews.html
see also:
http://www.norpropeller.no
"Yamaha Scraps Model Year, Mercury Will Too"
Soundings Trade Only. Oct. 2005. Pg. 8.
Continual improvements and problems of matching
model year drives to model year boats are doing
away with traditional model year drives at Yamaha
and Mercury will follow their lead.
**********************
13 Oct 2005
"Fred Kanter Boat Car Builder" in Boating Magazine
Oct 2005 pg. 160 talks about his boat-cars and relates
"My company builds concept cars. We also built a
45-mph, fuel cell powered, silent surfboard for the Navy."
Wonder how his surfboard drive compares to PowerSki
JetBoards?
*************
15 Sep 2005
I came across a European patent for the Yellowfin suface
drive that has been shown online for a few years at
www.yellowfin.com
EP1332960 and WPO03064249
It looks like their website has been polished up and they
are up and going again.
**************
24 Aug 2005
"Keel Cooling on Workboat Engines"
Keel cooling is being made available on two commercial
ratings of Cummins MerCruiser Diesel's 5.9lt Quantum Series engine.
The above story appeared in 24 Aug 2005 ibinews.com
daily newsletter. Keel cooling is typically used with
larger vessels (radiate heat through a plate in contact
with the water on the bottom of the boat). This method
might work its way into some recreational applications?
************
10 Aug 2005
Hybrid Outboard - Stern Drive Cross
The logical hookup of new high tech outboard engines inside
the hull powering stern drives through the transom have been
spoken of for several years.
Trailer Boats August 2005 Propulsion Report "Power Trends"
by Jim Barron (Pg 31) discusses several industry rumors and
reports "we have also heard that Merc has tipped the I-6 Verado
forward and coupled it to a stern drive." They go on to mention
it would be an expensive drive, but volume might bring the cost
down and it would give them an alternative to GM built engines.
Mr. Barron says the drive may or may not ever make it to the marketplace.
Huge Outboards?
The same Trailer Boat article (above) reports Yamaha may be
considering producing 350 to 400 horsepower V-8 outboards for
boats over 30 feet. They will probably use large diameter props
and provide an alternative to diesel power.
******************
8 Aug 2005
We came across a technical article on Volvo's Composite
(Ocean Series) Drive.
"Saltwater No Match for Composite Stern Drive".
by D. Brosius
Composites Technology. Vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 36-38. Feb. 2004
The article reports the drive is a "compression molded, high-glass
vinyl ester SMC that replaced the cast Al in highly loaded components
exposed to saltwater". Reducing weight, increasing reliability and reducing
part count.
*******************
26 Jul 2005
We have recently came across several new drives, many
(but not all) from China / Taiwan
Alpha Int'L Industrial & Trading Co. Ltd - Chinese outboard
Star and SAIL - Chinese outboards
Tayako Motors - small outboard from Japan
Chongging Fano Development Company - small outboard from China
Takt Outboard - small outboard from China
Taiwan Marine Engine (TME) - Taiwan outboard
Yang-Xian Products Ltd of Taiwan is making a thorough line
of "will fit" parts for major outboards and stern drives. It
does not take lots of imagination to envision them assembling
them into sellable units.
Duodrive System - contrarotating surfacing drive from
the UK
http://www.duodrive.co.uk/preformance_engineering.htm
Cosworth Marine previously Vortech Marine - a through
transom drive resembling an outboard powerhead inside
the boat powering a stern drive leg in the water. Currently
raising funds in South Africa.
http://www.exportcapital.co.za/port_vortech.html
***************
2 July 2005
Trailer Boats July 20O5 "There's Nothing is New" article in
the Propulsion Report section (July 2005 pg 28).
Jim Barron mentions he previously pointed out some similarities
between Volvo Penta's new IPS traction drive and an old
Faegeol designed Crosly Vertical Inboard Power (VIP) engine
that functioned in a similar manner, but pushed instead of
pulled the boat. A reader has since pointed out that in the
same time frame, Western Gear built the SeaPower stern drive
(in the days before MerCruiser) with a tractor drive,
forward-neutral-reverse transmission, an a full 360 degrees
rotation of the lower unit so it could push in shallow water or
when beaching). The article includes a small insert of an old
advertisement for the SeaPower drive.
********************
30 June 2005
We noticed Brunswick recently received a patent for
a vertically adjustable stern drive without a u-joint.
U.S. Patent 6,902,451 issued 7 Jun 2005.
23 May 2005
We recently came across a handful of drive related
patents we had not yet listed here:
US Pat 6,213,824 Method for Reducing Vessel Draft,
from Mark Small assigned to Power Vent. Issued 10 Apr 2001.
US Pat 6,855,018 Propulsion System for Boats from
Don Burg. A variation of the Hydro-Air Drive designed
especially for catamarans and other multi-hulls.
Issued 15 Feb 2005.
US Pat 6,863,013 Boat Propulsion System by Evan
Noyes Jr. has a moveable trim plate in a tunnel with
a surfacing prop. Issued 8 Mar 2005.
US Pat 6,890,227 Compact Jack Plate assigned to
Brunswick. Issued 10 May 2005.
US Patent Application US 2005/0106958 Boat Propulsion
System. A hydraulic powered drive with a hydraulic clutch
from Japan. Printed 19 May 2005.
*********************
23 May 2005
Antique Outboard Museum
"Outboard Museum Gears Up" in the May 2005 edition
of Boat US (pgs 26,26) covers a collection of 76
antique outboards from Duke's Outboard (a dealer)
being readied for display at the new "Duke Montgomery
Outboard Motor and Boat Museum in Rhinelander
Wisconsin. These old drives still hold lots of ideas
for today's innovators. Many features and concepts
they tried, but failed might be able to be accomplished
today with modern materials and processes.
20 May 2005
I finally got around to reading the Feb 2005 issue
of European Boatbuilder. They have an excellent
review of the new Volvo IPS drive that also talks
quite a bit about the installation process.
"Pulling Potential"
European Boatbuilder
Feb. 2005 pgs. 52-55.
The same issue contains an editorial about the drive
and Volvo's claim it "Will Change the Course of
Boating Forever" on page 3.
Both make reference to this being the first forward
facing steerable propeller for recreational boats.
I guess they forgot about the MCB "Drive 45 Degrees"
from Sweden in the late 1960s?
Plus we recently came across a quote from Carl
Sagan, the astronomer, that might be relevant to
Volvo's claims the drive "Will Change the Course
of Boating Forever". Carl Sagan said,
"Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence."
We notice none of the articles to date say much
about prop guard issues. Forward facing props
can be pretty rough on people and manatees in
the water, but it is targeted at larger boats that
tend to be a little slower moving and not have people
in the water around them.
We are especially happy to see a drive come to market
that requires a few hull modifications. Perhaps their
drive will open the market to more designs requiring
some hull modifications. We wish Volvo Penta the
best and applaud them for bringing a breath of fresh
air to the marketplace.
**********************
18 May 2005
I came across an SBIR Navy project for hybrid drive
small boats back in 2003. They were going to use
a 7 meter RIB. The award went to UQM Technologies.
http://www.navysbir.brtrc.com/navySearch/Award/award.aspx?pk=F25FDCFA-A530-4BE7-AD3C-F452F27A45D9
A related project was awarded to Littoral Research
of New Orleans and Kinetic Art and Technology (KAT)
and its related commercialization arm, Lynx Motion
Technology Corporation. The 7 meter RIB will use
SEMA motor technology.
http://www.navysbir.brtrc.com/navySearch/Award/award.aspx?pk=2FE7CACD-342F-4DC0-B7AC-1D11E1B3E09E
***********
5 May 2005
"Recalling the first V4 outboards as milestones in boating
history" article in Boat & Motor Dealer April 2005 issue
on pgs 4 and 6 by Ralph Lambrecht does a great job of
covering the early history of the V4 and V6 designs.
**********
5 May 2005
Invention of the Outboard Motor is detailed in a great
Soundings Trade Only article titled, "The Outboard's
100th Birthday" in their May 2005 issue on pages 52-53.
It attributes the invention of the first successful outboard
to Cameron B. Waterman and a 1905 patent instead of
Ole Evinrude and provides many details of the early days.
************
5 May 2005
Marine Technology Jet Inc (manufacturers of the variable
inlet, variable out water jet was acquired on 20 Jan 2005
by a new company named IntelliJet Marine, Inc and are
online at
http://www.intellijetmarine.com
They have now packaged the variable inlet, variable outlet
with a variable prop/pump that can over stroke for reverse
(no reversing bucket is needed).
*****************
3 May 2005
I noticed a pump jet patent issued today to Applied
Combustion Technology (ACT).
U.S. Patent 6,887,117 Pump Jet With and Exhaust
Bypass and Associated Methods.
Device is for outboards and tries to solve the problem
of exhaust gas reducing performance of pumpjet drives
in reverse.
***********
3 May 2005
Power Boat Reports May 2005 edition has a nice brief review
of the new Volvo IPS drive on page 6 and lists some specific
advantages of the design.
1. Engine can be mounted level with no "tip up"
2. Engine placement can be in optimal position fore/aft for the
boat using the optional jackshaft
3. Engine placement allows designer to optimize useful interior space
4. Exhaust gas is vented underwater reducing noise and keeping
transom clean.
5. Boat handling is improved. Steering the leg/prop instead of a
rudder makes it more responsive.
6. Use of two small contrarotating propellers prevents stern walking
while docking, often a problem with larger, slow turning props.
7. Overall performance is enhanced because thrust is parallel to the
boat instead of at an angle like most inboard drives
8. Props run in undisturbed water adding to performance.
9. Drive claims 30% improvement in fuel consumption.
*************
3 May 2005
Boat & Motor Dealer April 2005 page 10 has a great chart on
Engine Penetration by Segment from the 2005 JD Power and
Associates Marine Engine Competitive Information Study.
It lists types of boats: Bass Boat, Pontoon, Coastal Fishing,
Ski Boat, Runabout, Express Cruiser and shows the percentage
of each craft running a specific engine type: Inboard 4 stroke,
Outboard 2 stroke, Outboard 4 stroke, Sterndrive 4 stroke.
We often hear from groups with a new drive design that think
"everybody" will need their drive. We try to get them to determine
which of the many segments might be most attracted to their
drive and why. This chart will be helpful in that discussion.
*********
3 May 2005
I recently found a new hydraulic marine drive from Australia,
"Hy-Thrust Hydrostatic Stern Drive" at
http://www.amphibiousvehicles.com.au/HyThrust.html
the stainless steel drive is used in "Duck Boats' for tourism/
sightseeing excursions.
********
3 May 2005
I recently notice a couple patents for an unusual surface drive.
U.S. Patent 6,823,812 issued 30 Nov 2004
Drive uses trim tabs to set the surface level for the drive.
It is shown as twins powered by one engine.
I think I have also seen a much more recent patent on the drive,
but dont see it laying around here at the moment.
**********
3 May 2005
Lenco Marine now has a trim tab mounted electric powered
prop (sort of a trim tab mounted trolling motor)
http://www.lencomarine.com
************
3 May 2005
I noticed a drive patent proposed by an independent
inventor called the Manatee Drive
U.S. Patent Application 2005/0079776 printed
14 April 2005
Drive looks like an outboard but powers a small snowmobile
track instead of a propeller.
**************
16 March 2005
We reviewed some of the more recent U.S. Patents for
marine drive designs.
U.S. Patent 6,808,432 Marine Propulsion Device with Cooling
System Cover. Assigned to Brunswick. A water conducting cover
for stern drives. Issued 26 Oct 2004.
U.S. Patent 6,814,637 Marine Inboard Through Hull
Propeller Drive. A through hull drive of the nature of the
Volvo IPS drives, but with a rearward facing propeller,
and a chain drive. Issued 9 Nov 2004.
U.S. Patent 6,840,888 Hydro-Electric Control System for
Marine Vessels. Assigned to Teleflex. An example of
recent electronic shifting and throttle control systems.
Issued 11 Jan 2005.
U.S. Patent 6,855,018 Propulsion System for Boats.
Invented by Donald Burg. Twin tunnel surfacing
drive related to the Hydro-Air drive, but particularly
targeting multi hull / catamaran type craft.
Issued 15 Feb 2005.
U.S. Patents 6,851,990 and 6,860,770 Method
and Device for Low Noise Underwater Propulsion.
Assigned to Boeing. The craft "sucks in" and
expells water for propulsion. Primary applications
are military, but it also has some civilian advantages.
Issued 1 Mar 2005 and 8 Feb 2005
U.S. Patent 6,863,013 Boat Propulsion System.
A surfacing tunnel drive.
Issued 8 Mar 2005.
****************************
16 March 2005
Saro of Germany has a new TUPROP Tunnel Drive
that resembles a stern drive (has a snout,
gimbal, lower leg, etc) more than their previous drives.
http://www.tuprop.com
*******************
9 March 2005
Trailer Boats March 2005 edition reviews the new Volvo IPS drive in a Propulsion report by
Jim Barron titled "Best Foot Forward" on page 30.
This drive may be a sign the industry is now more
open to drives requiring hull modifications (many
drive designs not currently in widespread use
require some alterations or major changes in hulls
not present in typical outboard and stern drive boats).
*****************
2 Dec 2004
A new Volvo Penta drive is featured in pre-release
story in Motor Boat & Yachting. The drive is due
for worldwide release at London Boat Show in
January. Called "Inboard Performance System"
or IPS, it features twin forward facing propellers
on a "thru the bottom of the hull" drive leg.
http://www.mby.com/auto/newsdesk/20041101132742mbynews.html
It can also be seen in a 1 Dec ibinews release
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20041101141554ibinews.html
The drive can be seen in the U.S. Patents below
6,623,320
6,705,907
6,783,410
*****************************
2 Nov 2004
We came across an old design patent today
U.S. Design Patent D187,407 issued to an inventor
in England for "Transom Drive Unit for a Boat" that
appears to have a circular mounting structure on the
transom (allows drive to pivot around a circle?).
*********************************
24 Sept 2004
Found a manual online for Stern Powr drives from Dana at
http://www.marysvillemarine.com/catalog/cat_p256-258.pdf
********************
July 15, 2004
Yamaha article reports trends in market share of
outboard drives by technology (direct injection,
four-stroke, carbureted two-stroke).
Consumers Flocking to New Technology Outboards
Boating Industry
July/Aug 2004 Pg. 10
A chart indicates fiscal 2002, fiscal 2004 estimates and
fiscal 2007 predictions.
2002 - 54 percent carb 2 stroke, 40 percent four stroke,
6 percent DI
2004 - 39 percent carb 2 stroke, 52 percent four stroke,
9 percent DI
2007 - 15-20 percent carb 2 stroke, 65-75 percent four stroke
10-15 percent DI
*************************
7 July 2004
Soundings Trade Only recently printed an article with
some nice info in it on the satisfaction of boaters with
dual prop stern drives. Owners of dual prop stern drive
boats appear significantly more satisfied than owners
of single prop drive boats.
Shoddy Builders Can Drag Down the Whole Industry
Soundings Trade Only
June 2004 Pgs. 48-49,
by Eric Sorensen
The chart is on page 49.
Marine Jet Technology Corp scored a nice article in
Soundings Trade Only about their microcontroller
controlled water jet with variable inlet and a variable
nozzle called the Variable Marine Jet.
Jetdrives Are the Future, Predicts Company
Soundings Trade Only
July 2004. Pg. 49.
Soundings Trade Only also recently reported on the class
action suit filed by boaters against Mercury Marine for problems
with their 2.5 and 3.0 Liter Optimax engines from 2000,
2001, and 2002. Suit was filed May 2003 in the 11th Judicial
Circuit Court in Miami - Dade County FL. It claims there were
defects in the fuel injection and powerhead components.
Mercury is now offering rebates on Mercury and Quicksilver
parts used to repair the engines and rebates toward the
purchase of new engines to those affected. Mercury hopes
this offer will be accepted at the next court hearing on Sept. 9.
Mercury Moves to Settle Class Action Suit
Offers to extend warranties, give rebates to owners of some
2000-2002 Optimax engines.
Soundings Trade Only
July 2004. Pg. 16.
Mercury's Verado made the cover of Design News and the
issue includes a feature story on the plastic parts used in
Verado. The article discusses DuPonts involvement and talks
about the specific challenges involved.
It great to see a marine drive on the cover of an engineering
publication. Congratulations to Mercury Marine.
Plastics Take the Water
Design News
28 June 2004
Cover Story and Pgs. 56-62
*********************************************
7 July 2004
I came across a technical market study of two stroke engines
that includes outboards
Preliminary Results from a Market Analysis of the Two-Stroke
Combustion Engine Industry
Technovation (an Elsevier Publication)
Vol. 17 No. 7. July 1997.
Pgs. 403-408.
The core of the study will include application areas, patent
activity and industrial company identification.
*********************************
7 July 2004
SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) now offers several
downloadable marine drive papers (each for a fee). Many more
focus on emissions or injection technologies, but the ones
below focus more on design, mostly for outboards. The first
two digits of the of papers number indicate the year of issue
of the older papers, newer papers have the full year as the
first part of their number. They are listed in chronological order
below (oldest to newest).
The Outboard Marine Corp. Model 480 Stern Drive Marine
Propulsion Unit.
SAE paper #620114
Modern Outboard Design - Johnson and Evinrude 50 HP
SAE paper #710580
The 200 HP V-6 Outboard Motor
(an OMC paper)
SAE paper #760643
The Design and Development of the OMC V-8 Outboard Motor
SAE paper #851517
The Development of Outboard Motors, Powered by New
Concept High Speed Diesel Engines
(a Yanmar paper)
SAE paper #891780
Development of Fuel Injected Two-Stroke Outboard Motor
(a Suzuki paper)
SAE paper #911225
From Development to Industrialization of An IapacSr
Marine Outboard D.I. 2-Stroke Engine
(a Selva paper)
SAE paper #2001-01-1780
Development of the High Pressure Injection (HPDI) System
for Two-Stroke Outboard Motor
(a Sanshin (Yamaha) paper)
SAE paper #2001-01-1786
Development of Four-Stroke Outboard Motor
(a Suzuki paper)
SAE paper #2001-01-1803
Development of the Application of the Automotive Engine
Technology to the V6 Four-Stroke Outboard Motor
(a Honda paper)
SAE paper #2002-32-1809
Development of Large V6 Four-Stroke 225PS Outboard Motor
(a Sanshin (Yamaha) paper)
SAE paper #2002-32-1822
Development of NASA High-Strength Aluminum Alloy for Use
in the Evinrude Etec Outboard Motor
(a Bombardier paper)
SAE paper #2004-01-2588
*****************************************************
7 July 2004
Someone asked us what schools might provide some
special training in outboard engine design.
Wisconsin University (near Mercury Marine's
Outboard plants) has a small engine consortium
that ties to some of their other engine programs.
http://www.engr.wisc.edu/industry/atwork/vol3/unique.html
http://www.erc.wisc.edu/wsec/index.html
http://www.erc.wisc.edu/index.html
Michigan Tech also has some outboard programs.
*****************************
8 June 2004
I am finally getting around to logging another great
Ralph Lambert article,
Time for a Lightweight Stern Drive
Boat & Motor Dealer
April 2004, Pgs. 4-6.
This article is somewhat of a follow up to his April 1998
article in the same publication promoting the concept
of taking some of the new high performance outboard
powerheads, putting them inside the hull and powering
a stern drive through the hull. He specifically points out
how this would fit well with Mercury's new large four
stroke outboard engines.
******************
4 June 2004
Someone pointed out the CAP Propulsion System
(Conically Adjusted Propulsion) propulsion and maneuvering
system developed by Motala Verkstad. Their website is
copyright 2002 by AB Motala Verkstad of Sweden
http://www.motalaverkstad.se/cap.asp
It appears to be a continuation of the unit promoted
by Nixflu AB of Hamnen Sweden in the early 1990's
then called the Nixdrive. This "steerable propeller" is
now targeting sea going vessels. The earlier incarnation
targeted recreational drives.
*************
26 May 2004
I stumbled over a Design News article from 2001 on the
Volvo Penta Composite drive today. The article is very
informative.
Structural Composites Take to the Water
Design News
9 April 2001
http://www.designnews.com/article/CA68922?stt=001&pubdate=04%2F09%2F01
***********
12 Feb 2004
Mercury Marine introduced the much hyped "Project X"
drive, now called Verado, at the Miami boat show today.
It is a 2.6L supercharged inline 6 cylinder outboard.
**********
23 Jan 2004
A few days ago I came across two older articles with
good coverage of drive technologies:
MerCruiser BlackTrac multi-speed transmission
Motor Boats
June 1997
Pg. 116
We have the issue. It reviews MerCruisers multi-speed
transmission.
and
NewTech Showdown: Optimax vs. MerCruiser
Trailer Boats
Oct 1998
Pgs. 46-50 and 78
We have the issue. They tested a 3.0L and 4.3L sterndrive
against the 135 HP Optimax. A comparison of the two drive
types and costs.
****************
12 Jan 2004
Stealth Drive for Ships
Popular Mechanics
June 2003
Pg. 24
Jonathan B. Rosefsky patented a variation of the
Archimedes screw to reduce cavitation. The drive uses
a ribbon like helical blade that reduces angle from front
to back inside a cylinder. The drive also allows water
in from the side. He formed a company called FLUID-motive
to develop the concept in generators as well.
*********
12 Jan 2004
On 9 Jan 2004 most of the marine news media carried coverage
of Mercury Marine's filing a complaint with the U.S. Dept of
Commerce and the International Trade Commission, claiming
Japanese manufacturers have been "dumping" outboards in
America by selling them at below cost. The U.S. Yamaha
marine division fired back a harsh reply at them.
************
10 Jan 2004
Propulsion Report: Evolving Power
Trailer Boats
July 2003
Pg.7
by Jim Barron
I came across this nice article today. Although only
a page long, it covers quite a bit of the history of
recreational marine drives and makes a few projections
of the future. Well done Mr. Barron.
**********
5 Jan 2004
Suzuki announced they combined their U.S. motorcycle
and marine operations effective Jan 1st 2004.
3 Jan 2004
Grey Market - PreRigging - Packaging - Outboards
A Serious Industry Problem
by Ben Sherwood
Boating Industry
Nov/Dec 2003
Pg. 22
Nice discussion of Packaged, pre-rigged, loose,
grey market outboard marketing issues.
**************
3 Jan 2004
Technology
Drives: Competition is Fueling Advances in
Stern Drive Technology
Family & Performance Boating
Feb. 2004
Pgs. 17-19.
Talks about history of stern drive development, via
the "Iron Fist", IMCO Marine's high horsepower stern
drive efforts including "Xtreme Advantage", and their
4X4 drive. It also plugs Dean Clausen's Bravo Shop's
Bmax Poker Run Drive and Bmax Stage 2 drive.
Also mentioned is Bob Teague's Teague Custom Marine
Platinum Shaft XR Drive. The article also has a nice
photo of IMCO Marine's standoff box.
***********
3 Jan 2004
Engine Dreaming and Speculation: Is Their a
Revolution in the Works for Marine Propulsion
Technical Corner
by Ralph Lambert
Pgs. 7-8
This article points out many innovations have busted
on the scene with a lot of flash, then died away before
ever making it to the market. It written pretty cynically,
but he certainly has a valid point. He then begins to
attack the Dyna Cam engine. One of the latest to
rally press reports around a "new" engine promising
to revolutionalize the marine market.
***********
11 Dec 2003
Ringprop continues to develop, raise money for and
successfully sell some of its ringged propellers, being
promoted as safer and incorporating some features of
propeller guards. They recently also found a partner
in J.L. French, a casting firm.
This is the same design once promoted by Stealth
Products International that originated in Australia.
Ringprop
http://www.ringprop.com
11 Sept. 2003
Marine Jet Tech has posted a nice technical
paper on their variable inlet water jet (uses
a microcontroller). Presentation was given at
MACC 2003 (Multi-Agency Craft Conference),
a military gathering.
http://www.marinejettech.com/media/MJTC%20Slide%20Show.PDF
11 Sept. 2003
I noticed Bombardier recently (August 26, 2003) patented
a marine drive that is "sort of" composed of an outboard
power head mounted to a horizontal plate above a well
near the back of the boat. The lower unit steers and
trims independent of the upper unit (upper unit stays
fixed). Basic installation remotely resembles an L Drive.
See U.S. Patent #6,609,939
http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/srchnum.htm
You will need a tiff viewer to see the images.
11 Sept 2003
I noticed Bombardier patented a high performance skeg
(lowest fin of drive). The patent discusses their drag reduced
design.
U.S. Patent 6,558,213
Issued 6 May 2003.
11 Sept 2003
Orbital Engines has established a nice U.S. web site
illustrating their technologies, intellectual property
and other information that includes some market
research type information.
http://www.orbeng.com
11 Sept 2003
I noticed Pursuit Dynamics has a new technical
paper out on their steam drive. I dont recall seeing
this paper before..
Jet Age Steam Power for Marine Propulsion
printed in
Ship Design and Operation for Environmental Sustainability
http://www.netstoreonline.co.uk/pursuit/design.pdf.pdf
10 Sept. 2003
I stumbled onto Dynacam, a new swashplate style
engine targeting the kitplane and marine industries.
http://www.dynacam.com
30 May 2003
Found a great collection of boat propulsion images that
includes some data on the photos. Lots of European drives
at:
http://boatdesign.net/gallery/index.php?cat=528
also the Bombardier / OMC /Evinrude / Johnson sell off
continues. In early April (Apr.3) they announced the sell off
of the recreational division including above lines and Sea Doo.
The press has covered the decision extensively, listing
the Bombardier family as a potential significant shareholder
in the new operation to which they claimed over 30 interested
participants requesting information. No clear winners have
yet been announced.
The entire process and situation to date is nicely summed
up in:
Bombardier to Sell off its Recreational Division
Boat & Motor Dealer
May 2003
Pgs. 26-30.
(note there are no pages 27-28, is just an insert card)
also noticed
Don Robertson's page has a nice thorough list of international
inboard (engine) builders.
http://www.yachtsales.com/ibmanuf.html
29 May 2003
Stumbled onto several drives today including:
the "High Performance Kort Sterndrive" in the UK at:
http://www.kortpropulsion.com/sterndrive.htm
Is for high speed vessels up to 450 HP.
and
Rice Speed and Thrust Propeller Nozzles (ducts for drives) at:
http://olds.com.au/marine/nozzles/Default.htm
http://olds.com.au/marine/nozzles/thrust.html
they are said to increase thrust and efficiencies
and
Sykes Hydromaster Steerable Marine Drives 50 to 150 horsepower
hydraulic drives for slow moving vessels.
http://www.shipsmachinery.com/page13.html
and
Kaplan and Associates Hydraulic Outboard Drives for
boats and barges.
http://www.alkaplan.com/drives
and
Q-SPD Surface Drive, a 1500 horsepower surface drive made
from composite materials (no corrosion) in Auckland. New Zealand
by Propulsion Alternatives Ltd.
http://www.q-spd.com
and
France Helices Surface Drive System (SDS)
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/shmu.graphiste/francehelices/sdsuk.htm
http://www.europeanmarine.co.uk/page51.htm
and
France Helice Surf Drive Surfacing Drive
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/shmu.graphiste/francehelices/sduk.htm
and
Bog Hog Mud Motors for shallow running
http://www.boghogmudmotors.com
28 May 2003
ZF Trimax Ring Drive introduced at Miami Boat Show 2003
V-Drive with minimal extension of propeller for tunnel drives.
http://ZF-Marine.com/News/NPageDetail.cfm?UF=1&P=RingDrive-1.cfm&Y=2003
28 May 2003
Posted parts book cover of an old late 1960's drive from Sweden
called the Monark - Crescent AB from Uppsala Sweden on our site
at:
http://www.rbbi.com/white/drives/crescent/crescent.jpg
It rotated in the transom to steer and had a tractor drive (prop
faced forward).
27 May 2003
Stumbles onto SCS Gearbox Inc surface drive
looks sort of like an Arneson drive
http://www.scsgearbox.com/stern.htm
Is also called Sage #8 stern drive
was designed by Mike Sage
Has four inches true vertical trim adjustment.
7 May 2003
Brunswick put out a press release today on Mercury
Marine's alternative fuel engine development program
for the U.S. Military.
http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=BC&script=410&layout=-6&item_id=410349
3 Apr 2003
Bombardier announced plans to sell its Recreation Division
(boats and motors), probably to the Bombardier family.
20 Feb 2003
Logging two recent stern drive water ingestion articles
Engine Blocks Choke on Water
BoatUS
Vol. VIII Jan 2003
Pgs.24-25
talks about the recent MerCruiser problems, an
August 2001 MerCruiser service bulletin # 2001-13.
Discusses efforts MerCruiser and Volvo have taken to
address the problem and how it occurs.
Mercury execs address Bravo 3, Optimax problems
Soundings Trade Only
Jan 2003
Pg. 16
discusses the Bravo 3 water ingestion problems,
the special turbulator design, warm water
manifolds and dry joint risers Mercury will be using
in the future. Fred Brightbill president of Mercury's
Integrated Operations Division says it "has totally
eliminated the problem."
****************
24 Dec 2002
Waterjet Technology
Professional Boatbuilder
October 2000
http://www.jetpac.us/Press/wjpdf.pdf
Nice article on current status of marine waterjet technologies
Is posted by OPS.
*******
23 Dec 2002
Two-stroke versus four-stroke continued
Technical Corner
Boat & Motor Dealer
Nov. 2002
Ralph Lambrecht
An excellent continuation of the discussion started in the
April 2002 issue. Both engine types continue to evolve
and no clear winner has been seen. Two strokes have been
extremely resilient in many design variables. The general
public still thinks they are dirty engines, but certain designs
can run very clean.
**********
18 Dec 2002
Engine emission STAR Ratings
Star Quality: What do the star ratings on your engine mean?
Boat Motor Doctor
by Grid Michal
Go Boating
Feb 2003 Pgs. 22-25.
This article does an excellent job of explaining the STAR system
of labeling engines by their emission levels and provides some insight
into the history and reasoning of the system. It also points out
manufacturers sometimes select the two star rating when the engine
is very near of possibly just into the three star category to not receive
a bad rating in an inspection if everything is not up to par.
RBBI related comment
Emissions levels have significantly effected drive design and
possibly also had major impact on other areas of drive design
by removing resources, dollars and people from those areas.
****************************************************************
Note: Above this point (prior to 18 Dec. 2002 , postings are
listed in reverse chronological order (most recent postings first).
Below this point they are listed in chronological order
(oldest posting first).
***********************************************
Hydromarine .pdf paper
Hydraulic marine drive based on Rexroth pumps & motors
http://www.rexroth.com/riq/1999/riq.1999-3/en/article11.pdf
Bow and Stern Thrusters on Sport boats uses joystick
"User friendly, thrusters standard on Maxum 23's
Soundings Trade Only Feb 2001 pg 36
Active Noise Cancellation
Silence is golden for Volvo engine manufacturer
Soundings Trade Only Feb 2001 pg 9
MerCruiser Blacktrac transmission
Swing shift (MerCruiser's Black trac transmission
Trailer boats Feb 1997 pg 92
Thomas R. Stanely
U.S. Patent 5,186,666
is another outboard/stern drive standoff and lift mechanism
Worlds first fuel cell boat
Hydra
hauls 20 passengers
German cooperative effort
International Boat Industry
Aug-Sept 2000
Page 4
New propulsion technology may have trouble penetrating market
Boating Industry International Apr 2001 pgs 31-32
On OPS jet drive
Cites Honda saying it takes them 3 years just to develop
a marketable 8 HP motor.
Mentions 1980's OMC Seadrives that bracketed to the back
Disposal of Old Boats a Problem
Boating Industry International Apr 2001 pgs 43-45
Mostly focuses on the issue in Europe
CEC Volvo "in leg" two speed
http://www.c-e-c.co.uk
Mercury MerCruiser Racing integrated transom
http://www.rbbi.com/company/bc/2001/transom/transom.htm
Volvo Penta Ocean Series XDP composite drive
http://www.rbbi.com/company/volvo/cdrive.htm
Quote on reluctance to change
What Campbell's new chief needs to know
by Louis Lavelle
Business Week
June 25, 2001
Pg.60
"Partly, its the curse of size - any product change entails a massive
capital investment that makes even modest improvements seems like
giant risks. Thus, few if any ideas are carried through to execution.
Enhancing Outboard Jet Performance
excellent article on outboard jet technology
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/Fish/sepoct99/jetboard.htm
Big Noise for a Quiet Giant
International Boat Industry magazine
Aug/Sept 2001
Pgs 18-20
Excellent review of Yamaha 225 Hp four-stroke outboard.
Details attempts to claim part of stern drive market
Includes European dealer survey comparing characteristics of
outboards and stern drives
***************************************************************
NOTE ON JULY 10, 2002 THE BURNS JET, PURSUIT
DYNAMICS INFO IN THIS AREA WAS MOVED TO ITS OWN PAGE.
www.rbbi.com/company/pursuit/pursuit.htm
A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL MATERIAL WAS LEFT
HERE FOR REFERENCE.
An Australian drive invented by Dr. Alan Burns and initially
funded by Carnegie Corporation Limited was sold to Pursuit Dynamics (in the UK)
and had a IPO in May of 2001.
http://www.carnegiecorp.com.au/marinedrvproj.html
http://globalarchive.ft.com/globalarchive/icon/articles.html?id=010914014570&query=Pursuit+Dynamics
The Burns Jet Drive is intended for leisure and light commercial vessels.
It appears to be based upon injecting steam in the middle of a duct below
the boat. When the steam enters the cold water, it collapses, pulling additional water
through the ring, basically pulling the vessel along.
http://www.businessweekly.co.uk/news/view_article.asp?article_id=5091
John Gunn is said to be a major investor
A very extensive investor report on the drive is available from the
"I agree" link at the bottom of this page
http://www.numiscorp.com/deals/64280cl_all.html
In July 2002, I noticed the group now has a website:
http://www.pursuitdynamics.com
New Propulsion System Aims to Revolutionize Market
International Boat Industry
June/July 2002
Pg. 7
Reports the drive could be ready for sea trials by this November.
Pursuit Dynamics Executive Director, John Heathcote told IBI,
when they can meet the efficiencies of two and four stroke
outboards they can go to market. He estimates pricing would
be one-half that of an outboard.
They floated on the stock exchange last month and raised
4 million pounds. They are now looking for a joint venture
partner with their own distribution, maintenance and service
network.
The column included a photo of Mr. Heathcote.
**
Pursuit Makes Good Progress With Marine Propulsion Test Programme
Business Weekly (a UK publication)
10 July 2002
Reports on their accelerated test program
**
Patents from several jurisdictions were issued surrounding
the device in late 2001 and early 2002.
WO 0194197 issued Dec. 13, 2001
Australia AU6366001World Patent System
Great Britain GB02045037 issued 26 Feb. 2002
Most of the text and drawings for the World Patent
can be viewed from the European Patent Office system.
http://ec.espacenet.com/espacenet
enter: Pursuit Dynamics in the company search box to find it.
**********************************************
Running Tide Yachts has a nice site on drive development including
an ongoing belt drive design effort soliciting public historical input.
http://www.runningtideyachts.com/power
Hoffmasters Power Position Paper (Merc - Volvo drive comparison)
http://www.hoffmasters.com/power.html
*******
Not exactly drives, but Nov 19, 2001 Time Magazine Inventions
article mentions two marine vessel/propulsion units
Easy Rider by Klem Flying Boats is sort of a small aiplane
looking hull riding on a bow mounted water ski for very
smooth rides to 80 mph. It uses ground effect and is powered
by an inboard, 175-horsepower Mazda 13b rotary engine,
multi-speed transmission and surface piercing prop.
http://www.klemflyingboats.com
article also references the PowerSki jetboard (powered
surfboard by Bob Montgomery to be available in mid 2002.
It is powered by a small flat engine driving a water jet.
http://www.powerski.com
We initially covered this unit at Boating Week 2000.
http://www.rbbi.com/folders/show/bw2000/lake/boards.htm
********
Mercury Marine / Brunswick launched a new thruster system
that can be controlled by a ball (resembling a joy stick method).
Sea Ray calls it Precision Pilot and Maxum calls it Control Max
Docking System. The system is reviewed in the article below.
Ball Control. International Boat Industry. Oct. 2001. Pgs. 25-26.
Maxum's version was a joint project between the Bonnette Design
Group, Brunswick Research and U.S. Marine. It won a Bronze in the
Industrial Designers Society of America IDEA 2001.
http://www.idsa.org/whatis/seewhat/idea2001/winners/B9058.htm
Bonnette Design
http://www.bonnettedesign.com
*****************
Total Control Marine Systems has trolling motors that insert
directly into pontoon boat pontoons.
U.S. Patents #5,401,195 and #6,325,683.
Total Control Marine
http://www.totalcontrolmarine.com
*****************
Bombardier has several patents on a system of two recessed trolling
motors in corners of the transom for improved maneuvering.
U.S. Patents #6,299,493, 6,305,994, 6,322,405, 6,322,406.
*******************
A new Power Vent drive patent issued Dec 4, 2001. It covers
a bow propulsion system operating in conjunction with the
Power Vent tunnel drive.
U.S. Patent #6,325,010
********************************
Scratching the Surface
Popular Mechanics June 2000
pgs 38-39
covers Power Vent drive
**********************
15 Feb 2002 Volvo Penta Press Release announces Ocean
Series XDP drive (composite). Points out lighter weight and
salt water resistance. Targets ocean fishing market. It won
the Miami Boat Show innovation award.
******************
In March 2002 I notice Yamaha's new 225 HP four-stroke
can connect to standard portable computers for readouts,
trouble shooting and control. Their quote is below ....
"The sophisticated diagnosis system developed by Yamaha
for its latest outboards is also a featured the new F225.
Further more a simple plug-in link to a personal computer
displays a running history of the engine’s use and
performance, making easy work of maintenance and servicing.
In addition, a comforting fail-safe system keeps the engine
running at reduced ‘get you home’ speed, in the unlikely
event should a problem be detected by any of the engine’s
main sensors. Safe guarding the engine and of course
it’s users."
******************
March 12, 2002 Brunswick was awarded U.S. Patent 6,354,892
for a sensor based prop guard. Full details are on our
2002 Prop Guard Update page
http://www.rbbi.com/invent/guard/propg/updates/2002/prop2002.htm
******************
Dec 25, 2001 U.S. Patent 6,332,818 for a surfacing propulsion
system awarded to Futuretech Technologies Ltd. of Kent, GB
will take some more time for me to review. Just wanted to include
it here for the moment so we did not lose it.
***************
March 26, 2002 U.S. Patent 6,361,387 for a marine propulsion apparatus
with dual drive shafts extending from a forward end of an engine.
awarded to Daniel Clarkson (MerCruiser). Assigned to Brunswick.
Engine is mounted in rear of boat with output shaft facing the bow.
Power is split to two rearward shafts (one running along each side of
engine). Each shaft drives one propeller. Unit acts as a set of twin
engines and the single engine can be mounted further rearward to
improve center of gravity and provide more usable space near the
back of the boat.
The patent cites and discusses "Smallcraft Propulsion" by Robert W.
Hobbs, published in Popular Boating Magazine in 1962. The article
details 25 different arrangements of marine propulsion.
********************
U.S. Patent Application # 2002/0023579 Filed 28 February 2002
High speed electric watercraft
James Profitt, Joseph Peek, Kayo Motesenbocker, Marvin Motsenbocker
High speed electric motor propelled recreational water craft.
Body of craft rises above water on outriggers (skis).
**************
U.S. Patent Application 2001/0041482 Filed November 15, 2001.
Marine Motor Drive Assembly
Glen D. Foreman, Sandy UT.
Marine mud drive motor for running in very shallow water. Drive fits near top
of transom and shaft angles down to surface of water. Is for use in marshes,etc.
Is an example of the niche type motors forecast in our earlier review.
*********
Is it a Merc, a Yamaha or Both?
Soundings Trade Only online
April 11, 2002
Article reports rumors of a collaboration between Mercury and Yamaha to
allow Mercury to sell Yamaha's big 225 HP four stroke outboard. Even
says project may have a name, OF 225 Razorback.
Neither firm will confirm. U.S. Yamaha operations are not in favor as they
strongly compete with Mercury. The deal is said to be made directly with
Japan executives. Is an example of how the industry is aging. Moving
more toward alliances than direct competitive innovation.
*****************
Product launches, deals marked the big Miami shows
Soundings Trade Only
April 2002. Pgs. 40-41.
Volvo Penta debuted its Ocean Series composite drive. They are
hoping to move some ocean sportfishing boats from outboards over
to their stern drive.
"We want to give the transom back to the fisherman", said Clint
Moore, Volvo Penta of the America's president and CEO.
Same article also announced relationship between Mercury Racing
and All Star Engine Company, Inc. to produce All Star's aluminum
708 engine. It is a fuel injected V8 targeted at the high perf marine
market, but Mercury plans to extend it to commercial and non
marine applications (auto racing). Is an example of potential coming
of age of large marine aluminum engines.
**********************
Two Stroke Conventional Wisdom
by Ralph Lambrecht
Boat & Motor Dealer
April 2002
Article discusses two stroke DFI vs. four strokes and ends praising
two stroke DFI. Closing sentence, "You might even see it on some
future stern drives." is inline with his comments of using outboard
engines inboard a few years ago.
*************
Apr 2002
Dunnrite Props has a great page on drive hub design
http://www.dunnriteprops.com/proptips_6.html
*****************
U.S. Patent 6,383,043 Vertical Trim System for Marine Outdrives
by Scott Heston. Issued 7 May 2002.
Another vertical trim system for stern drives.
I think he had another patent listed in one of our earlier papers
***************
13 May 2002
Intellectual property barries to entry by outsiders are gradually
becoming more significant. Brunswick, Sanshin (Yamaha) and
others are assembling a portfolio of dozens of drive and engine
component patents, that when taken all together are becoming
increasing difficult for an outsider to navigate and enter the industry.
Between themselves (especially between Brunswick and Sanshin)
they tend to overlook infringement problems (because they need
each others technologies), but I suspect they would not be so
forgiving of outsiders.
*************
Is it time to go back to pre-rigging
Sherwood on the issues
Boat and Motor Dealer
May 2002
Pg. 9
Article covers the marketing aspects surrounding packages (outboard
motor mounted on or sold with boat from builder) and
pre-rigging (builder sets up boat for a specific type of outboard).
Those issues include: inventory, pricing, marketing, dealer work load, sales
of loose engines, etc.
This excellent article focuses on promoting pre-rigging over packaging,
but contemplating it, one begins to see the drive manufacturers are
putting a lot of effort and focus on marketing techniques, perhaps at
the expense of innovation?
The article above was followed up by an article composed of reader
comments on the original article.
Dealers respond to pre-rigging column
Sherwood on the issues
Boat and Motor Dealer
July 2002
Pgs. 4,6.44
It even quoted my comments to him.
**************************
27 June 2002
IBI released story that PSI (Pulse Drive Systems International), the
surface drive manufacturer has teamed with Protec, a German
engineering firm. Tony Mills president of PSI says they can make
several hundred of each model vs. the current 30 to 40.
They anticipate more collaboration with builders.
***********
1 July 2002
Soundings Trade Only online story says Briggs & Stratton to re-enter
outboard market with a 5 HP four-stroke.
*********
3 July 2002
IBI News reports Sealine (builder of big boats Brunswick recently
purchased in the UK) is adding Arneson surface drives and Fabio-Buzzi
tunnel drives to its list of options on their new 11.9 meter C39 Coup.
The tunnel drives were built by ZF Trimax, a joint venture with ZF.
The model used at the launch was powered by Volvo Penta KAD 300 stern
drives. Bet that gave Brunswick some heartburn.
The story includes a nice quote from Fabio Buzzi on the need for hull
modifications for the tunnel drive:
" Far from seeing the need for a builder to make significant changes
to the hull and create a dedicated mould tool as a disadvantage,
Buzzi sees the design of power systems and hulls from one drawing
board as the future, comparing it to the kind of integration achieved
in the automotive industry. "They have integrated the man, with the
car, with the engine, with the wheels and this is where we have to
go at the moment."
*************
Heavy Fuel Powered Propulsion (less explosive fuel)
http://www.boating-industry.com/article.asp?IndexID=6630190
From March 2000 issue of Boating Industry
Sonex and Innovation Marine Corporation are working in this field.
***************************
10 July 2002
I noticed a web site in the UK for Yellow Fin a VSD (Variable
Surface Drive) for high speed boats. Its a little hard to understand
what is going on from the web site. It may be an automatic shifting
two (or more) speed surface drive?
http://www.yellowfin.com
***********
25 July 2002
Soundings Trade Only Online reports Bombardier has a government
contract to work on non-gasoline powered outboard for military
applications.
Bombardier Recreational Products of Sturtevant, Wis., has signed a contract with the federal
government to develop a non-gasoline-burning outboard that can be used for various military
applications. Think the info came from Vince McLeod, manager of special accounts and
government affairs for Bombardier’s outboard engines division.
The Navy has a goal of removing gasoline from its ships by 2010.
Bombardier will work on modifying Ficht direct injection technology to use as JP5, JP8
and Jet A jet fuels; plus heating oil, diesel fuel no. 1 and kerosene. Initial focus will
be on JP5 and JP8.
They have already tested some V-6's. Will now move to field and endurance testing.
McLeod says developing economies where gasoline is in short supply might be other
possible recreational and commercial users of these engines.
***************
U.S. Patent 6,425,788 issued July 30, 2002
AB R&D Marine OY of Finland
Hydraulically shifted variable pitch propeller for outboards and stern drives.
****************
August 2002
Libwil in Australia has a phase controller continuously variable pitch propeller
running in a 50HP Honda 4-stroke outboard. They report it can go from full forward
to full reverse in 3.5 seconds. Their web site has an excellent animated gif image of
the prop stroking.
http://www.libwil.com.au
**************
U.S. Patent 6,431,927 issued August 13, 2002
Independent Inventor, Michael Sage, describes a transom mounted drive with
independently adjustable depth of operation and attitude (trim is independent of
prop depth) for high speed craft.
****************
U.S. Patent 6,435,923 issued August 20, 2002
Bombardier
Two stroke transmission with reverse mounts in the gimbal housing area of
a stern drive.
******************
U.S. Patent 6,439,937 issued August 27, 2002
Volvo Penta
Two speed planetary transmission mounts "in-the-leg" of a stern drive.
Seems like there has been considerable action in the transmission side
recently (two speeds, variable props, etc).
************************
Sept. 2002
We encountered a 1991 U.S. Patent 5,024,639 for a z-drive (stern drive) that
used a 360 degree steerable lower gearcase. Additionally, it could be rotated
up out of the water sideways (like some of the very early MerCruiser stern drives).
The drive has minimal steering torque and was invented by an Italian. In profile
and function, it somewhat resembles the early versions of the hydraulic Shark
drive from Hydromarine.
*****************
U.S. Patent 6,458,003 Issued Oct. 1, 2002
Dynamic trim of a marine propulsion system
William Krueger
Assigned to Bombardier
Bombardier's version of an autotrim system using some
technologies that were available years ago. Interestingly,
it allows operators to select what they wish to optimize:
speed, fuel efficiency, etc.
*********
15 Oct 2002
MerCruiser Australia announces first truly integrated
water jet package with engine, reduction and water jet
for 120 to 260 HP gas and diesel MerCruiser engines.
It has an optional trimmable nozzle.
The package uses a gearbox designed and built
by Doen Waterjets of Braeside (Victoria) Australia.
IBI News coverage of the announcement above:
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20020915101434ibinews.html
*************
U.S. Patent 6,468,119 issued 22 Oct. 2002
Composite stern drive assembly
Extensive patent (25 pages and 49 claims) on Volvo's new
composite stern drive.
******************
Stealth Propulsion International Ltd.
has a "RingProp". A ring around the circumference of the
prop is connected to the blades. They say it improves safety
by eliminating the sharpest area of the blades, reduces cavitation
and improves maneuverability.
http://www.onwater.com/ringprop.html
Continued work in prop guard areas may one day change the
design of marine drives?
See our propeller guard page for current developments
http://www.rbbi.com/invent/guard/propg/updates/2002/prop2002.htm
**************************
Nov 2002
Nye Thermodynamics
They are developing turbine powered jet boats
http://www.nyethermodynamics.com
Web site has several news clips and videos
*************
Nov 21, 2002
Emission Focus Moves from Engine Gasses to Noise
All quiet on the western front?
European Boatbuilder
Oct 2002 pgs. 40-43
Article talks about efforts to develop uniform boat noise emissions standards
for Europe vs. piecemeal standards. The European Union recently accepted
the SoundBoat proposal.
************
Increased Remote Data Access
Key to a New Door
International Boat Industry
Nov. 2002 pgs. 24-26
Article discusses Volvo Penta's SeaKey system. The system has a wide
variety of applications among them, easy transfer of engine data to remote
troubleshooters. They refer to this field as TELEMATICS.
***************
U.S. Patent 6,478,646
Drive device of inboard and outboard drives
Assigned to Yanmar Diesel
Patent covers a through hull drive where something similar to a
non-trimmable sterndrive mounts on engine bell housing then goes
straight down through the hull. Several drive designs have explored this
area in the past.
****************
U.S. Patent 6,468,120 Issued 22 Oct. 2002
Single cylinder trim / tilt assembly
Assigned to Volvo Penta
Stern drive with one cylinder trim/tilt
***********
