Outboard Motor That Is Removable from Transom Clamp Bracket

The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/487,116, filed Sep. 28, 2021, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in entirety.

The present disclosure relates to outboard motors that are small and lightweight enough to be relatively easily installed on a marine vessel for use and removed from the marine vessel for transport.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,806 discloses a locking mechanism for an outboard motor which prevents a moveable segment of the outboard motor from rotating about a steering axis relative to a stationary segment of the outboard motor. A slidable rod is disposed within a tilt tube of the outboard motor and is connected by a connecting link to the moveable segment of the outboard motor. If a locking device, such as a pin, is inserted through holes in the tilt tube and the rod, relative movement of the tilt tube and the rod can be prevented. If this relative movement is prevented, the moveable segment of the outboard motor is locked in position relative to the stationary segment of the outboard motor to which the tilt tube is attached.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,659,817 discloses first and second pliable members that are each attached to an outboard motor and to a fixed location on the transom or transom bracket associated with the outboard motor. One pliable member is used on the starboard side of the outboard motor while another is used on the port side. As the outboard motor is tilted about its trim axis, the two pliable members work in coordination with each other to exert a force on the outboard motor in a direction away from any direction in which the outboard motor is rotated about its steering axis as it is being tilted about its trim axis. This coordinated action by the two pliable members aligns the outboard motor in a straight ahead position when it is tilted upward into an inoperable position for transportation.

U.S. Pat. No. 11,097,824 discloses an apparatus for steering an outboard motor with respect to a marine vessel. The apparatus includes a transom bracket configured to support the outboard motor with respect to the marine vessel; a tiller for manually steering the outboard motor with respect to a steering axis; a steering arm extending above the transom bracket and coupling the tiller to the outboard motor such that rotation of the tiller causes rotation of the outboard motor with respect to the steering axis, wherein the steering arm is located above the transom bracket; and a copilot device configured to lock the outboard motor in each of a plurality of steering positions relative to the steering axis. The copilot device extends above and is manually operable from above the steering arm.

The above-noted patents and patent application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described herein below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting scope of the claimed subject matter.

An outboard motor according to one example of the present disclosure comprises a transom clamp bracket configured to be supported on a transom of a marine vessel and a swivel bracket configured to be supported by the transom clamp bracket. A propulsion unit is configured to be supported by the swivel bracket, the propulsion unit comprising a head unit, a midsection below the head unit, and a lower unit below the midsection. The head unit, midsection, and lower unit are generally vertically aligned with one another when the outboard motor is in a neutral tilt/trim position. The propulsion unit is detachable from the transom clamp bracket.

In some examples, the propulsion unit is detachable from the transom clamp bracket without the use of tools.

In some examples, the swivel bracket is pivotable with respect to the transom clamp bracket so as to tilt and/or trim the propulsion unit with respect to the transom of the marine vessel.

According to some examples, the swivel bracket is connected to the propulsion unit and the swivel bracket and propulsion unit are detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket. In some examples, a tilt tube is connected between a pair of arms of the transom clamp bracket, and the swivel bracket comprises a notch configured to receive and be supported by the tilt tube. In some examples, a tab bracket is provided on the swivel bracket, the tab bracket configured to be moved between a locked position in which the tilt tube is trapped within the notch by the tab bracket and an unlocked position in which the tilt tube is not trapped within the notch by the tab bracket and the swivel bracket is able to be removed from the tilt tube.

According to some examples, a steering assembly is connected to the propulsion unit, and the steering assembly and the propulsion unit are detachable together as a unit from the swivel bracket and the transom clamp bracket. In some examples, the steering assembly comprises a steering tube configured to be supported by the swivel bracket and a steering arm supported by the steering tube, wherein the steering arm is connected to the propulsion unit. In some examples, a pin extends through the swivel bracket and is configured to be received within a notch in the steering tube, the pin configured to be moved between a locked position in which the pin is received in the notch and the steering tube is prevented from being removed from the swivel bracket and an unlocked position in which the pin is not received in the notch and the steering tube is able to be removed from the swivel bracket. In some examples, the swivel bracket comprises a hollow tube for receiving the steering tube therein. The hollow tube comprises a seat therein. In some examples, the steering tube comprises a fitting configured to rest on the seat so as to support the steering tube within the hollow tube of the swivel bracket.

Another example of an outboard motor according to the present disclosure comprises a transom clamp bracket configured to be supported on a transom of a marine vessel and a propulsion unit configured to be supported by the transom clamp bracket. The propulsion unit comprises a head unit, a midsection below the head unit, and a lower unit below the midsection, wherein the head unit, midsection, and lower unit are generally vertically aligned with one another when the outboard motor is in a neutral tilt/trim position. The outboard motor has a support bracket assembly by way of which the propulsion unit is suspended from the transom clamp bracket, and the support bracket assembly and propulsion unit are detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket.

In some examples, the support bracket assembly and propulsion unit are detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket without the use of tools.

According to some examples, the support bracket assembly comprises a swivel bracket supported by the transom clamp bracket, the swivel bracket supporting the propulsion unit. In some examples, the swivel bracket is pivotable with respect to the transom clamp bracket so as to tilt and/or trim the propulsion unit with respect to the transom of the marine vessel. In some examples, the swivel bracket is connected to the propulsion unit and the swivel bracket and propulsion unit are detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket. In some examples, a tilt tube is connected between a pair of arms of the transom clamp bracket, and the swivel bracket comprises a notch configured to receive and be supported by the tilt tube. In some examples, the support bracket assembly further comprises a tab bracket on the swivel bracket, the tab bracket configured to be moved between a locked position in which the tilt tube is trapped within the notch by the tab bracket and an unlocked position in which the tilt tube is not trapped within the notch by the tab bracket and the swivel bracket is able to be removed from the tilt tube.

According to some examples, a swivel bracket is supported by the transom clamp bracket, and the support bracket assembly comprises a steering tube configured to be supported by the swivel bracket and a steering arm supported by the steering tube, wherein the steering arm supports the propulsion unit. In some examples, the steering arm is connected to the propulsion unit, and the steering arm, steering tube, and propulsion unit are detachable together as a unit from the swivel bracket and the transom clamp bracket. In some examples, a pin extends through the swivel bracket and is configured to be received within a notch in the steering tube, the pin configured to be moved between a locked position in which the pin is received in the notch and the steering tube is prevented from being removed from the swivel bracket and an unlocked position in which the pin is not received in the notch and the steering tube is able to be removed from the swivel bracket. In some examples, the swivel bracket comprises a hollow tube for receiving the steering tube therein. In some examples, the hollow tube comprises a seat therein. In some examples, the steering tube comprises a fitting configured to rest on the seat so as to support the steering tube within the hollow tube of the swivel bracket.

show an outboard motoraccording to one example of the present disclosure. The outboard motorcomprises a transom clamp bracketconfigured to be supported on a transomof a marine vessel () and a swivel bracketconfigured to be supported by the transom clamp bracket. A propulsion unitis configured to be supported by the swivel bracket, the propulsion unitcomprising a head unit, a midsectionbelow the head unit, and a lower unitbelow the midsection. Although not shown here, a propeller may be provided on the aft end of the lower unit, which propeller is powered to propel the marine vessel through water. The type of outboard propulsion unitmay vary, and in other examples, the propulsion unitmay be a jet drive that utilizes an impeller instead of a propeller, or a forward-facing drive having a propeller on the fore side of the lower unit. The propulsion unitmay be powered by an internal combustion engine located in the head unit, or by an electric motor located in the head unitor the lower unit.

The head unit, midsection, and lower unitare generally vertically aligned with one another when the outboard motoris in a neutral tilt/trim position, as shown in. Referring tomore specifically, the propulsion unitis tiltable and trimmable about a tilt tube, which defines a tilt/trim axis, as shown by arrow. The tilt tubeis connected between a pair of arms,of the transom clamp bracket, such as by the opposite ends of the tilt tubeextending through apertures in the arms,and being secured on the outer sides of the arms,with washers and nuts. The swivel bracketis pivotably connected to the tilt tubeat the fore end of the swivel bracket, such as by the tilt tubeextending through apertures in the swivel bracket. The swivel bracketis manually pivotable with respect to the transom clamp bracketso as to tilt and/or trim the propulsion unitwith respect to the transomof the marine vessel. Trimming of the propulsion unitallows the propeller to be angled differently with respect to the transom, while tilting of the propulsion unitallows the propulsion unitto be moved to a transport position while the marine vessel to which it is connected is trailered. The “neutral” tilt/trim position is the one shown in, in which the propeller or other propulsor on the lower unitwould produce thrust (see arrow T) generally horizontally, and the longitudinal axis L running through the head unit, midsection, and lower unitis generally vertically aligned.

The transom clamp bracketis attachable to the transomof the marine vessel by adjustable clampsthat extend through each of the respective arms,of the transom clamp bracketand are configured to rest on an inside surface of the transom. The outside surface of the transomsupports the opposite portions of the arms,of the transom clamp bracket, which are both configured with an upside-down U-shape to fit over the upper edge of the transom. Such an arrangement is well known and will not be described further herein.

A steering assemblyis connected to the propulsion unit, the steering assemblycomprising a steering tube(see) configured to be supported by the swivel bracketand a steering armsupported by the steering tube. Here, the steering armis connected to the propulsion unit, such as by being bolted thereto or such as by being integral with a support structure that holds or supports components within the head unitand/or midsection. The steering assemblyalso includes a tiller, which is coupled to the steering armby way of a bolted bracket. As is known, an operator can use the tillerto steer the propulsion unit, control a speed of the propulsion unit, and interact with the propulsion unitin other known ways to affect the magnitude and direction of thrust produced by the propulsion unit. The tilleris pivotable about the bracketconnecting the tillerto the steering armso as to place the tillerin a folded, transport position. The tilleris a conventional item, and the type and configuration of the tillercan vary from what is shown. Suitable examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,246,173; 9,789,945; 9,783,278; and 9,764,813; which are incorporated herein by reference.

According to the present disclosure, the propulsion unitis detachable from the transom clamp bracket. In fact, in the present example, the propulsion unitis detachable from the transom clamp bracketwithout the use of tools, such as wrenches, screw drivers, or other tools other than the operator's hands, as will now be described. Note, however, that in some embodiments the outboard motoris provided with an anti-theft device, which may require the use of a key or other type of unique key-like tool for removal of the propulsion unitfrom the transom clamp bracket. Such anti-theft devices are usually aftermarket assemblies, and it is here noted that such a key is not considered to be a “tool” as discussed herein.

illustrates the propulsion unitdetached from the transom clamp bracket. As shown in, the steering assembly(including steering tubeconfigured to be supported by the swivel bracketand a steering armsupported by the steering tube) is connected to the propulsion unit. As shown, the steering assemblyand the propulsion unitare detachable together as a unit from the swivel bracketand the transom clamp bracket. In other words, the steering assemblyand propulsion unitremain connected together as they are separated from the swivel bracket. More specifically, the steering tube, steering arm, and propulsion unitare coupled in such a manner that the steering tubecan be lifted out of the swivel bracket, and with it the steering arm, tiller, and the propulsion unit. The swivel bracketmeanwhile remains coupled to the transom clamp bracketway of the tilt tube. The transom clamp bracketremains clamped with clampsto the transom, while the propulsion unitis be removed from the transomand can be transported elsewhere.

shows a top starboard-side perspective view of a portion of the swivel bracketwithout the steering tubeinstalled therein, whileshows a port-side perspective view of the steering assemblyand propulsion unitwhen the steering tubeis not installed in the swivel bracket. The swivel bracketcomprises a hollow tubeat the aft end thereof for receiving the steering tubetherein. As its name suggests, the steering tubeis likewise tubular, and is sized and shaped to fit within the hollow tubeof the swivel bracket. Referring now also to, the hollow tubecomprises a seattherein. The seatis located on the fore side of the hollow tube, but the seatcould be located elsewhere. In the present example, the seatis formed by a cupthat fits into the upper end of the hollow tube, but the seatcould instead be formed directly on the inner surface of the hollow tube.

A housingis supported on top of the cup, and the housingand cuphave lugsthat allow them to be bolted to a flange on the upper end of the hollow tube. The housingholds a pinthat extends through the swivel bracket, more specifically through the inner and outer walls of the housing. The pinmay be threaded along a portion of its length, as shown at, such that an operator can twist a handle(), which is coupled to the pinand provided outside the housing, so as to thread the pinfurther into the swivel bracketor further out of the swivel bracket. A nut() may be provided on the threaded portion, adjacent the inside wall of the housing, to secure the pin. The threaded portionextends through the housingso that the pincannot move on its own laterally within the housing. At least part of the end of the pinthat is within the hollow of the swivel bracketis left unthreaded (as shown at), however, for reasons described below. Although the housingand pinare shown here as being on the port side of the outboard motor, in other examples, the housingand pincould be provided on the starboard side or the fore side of the swivel bracket. In still other examples, no housing is provided, and the pinextends directly through the hollow tubeof the swivel bracketand/or through the cuptherein. In still other examples, a housing for the pinis formed integrally at the upper end of the hollow tube.

Referring to, the steering tubecomprises a fittingprovided on the outer surface of the steering tube. The outer diameter of the steering tubewhere the fittingis held can be reduced slightly in comparison to the outer diameter of the steering tubeabove and below the fitting, so as to seat the fittingat a particular location along the length of the steering tube. See. The fittingon the steering tubeis configured to rest on the seatwithin the hollow tubeof the swivel bracketso as to support the steering tubewithin the hollow tubeof the swivel bracket. The fittingis sized and shaped to be seated directly against the seat. For example, the fittinghas an upper, fore portionthat is configured to be seated in the upper, fore portion of the seat. The upper, fore portionof the fittingslopes downwardly to a lower, fore portion, which is cylindrical to match the cylindrical portion of the seatin this location. Comparing, it can be seen that this taper or slope from the upper fore portionto the lower fore portionhelps to guide the steering tubeinto the hollow tubeof the swivel bracketin the correct orientation. Further, as can be seen by comparing, the cross-sectional shape of the fittingis the same as the shape of the seatand inside of the hollow tube. This further serves to align the fittingand steering tubewith respect to the swivel bracket, as well as to prevent the fittingfrom rotating within the swivel bracket. Meanwhile, the inside surfaceof the fittingis cylindrical, to match the outer surface of the steering tube.

Referring back to, and also to, the steering tubehas a annular notchprovided in its outer surface, directly below where the steering tubeconnects to the steering arm. The notchextends around the outer surface of the steering tubein the form of a band and has an upper surfaceand lower surface. As shown in, the pinthat extends through the housingof the swivel bracketis configured to be received within the notchin the steering tube. In other words, the diameter of the pinat the non-threaded endis configured to fit between the upper and lower surfaces,of the notch. Although the diameter of the pinat the endis shown as being just slightly smaller than the height of the notchin the present example, the diameter of the pinat the endcould be more significantly smaller than the height of the notchin other examples.

By way of turning the pinusing the handle, the pinis configured to be moved between a locked position, shown in solid lines in, in which the pinis received in the notch, and an unlocked position, shown in dashed lines in, in which the pinis not received in the notch. To move the pinfrom the locked position to the unlocked position, the handleis twisted to unscrew the pinand move it laterally outwardly away from the steering tube. To move the pinfrom the unlocked position to the locked position, the handleis twisted to screw the pinfurther laterally inwardly toward the steering tube.

When the pinis received in the notch, the steering tubeis prevented from being removed from the swivel bracket. Contact between the pinand the lower surfaceof the notchprevents the steering tubefrom being lifted out of the hollow tubeof the swivel bracket. With the pinin the unlocked position, in which the pinis not received in the notch, the steering tubeis able to be removed from the swivel bracket. The steering tubeis no longer prevented from being lifted upwardly by contact between the pinand the lower surfaceof the notchafter the pinis withdrawn from the notch.

The steering tubecomprises an outer tubeand an inner tube. The inner tuberotates within the outer tubewhen the operator steers the propulsion unit. This is because an upper endof the inner tubeis connected to the steering arm(at bolt), which is in turn connected to the bracket, which is in turn connected to the tiller. Thus it is the inner tube, which extends upwardly above and out of the outer tube, which has the notchformed in the outer surface thereof for receiving the pin. As noted herein above, the inner endof the pinis not threaded, so that it can ride smoothly within the notchin the inner tubeof the steering tubeas the inner tuberotates within the swivel bracket. The outer tuberemains stationary as the tilleris moved to steer the propulsion unit, because the fittingseated around the outside of the outer tubeprevents rotation of the outer tube. An upper bearinglocated concentrically with the fittingand a lower bearingat the lower end of the inner tubefacilitate smooth rotation of the inner tubewithin the outer tube. A threaded end fittingon the lower end of the outer tubeholds the lower bearingin place.

To install the propulsion uniton the transom clamp bracket, the operator turns the handleof the pinto move the pinlaterally outwardly away from the center of the hollow tube. The operator then lines up the fittingon the steering tubewith the seatwithin the hollow tubeof the swivel bracket, as shown in. Then, the operator moves the propulsion unitdownwardly, inserting the steering tubeinto the swivel bracket, until the fittingis seated on the seatwithin the hollow tube. The operator then twists the handleon the pinin the opposite direction, to move the pinlaterally inwardly until its non-threaded endis located within the notchin the steering tube. To remove the propulsion unitfrom the transom clamp bracket, the operator turns the handleof the pinto move the pinout of the notch, then lifts the propulsion unitand steering assemblyconnected thereto from the swivel bracket.

Referring back to, another component herein referred to as a “copilot”is held by the housing. The copilothas a radially inwardly facing concave surfacethat is configured to abut the outer circumferential surfaceof the steering tube, more specifically of the inner tube(see). The copilotis movable radially inwardly toward the steering tubeand radially outwardly away from the steering tubeby way of an actuator, here in the form of a boltconnected to a handlelocated outside the housing. Other types of actuators, such as a ratcheting device, could be used. As shown in, a springis provided about the boltand trapped between the inner surface of the housingand the radially outward face of the copilot. The springbiases the copilotradially inwardly toward the steering tube. By turning the handlein one direction, the boltis advanced inwardly toward the steering tube, thereby pressing the surfaceof the copilotagainst the outer surfaceof the inner tube. Depending on how tightly the copilotis pressed against the steering tube, a different amount of friction will be provided between the contacting surfacesand. This friction can be great enough that the steering tubeis held in place despite attempted operator input to the tilleror forces on the propulsion unitas it moves through water, thus fixing the thrust direction of the propulsion unit. Alternatively, this friction can be adjusted to provide an operator-desired level of resistance to steering, while still allowing the tillerto be moved to change the direction of thrust of the propulsion unit. To lessen the friction or disengage the surfacefrom the surfacealtogether, the handleis turned in the opposite direction. As shown in, a platecan be provided over the housingto protect the copilotand pinfrom the elements. This plateis removed into better show the components within the housing.

show portions of an outboard motoraccording to another example of the present disclosure. The outboard motorcomprises a transom clamp bracketconfigured to be supported on a transom of a marine vessel and a swivel bracketconfigured to be supported by the transom clamp bracket. A propulsion unitis configured to be supported by the swivel bracket, the propulsion unitcomprising a head unit, a midsection below the head unit, and a lower unit below the midsection. The propulsion unitis shown generally in phantom, it being understood that the head unit, midsection, and lower unit are similar to those shown in. For instance, the head unit, midsection, and lower unit are generally vertically aligned with one another when the outboard motoris in a neutral tilt/trim position (i.e., with the longitudinal axis of the propulsion unitaligned generally vertically and the propulsor producing generally horizontal thrust). According to the present disclosure, the propulsion unitis detachable from the transom clamp bracket.

As shown in, the swivel bracketis connected to the propulsion unit, such as being bolted thereto by bolts (not shown) extending through lugsin the aft end of the swivel bracketand into the propulsion unit, such as into a midsection housing thereof. The aft end of the swivel bracketis curved such that the cylindrical steering tubecan be located therein. The flange at the upper endof the steering tubecan be bolted to a steering arm (not shown), which is in turn coupled to a tiller (not shown). As shown inand described herein below, the swivel bracketand propulsion unitare detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket. In other words, the swivel bracketand propulsion unitcan remain connected together while they are both removed from the transom clamp bracket, which remains connected to the transom by way of the clamps.

Referring now also to, B and, a tilt tubeis connected between a pair of arms,of the transom clamp bracket. The swivel bracketcan pivot about a pivot axis defined along the tilt tube, to manually tilt and trim the propulsion unitwith respect to the transom. The swivel bracketcomprises a notch() configured to receive and be supported by the tilt tube. A tab bracketis provided on the swivel bracket. The tab bracketis configured to be moved between a locked position () in which the tilt tubeis trapped within the notchby the tab bracket, and an unlocked position () in which the tilt tubeis not trapped within the notchby the tab bracket, and the swivel bracketis able to be removed from the tilt tube. In fact,shows the swivel bracketpartially removed from the tilt tube(or not yet fully installed on the tilt tube), with the tilt tubenot yet quite contacting the hollow of the notch, in order to show the notchbetter.

To install the propulsion unitand swivel bracketconnected thereto onto the transom clamp bracket, the tab bracketis moved to the unlocked position of, i.e., pulled forward toward the transom. A pinmay be inserted into a holein the tab bracketto maintain the tab bracketin the unlocked position. Alternatively, no holeis provided (see), and the pinsimply rests on top of the tab bracketwhen the tab bracketis in the unlocked position. The operator positions the propulsion unitand swivel bracketso that the notchin the underside of the swivel bracketis aligned with the tilt tube, as shown in. The propulsion unitand swivel bracketare then lowered onto the transom clamp bracket, until the tilt tubeis fully inserted in the notch(). The operator then pushes the tab bracketaft (in the direction of arrow) until the aft end of the tab bracketis located in a receiving spacein the lower surface of the swivel bracket. The pincan then be inserted into a holeto lock the tab bracketin the locked position.

To remove the propulsion unitand swivel brackettogether as a unit from the transom clamp bracket, the operator pulls the tab bracketforward to the position shown in, then lifts the swivel bracketoff the tilt tube.

Thus, the outboard motors,according to the present disclosure comprise a transom clamp bracket,configured to be supported on a transomof a marine vessel and a propulsion unit,configured to be supported by the transom clamp bracket,. The propulsion unit,comprises a head unit, a midsectionbelow the head unit, and a lower unitbelow the midsection, wherein the head unit, midsection, and lower unitare generally vertically aligned with one another when the outboard motor,is in a neutral tilt/trim position. The outboard motor,has a support bracket assembly,(, B) by way of which the propulsion unitis suspended from the transom clamp bracket,, wherein the support bracket assembly,and propulsion unit,are detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket,.

According to one example, the support bracket assemblycomprises a swivel bracketsupported by the transom clamp bracket, the swivel bracketsupporting the propulsion unit. The swivel bracketis pivotable with respect to the transom clamp bracketso as to tilt and/or trim the propulsion unitwith respect to the transomof the marine vessel. The swivel bracketis connected to the propulsion unit, and the swivel bracketand propulsion unitare detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket. A tilt tubeis connected between a pair of arms,of the transom clamp bracket, wherein the swivel bracketcomprises a notchconfigured to receive and be supported by the tilt tube. The support bracket assemblyfurther optionally comprises a tab bracketon the swivel bracket, the tab bracketconfigured to be moved between a locked position in which the tilt tubeis trapped within the notchby the tab bracket, and an unlocked position in which the tilt tubeis not trapped within the notchby the tab bracketand the swivel bracketis able to be removed from the tilt tube.

According to another example, a swivel bracketis supported by the transom clamp bracket, and the support bracket assemblycomprises a steering tubeconfigured to be supported by the swivel bracketand a steering armsupported by the steering tube, wherein the steering armsupports the propulsion unit. The steering armis connected to the propulsion unit, and the steering arm, steering tube, and propulsion unitare detachable together as a unit from the swivel bracketand the transom clamp bracket. A pinextends through the swivel bracketand is configured to be received within a notchin the steering tube, the pinbeing configured to be moved between a locked position in which the pinis received in the notchand the steering tubeis prevented from being removed from the swivel bracket, and an unlocked position in which the pinis not received in the notchand the steering tubeis able to be removed from the swivel bracket. The swivel bracketcomprises a hollow tubefor receiving the steering tubetherein. Optionally, the hollow tubecomprises a seattherein. Optionally, the steering tubecomprises a fittingconfigured to rest on the seatso as to support the steering tubewithin the hollow tubeof the swivel bracket.

In some examples, the support bracket assembly,and propulsion unit,are detachable together as a unit from the transom clamp bracket,without the use of tools. For example, the pincan be screwed into and out of the swivel bracketby hand via the handle. The tab bracketcan be pulled and pushed within the swivel bracketby hand, and the pinis also placeable by hand. As noted herein above, in embodiments in which the outboard motor,is provided with an anti-theft device, the key or other type of unique key-like tool for removal of the propulsion unit,from the transom clamp bracket,is not considered to be a “tool” as referred to herein as not being required for such removal of the propulsion unit,.

Although the above examples are described as being steerable with a tiller, in other examples, the propulsion units,are steered remotely by input to a steering wheel, joystick, automatic steering algorithm, foot pedal, or other known steering device, which may be physically and/or electronically connected to the steering arm,as appropriate.

Although the above examples are described as being manually trimmed and tilted, in other examples, the transom clamp brackets,are equipped with hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic tilt/trim systems, which may pivot the swivel bracket,about the tilt tube,so as to tilt and trim the propulsion unit,with respect to the transom.

By providing a propulsion unit,that is easily connected to and disconnected from the transom clamp bracket,, the present inventors have solved the problem of needing to unclamp the clamps (e.g.,,) that hold the transom clamp bracket to the transom every time an operator wants to remove the outboard motor for storage or transport. Typically, additional fasteners, including screws, washers, and nuts, are recommended to add mounting security to the installation of the transom clamp bracket on the transom, but operators who want a portable outboard motor do not use these additional fasteners. Having a propulsion unit that can be removed from the transom clamp bracket allows an operator to safely and securely install the transom clamp bracket on the transom, while still providing the operator with the convenience of a transportable outboard motor.

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.