Patent ID: 7585195
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A propulsion and steering unit for a waterborne vessel, the propulsion and steering unit comprising a pod having a front end in the forward direction of travel of the vessel and a rear end, a fin element, a propeller and propeller shaft, the propeller being disposed externally at the front of the pod and being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of a propeller shaft, the propeller shaft being drivingly connected to drive means, the drive means comprising a driving pinion and a driven wheel, the unit further comprising steering means for rotating the unit about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the propeller, wherein the fin element extends downwards from the pod on the opposite side of the axis of rotation of the drive shaft than the propeller, and further wherein the location of the driving pinion on the driven wheel is such that, in use, the rotational direction of the drive pinion produces a torque that acts against a maximum hydrodynamic torque generated by a rotation of the propeller and a rotation of the unit by the steering means, thereby reducing the steering means torque.