Patent ID: 6350165
Filing Date: 2002-02-26
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
A transmission for a stern drive watercraft, the stem drive having a vertical drive unit housing disposed rearward of a transom of the watercraft, the transmission comprising:a generally horizontal input shaft rotatably supported by the vertical drive unit housing and adapted for coupling to an engine output shaft of the watercraft; a generally vertical output shaft rotatably supported by the vertical drive unit housing and adapted for coupling to a propeller gear apparatus; a bevel gear apparatus selectively connectable between the input shaft and the output shaft in one of a high forward, reverse and neutral positions for providing a high forward ratio of rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft, a reverse ratio of rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft, and neutral connection between the input shaft and the output shaft respectively; a planetary gear apparatus having a sun gear connected for rotation with a portion of the bevel gear apparatus, a planet gear having an axis of rotation connected for rotation with the output shaft, and a ring gear; a brake selectively connected between the vertical drive unit housing and the ring gear, the brake having an engaged position for providing a low forward ratio of rotation between the input shaft and the output shaft and a disengaged position for allowing independent rotation of the sun gear and the planet gear.