Patent ID: 6491588
Filing Date: 2002-12-10
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
A support for the drive shaft, upper gear, clutch and bearing assembly of a marine stern drive unit of the type having an upper gear housing and a lower gear housing, said support comprising:(a) a generally elongate tube defining an axially extending bore, said tube having an upper end and a lower end and mountable in the upper gear housing and having a length extending from the upper gear housing to the lower gear housing; (b) a flange extending about said tube adjacent the upper end thereof and having mounting means for securement in the upper gear housing; (c) said upper end of said bore being tapered; (d) bearing members disposed adjacent said taper to support the drive shaft and upper gear and clutch assembles; (e) said tube having external threads at the lower end thereof; and (f) retainer means threadably engaged with said threads, said retainer means being located in said lower housing and securable against said upper housing to secure the support in a fixed position.