Patent ID: 7470162
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: F02B

Abstract:
1. A shift system for an outboard motor, which detects a vessel operator's shift operation and performs a shift operation for the outboard motor in a motor-driven manner in response to the detected vessel operator's shift operation, comprising: a motor-driven shift actuator disposed at a location forward of and lateral to an engine within an engine cover covering the engine; an electric motor provided for said motor-driven shift actuator and disposed at a location rearward of said motor-driven shift actuator, said electric motor having a motor output shaft disposed in a manner extending forward, and being operated in response to the detected vessel operator's shift operation; an actuator output shaft disposed at a location forward of said electric motor and extending downward from a front part of said motor-driven shift actuator, and rotating in accordance with rotation of said motor output shaft; a clutch shaft disposed below said motor-driven shift actuator and rearward of said actuator output shaft; and a first linkage disposed on a side of said motor-driven shift actuator, as viewed in plan view, and connecting between said actuator output shaft and said clutch shaft.