Patent ID: 9004963
Filing Date: 2015-04-14
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A marine propulsion unit comprising: a first propeller coupled with a first propeller shaft; a second propeller coupled with a second propeller shaft, wherein the first and second propeller shafts are concentric; at least one seal between the first and second propeller shafts; a line collector positioned between the first and second propellers for collecting line caught by the propellers, and directing the line away from the at least one seal; wherein the line collector comprises a directing section having a first outer diameter; and a collecting section joined to the directing section and having a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter at a junction of the directing and collecting sections; wherein the directing section tapers to the second outer diameter at the junction to direct line toward the collecting section; and wherein the line collector is positioned within the first and second propellers, with a space between the first and second propellers such that the collecting section can be exposed to the marine environment during operation of the marine propulsion unit.