Patent ID: 6341992
Filing Date: 2002-01-29
Classification: B63H,F02B

Abstract:
A steering torque compensator for a boat with a pivotable outboard motor, and a linearly movable control shaft with a first end connected to said outboard motor and a second end, said steering torque compensator comprising:a spring for being connected to said boat, said spring including a fixed first end and a movable second end movable along a path adapted to be generally parallel to said first end of said control shaft; and an elongated shaft extending along said path of motion of said movable second end of said spring, said elongated shaft including a first end for connecting to said first end of said control shaft, and a second end engaging said movable second end of said spring when said elongated shaft is linearly moved in a first direction, said second end of said elongated shaft disengaging from said movable second end of said spring when said elongated shaft is linearly moved in an opposite second direction; wherein said spring is arranged to provide resistance when said movable second end thereof is moved in said first direction; so that when said control shaft is moved in said first direction under influence of motor torque, movement of said elongated shaft and therefore said control shaft is resisted by said spring for countering said motor torque, and when said control shaft is moved in said second direction, movement of said elongated shaft and therefore said control shaft is not resisted by said spring.