Assemblies for mounting outboard motors to a marine vessel transom

An assembly is provided for mounting an outboard motor to a transom of a marine vessel. A support structure is configured to be coupled to the transom by a plurality of fasteners that extend through the support structure and through a set of holes that have been drilled in the transom. A steering head is coupled to the support structure and configured to support an outboard motor thereupon for rotation about a generally vertical steering axis. The set of holes is divided by a generally vertical fore-aft central plane, and the outboard motor extends along a generally vertical fore-aft central plane. The support structure and the steering head are coupled to one another such that the central plane of the outboard motor is capable of being laterally offset from the central plane of the set of holes. An assembly for mounting two or more outboard motors is also provided.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to assemblies for mounting an outboard motor or a plurality of outboard motors to a transom of a marine vessel.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,577, hereby incorporated herein by reference, discloses a hydraulic steering system in which a steering actuator is an integral portion of the support structure of a marine propulsion system. A steering arm is contained completely within the support structure of the marine propulsion system and disposed about its steering axis. An extension of the steering arm extends into a sliding joint which has a linear component and a rotational component which allow the extension of the steering arm to move relative to a moveable second portion of the steering actuator. The moveable second portion of the steering actuator moves linearly within a cylinder cavity formed in a first portion of the steering actuator.

SUMMARY

In one example, the present disclosure includes an assembly for mounting two or more outboard motors to a transom of a marine vessel. The assembly comprises a first support structure that is configured to be coupled to the transom by a first plurality of fasteners that extend through the first support structure and through a first set of holes that have been drilled in the transom. A first steering head is coupled to the first support structure and is configured to support a first outboard motor thereupon for rotation about a first generally vertical steering axis. A second support structure is configured to be coupled to the transom by a second plurality of fasteners that extend through the second support structure and through a second set of holes that have been drilled in the transom. A second steering head is coupled to the second support structure and is configured to support a second outboard motor thereupon for rotation about a second generally vertical steering axis. The first set of holes is divided by a generally vertical fore-aft central plane, and the first outboard motor extends along a generally vertical fore-aft central plane. The first support structure and the first steering head are coupled to one another such that the central plane of the first outboard motor is capable of being laterally offset from the central plane of the first set of holes.

Another example of the present disclosure is of an assembly for mounting an outboard motor to a transom of a marine vessel. The assembly comprises a support structure configured to be coupled to the transom by a plurality of fasteners that extend through the support structure and through a set of holes that have been drilled in the transom. A steering head is coupled to the support structure and configured to support an outboard motor thereupon for rotation about a generally vertical steering axis. The set of holes is divided by a generally vertical fore-aft central plane, and the outboard motor extends along a generally vertical fore-aft central plane. The support structure and the steering head are coupled to one another such that the central plane of the outboard motor is capable of being laterally offset from the central plane of the set of holes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed.

FIG. 1illustrates a rear view of a marine vessel10. More specifically, the transom12of the marine vessel10is shown. The marine vessel10and transom12can be divided into two roughly equal halves by an imaginary centerline14. An outboard motor16is shown mounted to the left of the centerline14on the transom12. Although only one outboard motor16is shown in the figure, it should be understood that another outboard motor could be mounted on the right side of the centerline14, thus providing a mirror image on either side of the centerline14.

The outboard motor16includes a powerhead18extending generally above a top edge89of the transom12, a midsection housing20mounted generally in line with the transom12, and a lower unit22extending mostly below the transom12. As known, the powerhead18includes an engine, an engine control unit, and other related components. The midsection housing20includes components such as a driveshaft that extends to the lower unit22, an exhaust passageway, and/or an oil sump. The lower unit22comprises a gear set and a propeller23that can be driven by the engine housed in the powerhead18via a coupling through the drive shaft. These components are well known in the art, and will not be described further herein.

In the example shown, the midsection housing20is mounted to the transom12via a support structure24. Although the support structure24is shown as a rectangle herein, it should be understood that the support structure24could take many different shapes and might not even be visible from the rear due to the size, shape, and/or location of the midsection housing20. However, the support structure24is shown herein for purposes of defining several different aspects of the marine vessel10and mounting assembly shown herein. The support structure24is held to the transom12of the marine vessel10via a plurality of fasteners26, such as bolts, screws, or the like. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many different types of fasteners could be used, and the exact fastener is not limiting on the scope of the present disclosure. Four fasteners26are shown as mounting the support structure24to the transom12; however, fewer or more fasteners26could be provided, depending on the configuration of the support structure24.

To the right of the centerline14, the transom12is shown with a set of four holes28drilled through it. Generally, these holes28can be made by holding a template to the transom12and drilling the holes28perpendicularly through the transom12. The support structure24can then be brought proximate the transom12and fastened thereto by inserting the plurality of fasteners26through the set of holes28. (SeeFIG. 3for an example.) It can be seen that the pattern of holes28provided in the transom12on the right side of the centerline14generally matches the pattern of fasteners26in the support structure24on the left side of the centerline14. Thus, it is easy to see how a second outboard motor16could be attached to the transom12over this pre-drilled pattern of holes28by insertion of a second plurality of fasteners26through a second support structure24and into the holes28. It should be noted that fewer or greater than four holes28could be provided, and the configuration of the holes28could be different from that shown, depending on the configuration of the support structure24.

The dashed line indicated at30is meant to show a rear view of a generally vertical central plane along which the outboard motor16extends, and that defines two lateral halves32a,32bthereof. Although only a line is shown at30, it should be understood that the central plane extends into the page in a fore-aft direction parallel to the centerline14of the marine vessel10. Meanwhile, dashed line34is meant to show a generally vertical fore-aft central plane that divides the set of holes28. In other words, there is an approximately equal distance from the central plane34to a hole28located on the left side thereof as there is from the central plane34to a mirror-image hole28located on the right side thereof. Even if the holes28were provided in a different configuration than that shown here, a central plane that divided the holes28into mirror images of one another could be defined. It should be understood that a central plane also divides a set of holes (through which fasteners26extend) on the left side of the centerline14of the marine vessel10. In the example shown, this central plane would divide the plurality of fasteners26in half and would be directly in line with the central plane30of the outboard motor16.

A distance “D” can be defined between the central plane30of the outboard motor16and the central plane34of the set of holes28. On many standard marine vessels, this distance D is equal to 26 inches. In other words, when two outboard motors16are mounted to the marine vessel10, their central planes30are about 26 inches (or less) apart from one another. These lines30,34can also be used to indicate where a vertical steering axis of the outboard motor16would be located when viewed from behind the outboard motor16. In other words, dashed line30could also represent a vertical steering axis of an outboard motor on the left hand side of the marine vessel10, and dashed line34could also represent a vertical steering axis of an outboard motor on the right hand side of the marine vessel10. Typically, the steering axes of two or more outboard motors mounted on a single transom12are spaced at the distance D from one another.

The present inventors have realized that as consumers have required more power from their outboard motors, outboard motors have in turn become bigger, especially in the powerhead18section, in order to accommodate an engine that is large enough to meet the consumer's power needs. Having a large powerhead18increases the cowl size of the outboard motor16, and especially when the marine vessel10is turning, or tiling and turning, the cowls of large outboard motors16could contact one another. For example, when an operator of the marine vessel10uses a steering wheel36to rotate the outboard motors16around their vertical steering axes to one side or the other, this could cause the outboard motors16to collide with one another. Interference also occurs when the outboard motors16are tilted or trimmed about horizontal tilt/trim axes. When two or more outboard motors16are both rotated around their vertical steering axes and tilted/trimmed, the interference is magnified. On a brand new marine vessel, this interference can be prevented by drilling holes in the marine vessel transom12that are further apart than the standard 26 inches. However, larger outboard motors16remain a problem when repowering a used marine vessel10.

Repowering a marine vessel entails providing new outboard motor(s) on the transom12of a used marine vessel10. Often times, consumers wish to use the same holes that have already been drilled in the transom12for the old outboards, rather than to drill new holes in order to provide enough clearance for the new, larger outboard motors. Doing so avoids the need to close up the existing holes with silicone or a waterproof epoxy, which is not aesthetically pleasing. Re-using pre-existing holes also avoids the need to put more holes in an already well-worn transom12. Additionally, the extra clearance needed between the larger outboard motors may be only a matter of a few inches, and holes that are newly drilled might be so close to the pre-existing holes that the integrity of the transom may be compromised. However, the present inventors have realized that if consumers use the set of pre-existing holes28already drilled in the transom12to mount new, larger outboards, the outboards will be too close to one another, and will contact one another during turning, tilting, and/or trimming maneuvers. Therefore, the present inventors realized that a mounting assembly was needed that would allow a consumer to re-use pre-existing holes28in the transom12of the marine vessel10, but that would also provide increased clearance between the two or more outboard motors16. Several different assemblies for achieving increased clearance are described herein below.

Additionally, when repowering, some consumers wish to place the maximum number of outboards possible on an existing transom, which number is limited by the width of the transom and the size of the motors. The present inventors have therefore developed several solutions that allow multiple (3, 4, 5+) outboards to be mounted on a transom, with minimal required clearance between them, while still using the previously-drilled holes in the transom. Several examples of how the assemblies of the present disclosure can be used to provide enough room for a greater number of outboards on an existing transom will also be described below.

Before introducing the assemblies of the present disclosure, a prior art support structure24′ will be used to describe various components of a mounting assembly that can be used to hold an outboard motor16to a transom12, as well as to steer, tilt, and trim the outboard motor.FIG. 2shows a prior art support structure24′ from a rear perspective view, whileFIG. 3shows it from the side. A pedestal40is provided for attaching the support structure24′ to the transom12. The pedestal40comprises several areas where fasteners26may be inserted through holes42extending through the pedestal40. Numerous holes42are provided so that the pedestal40can be located at a desired vertical position on the transom12. A steering tube38is provided, which is generally concentric with a steering axis44and attached to a base portion46, to which two hydraulic cylinders48having piston rods50therein are also attached. Together, the cylinders48and rods50provide a way by which the outboard motor16can be tilted and trimmed about a tilt/trim axis. The steering tube38fits within a cylindrical housing52attached to or formed as part of the pedestal40.

A steering head54is shaped to be attached to the outboard motor16and is rotatable about the steering axis44. A steering arm56is disposed within a cavity on the side of the pedestal40that faces the transom12. The steering arm56sticks laterally into the cylindrical housing52defined in the pedestal40. The circular portion of the steering arm56is disposed in concentric relation with the steering axis44. The steering arm56is attachable to the steering head54by fasteners58, which also extend into the steering tube38. Each of these components together are rotatable about the steering axis44by way of a steering actuator60, a portion of which is shown. The steering actuator60is attached in force transmitting relationship with the steering arm56, more specifically by way of an extension62. More details of the mechanisms that are used to steer the outboard motor16around its steering axis44are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,577, which was incorporated by reference above.

FIG. 3illustrates how the plurality of fasteners26extend through a set of holes28in the transom12to secure the pedestal40thereto.

PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Now turning toFIG. 4, it can be seen that the assembly of the present disclosure is for mounting two or more outboard motors16a,16bto a transom12of a marine vessel10. The assembly comprises a first support structure24aconfigured to be coupled to the transom12by first plurality of fasteners26(seeFIG. 1) that extend through the first support structure24aand through a first set of holes28athat have been drilled in the transom12. A first steering head54ais coupled to the first support structure24aand is configured to support a first outboard motor16athereupon for rotation about a first generally vertical steering axis44a. A second support structure24bis configured to be coupled to the transom12by a second plurality of fasteners26that extend through the second support structure24band through a second set of holes28bthat have been drilled in the transom12(seeFIG. 1). A second steering head54bis coupled to the second support structure24band configured to support a second outboard motor16bthereupon for rotation about a second generally vertical steering axis44b. The fasteners26are not shown inFIG. 4for purposes of clarity, but it should be understood that they extend through the holes28on either side of the central planes34a,34bthat are shown.

As described with respect toFIG. 1, the first set of holes28ais divided by a generally vertical fore-aft central plane34a. Similarly, the second set of holes28bis divided by a generally vertical fore-aft central plane34b. The holes28will not be shown inFIGS. 5-14for clarity, but it should be understood that they exist on either side of the central planes34a,34bthat are shown. The first outboard motor16aextends along a generally vertical fore-aft central plane30a. Similarly, the second outboard motor16bextends along a generally vertical fore-aft central plane30b. (BecauseFIG. 4shows the assembly from the top, the top view of the vertical planes30a,30b,34a,34bis shown.) According to the present disclosure, the first support structure24aand the first steering head54aare coupled to one another such that the central plane30aof the first outboard motor16ais capable of being laterally offset from the central plane34aof the first set of holes. Similarly, the second support structure24band the second steering head54bare coupled to one another such that the central plane30bof the second outboard motor16bis capable of being laterally offset from the central plane34bof the second set of holes. It should be understood that although the steering heads54a,54bare in reality not visible due to the powerheads18of the outboard motors being situated above them, the steering heads54a,54bare shown inFIG. 4for purposes of indicating their location. Additionally,FIG. 4illustrates how first and second drive shafts64a,64bof each outboard motor16a,16b, respectively, are also located along the central plane30a,30bof each outboard motor.

The lateral offset of the central planes30a,30bof the outboard motors16a,16bfrom the central planes34a,34bof the first and second sets of holes is illustrated by comparing the distance D, separating the two central planes34a,34bof the two sets of holes28a,28b, with a distance D1, separating the central planes30a,30bof the two outboard motors16a,16b. In the example shown, D1is greater than D, and this therefore provides more clearance between the outboard motors16a,16b. The lateral offset is defined by the dimension O in the figures.

More specifically, in the examples ofFIGS. 4 and 5, the mounting assembly comprises a bracket66ahaving a first end68acoupled to the first support structure24a. A second, opposite end70aof the bracket66asupports the first steering head54athereupon. The bracket66ais shown in the figures for purposes of illustrating its shape and how it is coupled to the first steering head54a. However, it should be understood that the bracket66awould actually not be visible at its second end70adue to the location of the powerhead. For example, the second end70aof the bracket66amay be coupled around the steering axis44aof the outboard motor16aat or just below the steering head54a. In the example shown, the first end68aof the bracket66ais coupled to a lateral side area of the first support structure24a. In this example, the first end68aof the bracket66ais coupled to the first support structure24aon the port side of the first support structure24a.

A similar bracket66bcan be provided to support the second outboard motor16b. The first end68bof the bracket66bis coupled to a lateral side area of the second support structure24bon its starboard side. The second end70bof the bracket66bmay be coupled around the steering axis44bof the outboard motor16bat or just below the steering head54b.

Thus, although the support structures24a,24b(which can be simple plate-like structures) can be installed using the pre-existing holes28a,28bin the transom, provision of the brackets66a,66battached to the support structures24a,24bgenerates greater clearance between the outboard motors16a,16b. It can be seen that providing the lateral offset O locates the central planes30a,30bof the outboard motors16a,16bfurther apart than they would otherwise be were they to be installed using the prior art bracket shown inFIGS. 2 and 3and the pre-existing holes having central planes34a,34bseparated by the distance D. As shown inFIG. 5, the brackets66a,66balso provide an advantage in that as the marine vessel operator steers the outboard motors16a,16bvia the steering wheel36, actuators (not shown) can move the brackets66a,66baround pivot points72a,72b, where the brackets66a,66battach to the support structures24a,24b. For example, when the operator of the marine vessel commands the marine vessel10to turn in a starboard direction, steering actuators will actuate the outboard motors16a,16bin a counterclockwise direction around their steering axes44a,44b. Due to provision of the bracket66b, the starboard outboard motor16bcan also be rotated around the pivot point72b, for example such that the second end70bof the bracket66brotates around the first end68bof the bracket66bin a counterclockwise direction as well. The port outboard motor16atherefore is provided with more room to undertake its own turning maneuver. Additionally, the bracket66aon the port outboard motor16amay also be rotated in a counterclockwise direction around the pivot point72a, as shown.

Now turning toFIG. 6, another example in which the mounting assembly includes a bracket74ahaving a first end76acoupled to the first support structure24aand a second, opposite end78asupporting the first steering head54athereupon will be described. In the example shown inFIG. 6, the support structures24a,24bcan be very similar to that shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, and can be attached to the transom12via holes28provided with central planes34a,34bat the distance D from one another. However, a bracket74ais situated at the top of the cylindrical housing52of the structure shown inFIG. 2, rather than the steering head54abeing situated thereupon. The steering head54ainstead is attached at the second end78aof the bracket74a. In this example, the first end76aof the bracket74ais coupled to a center area of the support structure24a, e.g. at cylindrical housing52. The first end76ais rotatable about a vertical axis80a, and the steering head54ais rotatable about the steering axis44a. This rotation can be accomplished by coupling the first end76aof the bracket74ato an actuator (similar to actuator60shown inFIG. 2) via an arm75a. A separate actuator can be provided for rotating the outboard motor16aabout the steering axis44a, or the steering head54acan be geared to a gear situated atop the bracket74aand can rotate automatically in response to rotation of the bracket74aabout axis80a.

For purposes of illustration, it should be understood that if the bracket74bon the starboard outboard motor16bwere rotated in the orientation shown inFIG. 6, but the outboard motor16bwere steered such that its central plane30bextended in a fore-aft direction (i.e. to a steering angle of zero degrees), the central plane30bof the outboard motor16bwould be offset from the central plane34bof the holes in the transom12via which the support structure24bis attached to the transom12.

FIG. 7shows a situation in which three outboard motors16a-16care mounted to the transom using the assembly ofFIG. 6.FIG. 7is used to illustrate how the support structures24a,24b,24ccan be used to prevent the outboard motors16a,16b,16cfrom contacting one another despite their size. Each of the outboard motors16a-16ccan be rotated around both the axes80a-80cof the brackets74a-74c, as well around as their individual steering axes44a-44c. Although each of the axes80a-80cmay be provided at the distance D away from one another, the central planes30a-30cof the outboard motors are able to be offset from the central planes34a-34cof the sets of holes that are used to mount the support structures24a-24cto the transom12. The steering heads54a-54care also able to be offset from the central planes34a-34cin response to the brackets74a-74cpivoting about the axes80a-80c.

Turning now toFIG. 8, an example in which the mounting assembly includes a bracket82athat is coupled to and laterally slidable with respect to the support structure24awill be described. A side view of the bracket82ais shown inFIG. 10. It can be seen that the bracket82acan slide along the support structure24a, which is connected to the transom12, by way of several bearings, rollers, wheels, or the like, as noted at84. The structure therefore comprises two different parts: the support structure24a, which is attached to the transom12and has a supporting rail83, and the bracket82a, which slides laterally along the supporting rail83of the support structure24avia mounting flanges85. The bracket82ais in turn connected to a pedestal, for example the pedestal40shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, which supports the outboard motor thereon. In effect, the structure shown inFIG. 10acts somewhat as a jack plate, only the movement of the pedestal40is in a lateral direction, rather than vertically as with a jack plate.

Returning toFIG. 8, it can be seen that lateral sliding of the brackets82a,82brelative to the support structures24a,24bcan offset the centers of the brackets82a,82bfrom the centers of the support structures24a,24b. If the support structures24a-24care coupled to the typical set of holes28in the transom via a plurality of fasteners26(seeFIG. 1) then the center of a support structure24a-24cwill be located at the distance D away from that of a neighboring support structure24a-24c, yet the centers of the brackets82a-82ccan be offset further than the distance D from one another. For example, it should be understood that if the starboard outboard motor16band port outboard motor16awere steered to a zero degree steering angle, such that their central planes30b,30awere oriented in a fore-aft direction as shown by the lines86a,86b, their central planes30b,30awould be offset from the central planes34a,34bof the plurality of holes28. This is denoted by the offset dimension labeled O inFIG. 8. The steering heads of the outboard motors16a,16bare also offset from the central planes34a,34bby the distance O, no matter what the steering angle is.

FIG. 9illustrates how the same concept can be used with four outboard motors, so as to provide room for each of them despite their size. The inner port motor16cand inner starboard motor16dare both offset by a distance O from the central planes34c,34dof the sets of holes in the transom12. The port outboard motor16aand starboard outboard motor16bmay be offset by an even greater distance, denoted O2, as shown in the figures. This provides enough room for the inner port and inner starboard motors16c,16dto fit between the outer port and outer starboard motors16a,16b. It should be noted that were the outboard motors16a-16dto be steered to zero degree steering angles, their central planes would extend in the fore-aft direction along the lines86a-86das noted.

Now turning toFIG. 11, an example in which the first support structure24ais integral with the second support structure24bwill be described. The support structure shown herein is labeled as88and in effect comprises a molded piece that extends over a top edge89(seeFIG. 1) of the transom12. A top portion90of the support structure88fits over the top edge89of the transom12, while an attached downwardly extending piece92fits on the inside face of the transom12, and a downwardly extending piece94fits on the outer face of the transom12. Either or both of the parts92,94are bolted to the transom12by way of fasteners extending through the pre-existing holes28therein. The supplemental supporting structure88need not comprise each of the parts90,92,94, but could comprise merely the part94, which has been bolted into the pre-existing sets of holes28, or could comprise just the parts90and94.

The support structure88therefore effectively creates a new transom, into which new holes can be drilled for insertion of fasteners so as to mount a larger outboard motor thereto. The support structure88comprises first and second supplemental sets of holes96a,96b, which are shown schematically, even though it should be understood they would not be able to be seen from the top view due to the powerheads of the outboard motors16a,16b. The first and second supplemental sets of holes96a,96bare provided for attachment of first and second brackets thereto, such as the pedestal40shown in theFIG. 2, by way a plurality of supplemental fasteners. The first and second supplemental sets of holes96a,96bin the integral support structure88are laterally offset from the first and second sets of holes28that have been drilled in the transom12. This is shown by a comparison of the central planes of the first and second sets of holes, labeled34a,34b, with the lines98a,98b, indicating the central planes of the first and second supplemental sets of holes96a,96b. In other words, the distance D separating the original first and second sets of holes is less than the distance D3separating the central planes98a,98bof the first and second supplemental sets of holes96a,96b.

Turning toFIG. 12, an example in which the steering heads54a,54bare shifted outwardly of the centerline14of the marine vessel10will be described. In this example, the support structures24a,24bare connected to the transom12via the pre-existing holes drilled therein. However, the first steering head54ais coupled to the first support structure24aat a location that is laterally offset from the central plane34aof the first set of holes, and away from the second outboard motor16. In other words, the first steering head54ais located on a port side of the first support structure24a. Referring to the pedestal40ofFIG. 2, one example of how this can be accomplished is by moving the cylindrical housing52in a lateral direction to a port side of the pedestal40. The steering head54, coupled atop the cylindrical housing52, would therefore shift along with the cylindrical housing52. Returning toFIG. 12, the second steering head54bis coupled to the second support structure24bat a location that is laterally offset from the central plane34bof the second set of holes, and away from the first outboard motor16a. This means that the steering head54bis coupled to the support structure24bon its starboard side. It should be understood that when the outboard motors16a,16bare at zero degree steering angles, their central planes30a,30bwould be offset by the dimension O from the central planes34a,34bof the sets of holes in the transom12. (See lines100a,100b, denoting where the central planes30a,30bof the outboard motors16a,16bwould be at zero degree steering angles.) Offsetting each of the steering heads54a,54baway from one another and away from the centerline14of the marine vessel10provides more clearance between the outboard motors16a,16b.

Turning toFIG. 13, an example in which the steering heads54a,54bare coupled to the outboard motors16a,16bat locations that are laterally offset from the central planes30a,30bof the outboard motors16a,16bwill be described.FIG. 13shows how the first steering head54ais coupled to the first outboard motor16aat a location that is laterally offset from the central plane30aof the first outboard motor16a. This offset is toward the second outboard motor16b, i.e. the steering head54ais moved toward a starboard side of the port outboard motor16aand toward the centerline14. The second steering head54bis coupled to the second outboard motor16bat a location that is laterally offset from the central plane30bof the second outboard motor16b, and toward the first outboard motor16a. In other words, the steering head54bis located on a port side of the starboard outboard motor16b. This example could utilize the same pedestal40as shown inFIG. 2, with the cylindrical housing52in its same position as shown therein. However, the location of the connection of the steering heads54a,54bto the outboard motors16a,16bwould be shifted. By shifting the steering heads54a,54bof the outboard motors16a,16bin toward one another, more clearance is provided, as a bulk of the outboard motors now lies outwardly of the steering heads. This shift is shown by the dimension S in the figures. It should be understood that were the outboard motors to be in a straight ahead configuration, with a steering angle of zero degrees, this shift denoted by S would cause central planes30a,30bto be offset from the central planes34a,34bof the plurality of holes28through which fasteners26extend to hold the standard pedestal40to the transom12.

FIG. 14is used to illustrate how when three outboard motors16a,16b,16care provided, the center outboard motor16chas its steering head situated in the center of the fore part of the outboard motor16c. In other words, the center outboard motor16cis a standard outboard motor mounted on a prior art pedestal40as shown inFIG. 2. Meanwhile, the port and starboard outboard motors16a,16bhave their steering heads54a,54blaterally shifted so as to provide room for the outboard motor16cbetween the two.