Patent ID: 7040941

Claim:
Vessel propulsion system for propelling a vessel ( 2 ) in a given direction of propulsion (V), comprising: (a) a vessel ( 2 ) adapted to float in water, thereby to define a waterline (W); (b) propulsion means having operable and inoperable conditions, said propulsion means including a propulsion device ( 6 ) rotatably connected with said vessel at a location at which the propulsion device is immersed in the water, said propulsion device having an axis of rotation ( 10 ) that is generally normal to the direction of propulsion, said propulsion device having a circumferential surface; (c) a cover ( 8 ) partially enclosing said propulsion device and cooperating with said circumferential surface to produce a water conveying flow channel in which water is conveyed continuously with said propulsion device when said propulsion device is in said operable condition, thereby fully removing any air that is included between said cover and said propulsion device when said propulsion device is in said inoperable condition; and (d) a pair of bounding elements ( 42 , 43 ) bordering the sides of said propulsion device and extending beyond said circumferential surface to a location adjacent said cover.