Patent ID: 8715021

Claim:
A service space ( 11 ) for a retractable propulsion device in a floating vessel hull, comprising a closeable space defined by walls, a top structure and a bottom comprising a portion of a exterior periphery of the hull, in which space an access is arranged for a crew (C) from other parts of the vessel, a retractable propulsion device ( 4 ) which is retractable from an operating position in which a propeller of said propulsion device is submerged in water into a service position within said closable space, a support structure ( 4 A) attached to said propulsion device ( 4 ), wherein said service space ( 11 ) is located at least mainly below a waterline (WL) of said vessel, wherein said bottom of said closeable space further comprises a watertight closing device ( 14 ) which is open while propulsion device ( 4 ) is in its operating position, thereby providing a direct access from the service space ( 11 ) to water, and which is closable when said propulsion device ( 4 ) is in said service position, thereby defining, in combination with the top and wall structures of the service space ( 11 ), a watertight space from which water is removable, and wherein said support structure ( 4 A) forms a watertight seal with said exterior periphery of the hull of said vessel when said propulsion device ( 4 ) is in its operating position.