Patent ID: 7641528

Claim:
An enclosed shaft system to be incorporated into a marine propulsion apparatus of a vessel comprising: a shaft; said shaft having a first end that is adapted to receive a propeller and a second end that is adapted to be connected to a coupling for connection to an engine; an outer casing having a first and second end, said shaft extending through said outer casing; the first end of said outer casing being connected to a bearing housing, said bearing housing containing a bearing assembly for supporting said shaft, said shaft extending through said bearing housing, and a first seal assembly located between the shaft and the bearing housing; an isolator mount connected to the second end of the outer casing, said isolator mount adapted to pass through the hull of a vessel, said isolator mount including a sealing assembly between the isolator mount and the hull of the vessel, said shaft extending through the isolator mount; a thrust assembly containing forward and reverse thrust bearings supporting said shaft, said thrust assembly connected to the isolator mount, said shaft extending through said thrust assembly and a second seal assembly located between said thrust assembly and said shaft; whereby the thrust generated by the shaft is transmitted from the thrust assembly to the isolator mount, and, a source of pressurized lubricant that is circulated through said thrust assembly, said isolator mount, said outer casing and said bearing housing to thereby lubricate said enclosed shaft system.