Propulsion system for a marine vessel

Abstract

A marine vessel includes an exterior component fitted to a hull of the marine vessel and a propulsion module configured to be received by the exterior component. The propulsion module includes a power source configured to drive a propeller; a shaft configured to couple the power source and the propeller. The module includes a housing configured to store at least the power source and a portion of the shaft.

1 . A marine vessel, comprising:
 an exterior component fitted to a hull of the sailing vessel; and   a propulsion module configured to be received by the exterior component, wherein the propulsion module includes:
 a power source configured to drive a propeller; 
 a shaft configured to couple the power source and the propeller; and 
 a housing configured to store at least the power source and a portion of the shaft. 
   
     
     
         2 . The marine vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the propulsion module is configured to not pierce the hull. 
     
     
         3 . The marine vessel of  claim 2 , wherein the exterior component at least partially shields the propulsion module from underwater objects. 
     
     
         4 . The marine vessel of  claim 3 , wherein the exterior component is configured to be employed as a keel or a rudder for vessel steerage or stability. 
     
     
         5 . The marine vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior component is configured to be a keel of the marine vessel. 
     
     
         6 . The marine vessel of  claim 5 , wherein the keel comprises a cavity configured to receive the propulsion module. 
     
     
         7 . The marine vessel of  claim 6 , wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of electrical contacts for coupling the power source to a power system. 
     
     
         8 . The marine vessel of  claim 7 , wherein the power source is an electric motor. 
     
     
         9 . The marine vessel of  claim 8 , wherein the propulsion module further comprises a motor controller located within the housing. 
     
     
         10 . The marine vessel of  claim 7 , wherein the housing comprises a shapeable material. 
     
     
         11 . The marine vessel of  claim 10 , wherein the housing is formed from fiberglass or polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         12 . The marine vessel of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior component is configured as a rudder of the marine vessel. 
     
     
         13 . The marine vessel of  claim 12 , wherein the rudder comprises a cavity configured to receive the propulsion module. 
     
     
         14 . The marine vessel of  claim 13 , wherein the cavity is located proximate to the front or back of the rudder. 
     
     
         15 . The marine vessel of  claim 12 , wherein the power source is an electric motor. 
     
     
         16 . A propulsion module and rudder assembly for propelling and steering a marine vessel, comprising:
 a power source configured to drive a propeller;   a shaft configured to couple the power source and the propeller;   a housing configured to store at least the power source and a portion of the shaft; and   a rudder configured to receive the housing.