Marine propulsion system with a movable swim platform

Abstract

A propulsion system for a marine vessel includes a drive unit and a transom bracket for movably attaching the drive unit to the marine vessel such that the drive unit may be moved between a lower position and a higher position. The drive unit is adapted to be connected to the swim platform such that at least a portion of the swim platform is manoeuvrable by the drive unit being moved between its lower and higher positions.

1 . A propulsion system for a marine vessel comprising a swim platform, the propulsion system comprising
 a drive unit and   a transom bracket for movably attaching the drive unit to the marine vessel such that the drive unit may be moved between a lower position and a higher position,   
       wherein the drive unit is adapted to be connected to the swim platform such that at least a portion of the swim platform is manoeuvrable by the drive unit being moved between its lower and higher positions. 
     
     
         2 . The propulsion system of  claim 1  configured such that at least a portion of the swim platform may be raised and lowered by means of the connection to the drive unit. 
     
     
         3 . The propulsion system of  claim 1 , wherein at least the portion of the swim platform is carried by the drive unit. 
     
     
         4 . The propulsion system of  claim 3 , wherein the drive unit forms the only load-bearing connection between the swim platform and the marine vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The propulsion system of any  claim 1 , wherein the drive unit comprises a drive platform interface for connection to the swim platform. 
     
     
         6 . The propulsion system of  claim 5 , wherein the drive platform interface of the drive unit is configured for connection to a platform drive interface of the swim platform. 
     
     
         7 . The propulsion system of  claim 6 , wherein the drive platform interface and the platform drive interface are configured to engage in a positive fit connection. 
     
     
         8 . The propulsion system of  claim 7 , wherein the drive platform interface and the platform drive interface are configured for sliding engagement. 
     
     
         9 . The propulsion system according to  claim 6 , wherein the drive platform interface protrudes from the drive unit towards the swim platform and/or the platform drive interface protrudes from the swim platform towards the drive unit. 
     
     
         10 . The propulsion system of  claim 1 , comprising a connecting arm that comprises a first pivot joint adapted to be connected to the drive unit and a second pivot joint adapted to be connected to the transom bracket, wherein the drive unit may be raised to a position vertically higher than a portion of the swim platform by pivoting the connecting arm about the second pivot joint of the connecting arm. 
     
     
         11 . The propulsion system of  claim 10 , comprising a first actuator that is arranged to pivot the connection arm about the second pivot joint. 
     
     
         12 . The propulsion system of  claim 10  configured such that a thrust angle of the drive unit may be controlled by pivoting the drive unit about the first pivot joint of the connecting arm. 
     
     
         13 . The propulsion system of  claim 12 , comprising a second actuator that is arranged to pivot the connection arm about the first pivot joint. 
     
     
         14 . The propulsion system of  claim 1 , wherein the swim platform comprises a hatch to which the drive unit is adapted to be connected, and wherein the portion of the swim platform that is manoeuvrable by the drive unit is the hatch. 
     
     
         15 . The propulsion system of  claim 14 , wherein the hatch is carried by the drive unit. 
     
     
         16 . The propulsion system of  claim 1 , wherein the drive unit comprises a support part and a thrust part, wherein the thrust part is rotatable with respect to the support part about a steering axis to direct the thrust of the drive unit. 
     
     
         17 . The propulsion system of  claim 16 , wherein the support part is adapted to be connected to the swim platform and the support part, in relation to the vessel, is only movable between its lower and higher positions. 
     
     
         18 . The propulsion system of  claim 1  configured such that the drive unit is tiltable about a tilt axis and trimmable about a trim axis that is separate from the tilt axis. 
     
     
         19 . The propulsion system of  claim 1 , comprising two drive units, both drive units being adapted to be connected to the swim platform. 
     
     
         20 . A marine vessel comprising a propulsion system according to  claim 1 .