Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an out-drive protection apparatus. More particularly, the out-drive protection apparatus of the present invention is intended for use on the out-drive portion of the inboard/outboard engines provided on watercraft, such as boats and marine craft.

Background Art

A variety of problems face the owners of larger boats that are moored or penned for long period of time, many as the result of the exposure of the out-drive portion of inboard/outboard engines over long periods to corrosion, marine growth, UV light and even bird life fouling of the out-drive. In addition, out-drive and their propellers are often the subject of security concerns.

Typically, the out-drive portion of an inboard/outboard engine is at least partially submerged and is subject to corrosion and marine growth as a result. In addition, bird-life can either directly or indirectly damage the out-drive, or parts thereof, through direct attack or deposition of excrement thereon. Further, many out¬ drives include a rubber (for example neoprene) bellows portion that prevents water from entering the internal, water-sensitive parts of the out-drive. This portion may be the subject of UV light damage. Further, if marine growth, such as barnacles or the like, occurs on the bellows portion, the subsequent raising or lowering of the out-drive can cause tearing or piercing of the bellows.

Some efforts have been made previously to avoid one or more of the abovementioned problems. US Patent 4998496 discloses a shroud for the outboard portion of an inboard/outboard propulsion system, the shroud having a shroud that is mounted on the transom of a boat through a sealing and fastening means which includes both a transom bracket and a shroud bracket, these two brackets being held together by a pair of sprung engaging pins, in turn having releasing arms connected thereto to facilitate release of the shroud from the transom. Most boat owners will baulk at having to affix a bracket or other attachment means to the transom of their boat. Further, the locking mechanism described is intricate and consequently cumbersome and inconvenient.

A not dissimilar apparatus is described in AU 11692/88. This apparatus again requires that an annular flange is permanently secured to the transom of the boat by riveting or bolting. A sheath can then be secured to the flange to cover the stern drive leg or out-drive.

The present invention has as one object thereof to overcome at least one of the abovementioned problems associated with the prior art.

The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for protecting the out-drive of a watercraft, the apparatus comprising a locating member integral with or adapted for attachment to the marlin board of a watercraft, and a shroud engageable with the locating member to provide an enclosure about the out-drive.

Preferably, the shroud is arranged for sliding engagement with the locating member. Preferably, the locating member comprises one or more rails and the shroud has one or more corresponding channels into which the rails can be slidingly received to effect sliding engagement therebetween.

In one arrangement, the locating member may further comprise an upper portion adapted to be secured beneath the marlin board, the rails being provided on the underside of the upper portion. In another arrangement, the rails may be formed integrally with the marlin board, in which case there may be no need for the locating member to have the upper portion. This latter arrangement may be particularly suitable in cases where the out-drive protection apparatus is provided as part of the original equipment of a watercraft.

Preferably, a connection means is provided for releasably connecting the shroud to the locating member when the or each rail of the locating member is fully located within its respective channel.

The connection means may comprise two interlocking structures associated with each respective rail and channel. The two interlocking structures may comprise first and second elements configured as hooks for mating engagement.

Preferably, the shroud has an opening through which the out-drive can pass upon movement of the shroud into engagement with the locating member, and means for closing the opening to prevent ingress of surrounding water into the interior of the shroud.

The means for closing the opening in the shroud may utilise a part of the watercraft. In a preferred arrangement, the opening in the shroud is closed by the transom of the watercraft. Typically, in such preferred arrangement, the marginal portion of the shroud about the opening is fitted with a seal for sealing engagement with the transom of the watercraft.

Preferably, the shroud is adapted to be floated into engagement with the locating member. For this purpose, the shroud has appropriate buoyancy. The necessary - A -

buoyancy for the shroud may be provided by incorporation of one or more floats into the shroud.

Preferably, locking means are provided for releasably locking the shroud into engagement with the locating member. Preferably, in releasably locking the shroud to the locating member, the action of the locking means also serves to bias the shroud into sealing engagement with the transom of the watercraft for the purpose of sealing the opening. Further, the action of the locking means may also serve to maintain the interlocking structures in mating engagement.

The locking means may comprise at least one locking member, and preferably a pair of locking members, each in the form of an over-centre latch mounted on the shroud, the over-centre latch having a catch for releasably engaging a corresponding locking element on the locating member. Preferably, the latch provides a yieldingly resistive connection between the shroud and the locating member. The yieldingly resistive connection acts to urge the shroud into sealing engagement with the transom of the watercraft.

The over-centre latches provide a simple and effective way of securing the shroud in position, as they are easy to operate and are conveniently located on the shroud so as to be readily accessible during installation and removal of the shroud.

The shroud may comprise a body having a base, two side walls, a rear wall and a top wall.

The top wall may incorporate a port fitted with a removable closure to facilitate access to the region within the shroud for inspection and access purposes.

The bottom wall of the shroud may incorporate a sump for collection of water accumulating within the shroud. A pump may be associated with the sump for discharging accumulated water from within the shroud. The shroud body may be constructed so that it can fit a range of watercraft, there being provision to configure the shroud according to the particular watercraft to which it is to be fitted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for protecting the out-drive of a watercraft, the apparatus comprising a locating member integral with or adapted for attachment to the marlin board of a watercraft, and a shroud slidingly engageable with the locating member to provide an enclosure about the out-drive.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for protecting the out-drive of a watercraft, the apparatus comprising a locating member integral with or adapted for attachment to a portion of the watercraft located above the out-drive, and a shroud engageable with the locating member to provide an enclosure about the out-drive, the shroud having an opening through which the out-drive can pass upon movement of the shroud into engagement with the locating member, the shroud being adapted for sealing contact with a portion of the watercraft about the out-drive for closing the opening to prevent ingress of surrounding water into the interior of the shroud.

Preferably, the portion of the watercraft above the out-drive may comprise a marlin board.

Preferably, the portion of the watercraft about the out-drive may comprise a transom.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for protecting the out-drive of a watercraft, the apparatus comprising a locating member integral with or adapted for attachment to a portion of the watercraft located above the out-drive, and a shroud engageable with the locating member to provide an enclosure about the out-drive, the shroud comprises a top wall incorporating a port fitted with a removable closure to facilitate access to the region enclosed within the shroud when the shroud is in engagement with the locating member. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided an out-drive protection apparatus comprising a shroud and a locating member, the locating member being adapted for attachment to the marlin board of a watercraft, the shroud engageable with the locating member to provide an enclosure about the out-drive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference of the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an upper perspective and partly exploded view of an out-drive protection apparatus according to a first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a further upper perspective and partly exploded view of the out¬ drive protection apparatus;

Figure 3 is a sectional side view showing the out-drive protection apparatus fitted in position on a watercraft in the form of a boat;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view illustrating a locking means forming part of the out-drive protection apparatus;

Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of an out-drive protection apparatus according to a second embodiment;

Figure 6 is a view similar to figure 5, with the exception that the locating member and the shroud are illustrated in a separated condition;

Figure 7 is a view similar to figure 6, with the exception that the locating member is shown in an exploded condition;

Figure 8 is a sectional side view showing the out-drive protection apparatus according to the second embodiment fitted in position on a boat; Figure 9 is an end view, partly in section, of the out-drive protection apparatus according to the second embodiment;

Figure 10 is a sectional side view showing the out-drive protection apparatus in relation to a boat, with the shroud being separated from the locating member;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary side view of the locating member in position on the boat, showing one rail of the locating member comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the two portions being in a separated condition;

Figure 12 is a view similar to figure 11 with the exception that the upper and lower portions of the rail are shown fitted together.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown an out-drive protection apparatus 10 according to a first embodiment for a watercraft in the form of a boat 11 having an out-drive 13 of known kind at its rear end. The boat 11 has a transom 15 from which a marlin board 17 rearwardly projects above the out-drive 13.

The out-drive protection apparatus 10 provides a protective enclosure about the out-drive 13, as best illustrated in Figure 3. The protective enclosure can be used to exclude the out-drive 13 from direct contact with the body of water in which the boat 11 is supported, for the purposes of avoiding or at least limiting deterioration through continuous contact with the water, as well as deterring marine growth on the out-drive. Furthermore, the protective enclosure can be used for security purposes by providing a protective barrier against unauthorised access to the out¬ drive 13.

The out-drive protection apparatus 10 comprises a locating member 21 and a shroud 23 releasably engageable with the locating member 21 , as will be explained in detail later. Thθ locating member 21 is adapted to be secured to the marlin board 17 on the underside thereof.

The locating member 21 comprises an upper portion in the form of a substantially planar member 25 having an upper surface 27 sized to be located under the marlin board 17. In this embodiment, the planar member 25 is rectangular. The planar member 25 is adapted to be secured to the marlin board 17 in any appropriate way, such as by way of fixings (not shown) extending between the planar member 25 and the marlin board 17.

The locating member 21 further comprises two rails 28 provided on the underside of the planar member 25 in parallel relation. An end portion 29 of each rail 28 extends beyond side 26 the planar member 25, as best seen in Figure 1 of the drawings.

The shroud 23 comprises a body 31 and an end member 32. The shroud body 31 is typically formed of moulded material such as fibre-reinforced plastics material, and has a base 33, two sides defined by walls 34, 35, a top 36, and two ends 37, 38. One end 37 is defined by rear wall 39. The end 38 of the body 31 opposed to the rear wall 39 incorporates an opening 40, as best seen in Figures 1 and 2. The top 36 is configured to shed water.

Reinforcement may be provided to the base 33, walls 34, 35, top 36 and rear wall 39 through appropriate formations such as ribs and the like.

The body 31 is constructed in two parts, being a first upper part 41 and a second lower part 42. The two parts 41 , 42 are adapted to be secured together by way of a coupling 43.

With this arrangement, the lower part 42 can be cut to size (in terms of its height) and then fitted to the upper part 41 by way of coupling 43.

The overall length of the body 31 can also be cut to size, with the removed portion being at the end 38 thereof corresponding to opening 40. It will be seen that with the construction of the body, the opening 40 remains even when a section of the body is cut off the end 38.

The feature whereby the overall height of the body 31 can be varied by cutting the lower portion 42 and the overall length of the body 31 can be varied by cutting the end 38, allows the shroud 23 to be configured to a size appropriate for a particular boat onto which the protection apparatus 10 is to be fitted.

The end member 32 is adapted to be fitted onto the body 31 at the end 38 (corresponding to the opening 40) so as to provide a surround about the bottom and two sides of the opening 40. In this regard, the end member 32 comprises two upstanding side portions 51 and a bridge portion 53 extending between the side portions 51 at the lower ends thereof. The end member 32 presents an outer face 55 which carries a seal 57 for engaging the transom 15 of the boat 11. The seal 57 is configured as a strip, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

The inner face 59 of the end member 32 incorporates a channel or other means (not shown) for location with respect to the shroud body 31 , whereby the end member 32 can be attached to the shroud body.

The configuration of the end member 32 is advantageous in that it is suitable for boats having either a single out-drive or twin out-drives. For twin out-drives, the end member 32 seals that portion of the shroud which would otherwise be exposed owing to the tapered configuration of the boat hull.

The top wall 36 of the shroud body 31 incorporates two recesses configured as channels 61. The channels 61 are arranged to slidingly receive the rails 28 forming part of the locating member 21. Each of the channels 61 has an entry end 63 configured to align the channel for reception of the respective rail 28. This is achieved in this embodiment by a tapered formation 65 at the entry end 63 of each channel 61.

Each channel 61 has a bottom 67 to which a layer 69 is applied for facilitating sliding movement of the respective rail 28 therealong. A connection means is provided for releasably connecting the shroud 23 to the locating member 21 when the rails 28 are fully located within the channels. In this embodiment, the connection means comprises a hook structure 71 provided on the end of each rail 28 opposite to section 29. Each hook structure 71 is adapted to engage the underside of the top 36 of the shroud body 31 immediately below the bottom 67 of the respective channel 61 , as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the hook structures 71 suspend the shroud 23 from the rails 28. The connection means further comprises a pinning mechanism 73 for supporting the shroud 23 at the other end of each rail 28. Each pinning mechanism 73 comprises a pin 75 mounted on the shroud 23 and receivable in a socket 77 provided in the end face of end portion 29.

A locking means 80 is provided for releasably locking the shroud 23 into engagement with the locating member 21. The locking means 80 comprises two locking members 81 , each accommodated in a respective one of the channels 61.

Each locking member 81 is of known kind, comprising an over-centre latch 83 having a catch 85 for releasable engagement with a corresponding locking element 87 on the locating member 21.

Each latch 83 comprises a lever 91 pivotally mounted at one end on a bracket 93 incorporating a base 95 fixed to the bottom of the channel 61 by way of fasteners 97. A spacer 99 is provided between the bracket 95 and the channel bottom 67.

The catch 85 comprises an eye 101 provided at one end of a shank 103 slidably supported in a yielding resistive manner within a housing 105. The housing 105 is pivotally mounted on the lever 91 at pivot 107. While not shown in the drawings, there may be a mechanism incorporated in the latch 83 for selectively adjusting the position of the eye 101 with respect to pivot 107.

The housing 105 comprises a hollow structure 109 bounding a central zone 111. The hollow structure 109 comprises two side elements 113 disposed in bifurcated formation to define the central zone 111 and also an end element 115. The side and end elements 113, 115 are of integral construction. The shank 103 extends through, and is slidably supported within, an opening in the end element 115, with the eye 101 disposed exteriorly of the housing 109 and the inner end of the shank 103 accommodated within the central zone 111. The inner end of the shank 103 is fixed to a cross member 117 slidably supported between parallel portions of the side elements, which serve as guide rails for the cross member 117.

A compressive spring 119 is positioned on the shank 103 to act between the end element 115 and the cross member 117. In this way, the spring yieldingly resists outward sliding movement of the shank 103.

The locking element 87 comprises a hook structure 121 having a locking face 123 and a ramp face 125.

The locking element 87 is fixed to the upper side of the end portion 29 of the respective rail 28, with the locking face 123 being in opposed relation to the over- centre latch, as best seen in Figure 4 of the drawings.

While not shown in the drawings, the shroud 23 may have provision for it to be hung in a stored condition. This may be achieved by incorporation of hanging elements (such as hooks or handles) on the rear wall 39 of the shroud 23.

The top 36 of the shroud body 31 incorporates a port 131 fitted with a removable closure 133 to facilitate access to the region within the shroud below the top wall, for inspection and other purposes.

The base 33 of the shroud 23 incorporates a sump 135 for collection of water which might accumulate within the shroud. The sump 135 is configured as a trough 136 extending along the length of the base 33 of the shroud body 31 from a location adjacent the rear wall 39. The trough 136 terminates inwardly of the open end 40 of the shroud body 31 so that it remains intact in the event of the need to cut a portion of the shroud body in order to configure the shroud for a particular installation. A pump 139 is associated with the sump 135 for discharging any water accumulating therein. The pump 139 is located towards the end of the trough 136 adjacent the rear wall 39. While not apparent in the drawings, the bottom of the trough 136 is sloped to direct water accumulating therein towards the pump 139. The pump 139 has an outlet communicating with a discharged line 141 which opens onto the exterior of the shroud at discharge port 143. Typically, the discharge port 143 is so positioned as to be above the water line when the shroud 23 is in engagement with the locating member 21.

In certain applications, the trough 136 also serves to provide a clearance space to accommodate a skeg 14 on the out drive 13. The pump 139 is located rearwardly within the trough 136 in order to avoid impeding the skeg 14, should the latter be present.

Typically, the shroud 23 is floated into position with respect to the locating member 21 , as will be explained later. Because of this, it is necessary for the shroud 23 to have buoyancy. In this embodiment, buoyancy is provided by buoyancy devices 151 in the form of two floats 152, positioned on the exterior of side walls 35. The floats 152 may be of any appropriate construction, such as solid floats or inflatable floats.

Each float 152 is adjustable both vertically and horizontally. In this way, the buoyancy characteristics of the shroud 23 can be varied as necessary, according to the requirements of the particular installation. In this embodiment, each float 152 is attached to mounting panels 153 bonded into recesses 155 formed in the side walls 35.

Typically, the out-drive protection apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is supplied in the form shown in Figure 1 ; that is, with the upper and lower portions 41 , 42 of the shroud body 31 separate from each other, and with the end member 32 also separate.

Prior to fitting of the shroud 23, it is necessary to configure it appropriately for the boat and the size of its out-drive 13. In this regard, the transom 15 is typically inclined from the vertical, it is therefore necessary to cut the open end 38 of the shroud body 31 at an angle to complement the inclination of the transom. Additionally, the shroud body 31 is cut so that its length and height is appropriate for the particular installation.

Once the shroud body 31 has been configured to the appropriate size and shape, the end member 32 is fixed in position on the shroud body.

Installation of the out-drive protection apparatus 10 also involves attachment of the locating member 21 to the underside of the marlin board 17 of the boat, as best seen in Figure 3 of the drawings. The locating member 21 is placed in position with respect to the marlin board 17 at a location appropriate to allow the shroud 23 to enclose the out-drive 13 in the manner previously described, involving the end member 32 in sealing engagement with the transom 15 and the over-centre latches 83 correctly located for releasably securing the shroud 23 with respect to the locating member 21 in the appropriate manner.

After the initial installation process, the shroud 23 can be attached to, and removed from, the locating member 21 as necessary. The locating member 21 typically remains permanently attached to the marlin board 17 of the boat so that it is ready to accept the shroud 23 whenever it is desired to provide a protective enclosure about the out-drive 13. To fit the shroud 23 in position, it is merely necessary to place the shroud in the water and float it towards the locating member 21 from the rear end of the boat. At this stage, the over-centre latches 83 are positioned in readiness for engagement with their respective locking elements 87. This is done by pivoting the levers 91 through the over-centre position towards the locking elements 87. As the shroud 23 approaches the locating member 21 , it is oriented so that the channels 61 align with the rails 28. Once the channels 61 are aligned with the rails 28, the shroud 28 can be slid along the rails 28 into the position where it abuts against the boat transom 15. During this process, the eyes 101 of the over-centre latches 83 ride up the ramps 125 of the locking elements 87 and locate thereon, so bearing against the locking faces 123, as best seen in Figure 4. The over-centre latches 83 can then be engaged with the locking elements 87 to secure the shroud 23 to the locating member 21. This is done by pivoting each lever 91 through the over-centre position away from its respective locking element 87, so as to compressively load the spring 119 and thereby apply a pulling force between the shroud 23 and the locating member 21. This pulling force, together with the abutting action between the shroud 23 and the locating member 21 , serves to secure the shroud in position. Detachment is simply a reversal of this procedure. While not shown in the drawings, there may be provision to facilitate breaking of the seal established between the end member 32 and the boat transom 15, to allow withdrawal of the shroud.

The over-centre latches 83 provide a simple and effective way of securing the shroud 23 in position, as they are easy to operate and are conveniently located on the top wall 36 of the shroud where they are readily accessible during installation and removal of the shroud.

When the shroud 23 is placed in the water and floated into engagement with the locating member 21 , its interior will at least partially fill with water. Once the opening 40 is closed by the confronting portion of the boat transom 15, the water is contained within the interior of the shroud. The contained water can be removed by operation of the pump 139. Removal of the water from within the shroud 23 is advantageous, in that it limits contact of the out-drive 13 with the corrosive and other deteriorating effects of the water, as well as deterring marine growth on the out-drive. Once the water is removed from within the shroud 23, the out-drive 13 is effectively in a "dry dock" environment. Basic maintenance may be performed on the out-drive in this condition, with access being obtained through the port 131. Because the out-drive 13 is in a "dry dock" environment, it is likely that it will require less maintenance as would otherwise be required if it were submerged for extended periods of time in the absence of the out-drive protection apparatus 10.

Fresh water may be pumped into the shroud 23 if desired, thereby flushing the out-drive 13. The shroud 23 may be provided with plumbing for such purpose, including a fitting to which a hose can be attached for the purposes of delivering a supply of fresh flushing water to the shroud. Referring now to figures 5 to 12 of the drawings, there is shown an out-drive protection apparatus 10 according to a second embodiment. The out-drive protection apparatus according to the second embodiment is similar in many respects to the out-drive protection apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment and so corresponding reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.

As was the case with the first embodiment, the out-drive protection apparatus according to the second embodiment comprises a locating member 21 and a shroud 23 releasably engageable with the locating member. The locating member 21 is secured to the marlin board 17 of the boat 11 , as was also the case with the first embodiment.

In this second embodiment, the locating member 21 comprises a substantially planar member 25 adapted to be secured to the marlin board 17 and two rails 28 provided in parallel relation on the underside of the planar member 25.

The two rails 28 each comprise two portions, being an upper portion 161 and a lower portion 162. The upper portion 161 is formed integrally with, or attached to, the planar member 25 and is configured as a leg.

The lower portion 162 is formed separately of the upper portion 161 and is configured as a shoe for attachment to the leg. The lower portion 162 comprises a body 163 which in this embodiment is formed of plastics material. The body 163 has two opposed side walls 165 and two opposed end walls 167. The end portion 29 of the body 163 incorporates a ledge 169 which supports locking element 87 for engagement with corresponding locking member 81 on the shroud 23, as was the case with the first embodiment.

The body 163 incorporates a cavity 171 adjacent the ledge 169. The cavity 171 has an open top 173 and is configured to receive the leg defined by the respective upper portion 161 , as best seen in figure 12 of the drawings. The construction of each rail 28 as two parts (being the upper portion 161 and the lower portion 162) provides a facility for some adjustment of that part of the rail (being the lower portion 162) that locates within the respective channel 61 on the shroud body 31. This is achieved through the lower portion 162 locating with respect to the upper portion 161 by the latter being accommodated within the cavity 171. In this way, the lower portion 162 can be raised and lowered to a limited extent with respect to the upper portion 161 , and can also be moved angularly to a limited extent (as illustrated in figure 12), in order to achieve the desired positioning. The lower portion 162 can then be fixed with respect to the upper portion 161 in any suitable manner, such as by screws inserted into the side walls 165 of the body to fasten the lower portion 162 with respect to the upper portion 161.

Connection means 180 is provided for releasably connecting the shroud 23 to the locating member 21 when the rails 28 of the locating member 21 are fully located within the channels 61 of the shroud body 31. The connection means 180 comprises two interlocking structures 181 each comprising first and second elements 183, 185 configured for mating engagement. The first element 183 is mounted on the top wall 36 of the shroud body 31 adjacent the respective channel 61 , and the second element 185 is mounted on the respective rail 28. More particularly, the second element 185 is mounted on side wall 165a of the lower portion 162 of the respective rail.

The elements 185, 187 are configured as hooks which interlock when in mating engagement, as illustrated in figure 8 of the drawings. With this arrangement, the interlocking hooks support the shroud 30 in position on the locating member 21 , again as best seen in figure 8 of the drawings. The shroud 30 is further supported in engagement with the locating member 21 by the effects of water pressure and buoyancy.

The rear wall 39 of the shroud body 31 is provided with a handle 187 to facilitate handling of the shroud 23, when either in the water or out of the water. It is particularly advantageous that the handle 187 be in opposed relation to the opening 40 in the shroud body 31 such that when the handle is grasped and lifted, any water contained within the shroud body 31 can discharge through the opening 40 as the shroud is lifted from the water.

The shroud 23 is also provided with a fitting 189 to which a hose can be attached for the purposes of delivering a supply of fresh flushing water to the shroud, as was the case with the first embodiment.

Detachment of the shroud 23 from the locating member 21 is assisted by first flooding the interior of the shroud. In this second embodiment, a valve means 191 is provided for such a purpose. The valve means 191 comprises a port 193 in the shroud body 31 at a location which would be below the water line 195 when the shroud 23 is fitted into position on the locating member 21 , as illustrated in figure 9. The port 193 communicates with a body 197 within the interior of the shroud. The body 197 has an opening 199 communicating with the port 193. The body 197 is movable between a first position in which the opening 199 is above the water level 195 to exclude entry of water into the shroud and a second position in which the opening 199 is below the water level to permit entry of water through the port 193 into the shroud, thereby flooding the interior of the shroud. In this embodiment, the body comprises a conduit 201 having a horizontal section 203, a vertical section 205 and a bend section 207 therebetween. The conduit 201 is rotatable between the first position in which the vertical section 205 projects upwardly beyond the water level (as shown in dotted outline in figure 9) and the second position in which the vertical section 205 extends downwardly (as shown in full outline in figure 9). The conduit is simply rotated between the first (upper) position and second (lower) position according to whether water is to be excluded from, or allowed to enter, the interior of the shroud.

Features described in relation to the first embodiment can also be incorporated in the second embodiment where desired and appropriate. Likewise, features described in relation to the second embodiment can be incorporated into the first embodiment where desired and appropriate.

It can be seen from the foregoing description that the out-drive protection apparatus according to each embodiment provide an effective method for the prevention of corrosion, marine growth other sources of fouling, and UV light damage. This, in combination with the security aspects described hereinabove, provides piece of mind for the boat owner, particularly if the out-drive is to be left in the water for long periods of time. The various advantages described are envisaged to potentially lead also to a decrease in insurance premiums and decrease in maintenance costs for boat owners.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.