Lifesaver Trolling Motor Mount

The present invention provides a mount for attaching an auxiliary motor which can be used as either an emergency or preferred source of power.

A wide range of motor boats have been provided in the past which perform valuable and different functions depending upon their design and the motive power provided. On occasion, such boats have included means for substituting auxiliary power for operation in special circumstances as, for example, a fishing boat used for trolling. In case of an emergency where the main source of motive power becomes inoperative, occupants of the boat may find themselves adrift without means of returning to shore unless rescued.

Among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a mounting device for attaching an auxiliary motor, pickaback, on the main motor and to the rear of a boat so that the auxiliary motor does not interfere with the normal operation of the boat, yet is readily operative when desired; the provision of a mount of the type indicated which permits operation of the boat, under either emergency conditions or as preferred, with the steering apparatus of the main motor or the individual controls of the auxiliary motor, while maintaining the customary maneuverability of the boat. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the rear of an inboard/outboard boat with the stern drive in lowered position with auxiliary motor attached utilizing the mount of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the rear of an inboard/outboard boat with the stern drive in raised position with auxiliary motor attached utilizing the mount of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded top view of the upper attaching device.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 there is illustrated in broken lines the rear of a boat 14 equipped with a conventional inboard/outboard motor 12, to which is attached an auxiliary motor 10 utilizing motor mount 20. Motor mount 20 consists of one pair of legs 9A and 9B; a mounting board 8; two double swivels 21A and 21B and a connecting arm 1. Mount 20 is attached to main motor 12 which is the main drive unit of the type shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, by means of legs 9A and 9B. Legs 9A and 9B are conveniently attached pivotally to the main drive by removing the nuts from stud bolts which connect the outer end of the hydraulic lift to the main drive unit and placing the lower end of the legs 9A and 9B over said stud bolts on each side of the main motor through holes in the lower ends of said legs, then replacing nuts on stud bolts; or by any other suitable means. Mounting board 8 is then attached to the upper end of the two legs with bolts through matching holes in the legs and mounting board. Mounting board 8 may be of solid wood or laminated plywood or any suitable structural material and should be treated to resist water absorption. The board is dimensioned appropriately to receive the conventional clamp portion provided on outboard motors. A hole is drilled through the transom of the boat where double swivel 21B is attached with bolt assembly 6. The other double swivel 21A is attached to the mounting board through hole provided with bolt assembly 7; this bolt is double nutted and left sufficiently loose to allow swivel to turn slightly in the mounting board so this assembly can move three ways to eliminate any binding when the main drive moves horizontally. The two swivels 21A and 21B are joined together by connecting arm 1 using bolt and bushing assemblies 4. Bushings function as both pivot points and spacers. Motor mount 20 will then support auxiliary motor clamped to the upper end of mounting board. Double swivels are constructed by using a channel iron 2".times.2".times.2" with a hole drilled in the center of the flat side of the channel and holes drilled through the center of the lips of the channel; a 1/8".times.11/2".times.6" strap iron is bent in the shape of a "U" and welded around a 2" joint of 1/2" ID pipe which serves as bushing; holes are drilled through the outer ends of the strap iron to provide for means of attachment to the connecting arm 1. Other types of construction could be utilized provided the swivel principle is attained.

Motor mount 20 is preferably constructed of corrosion resistant material so that it will not rust and mounting board should be of either water resistant or treated material to prevent deterioration from lengthy contact with water.

This construction enables steering of the boat with either the controls of the main motor or the individual controls of the auxiliary motor. It also provides for movement of the main motor to its extremes both horizontally and vertically without allowing the auxiliary motor to come in contact with the stern of the boat thus preventing damage to either the boat or motor.

The configuration of the motor mount of the present invention enables it to support up to a 15 HP outboard motor to provide sufficient power to propel the boat for fishing or to safety in case of an emergency.