Dale A Christensen

US Patent:

6397772, Jun 4, 2002

Filed:

Apr 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/543494

Inventors:

Dale Christensen - Firth ID 83236

International Classification:

B63H 2544

US Classification:

114145A

Abstract:

The present invention discloses a boat motor trolling attachment for use in conjunction with a boat motor and propeller to achieve effective trolling speeds. The boat motor trolling attachment includes a frame, defining an opening, and attached to a mounting bracket which is secured to the boat motor. Two springs are attached between the frame and the mounting bracket so as to bias the frame into a trolling position wherein the frame is disposed in a plane perpendicular to an axis defined by the propeller. Four control members are disposed horizontally across the opening and rotatably fixed to the frame so that a outflow of water impinging on the control members when the boat motor is in a forward gear automatically causes the control members to rotate in the frame so as to substantially close off the opening and form a continuous surface. The outflow of water generated by the propeller acts on the continuous surface and is transmitted thereby to the boat so as to resist forward motion of the boat. When the boat motor is in a reverse gear, the control members automatically rotate to allow a inflow of water to be generated by the propeller thereby facilitating control and maneuverability of the boat in reverse.