WO2008101284A1

WO2008101284A1 - Out-drive protection apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008101284A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/000221
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dudley James Rundin Williams
Original assignee: Dudley James Rundin Williams
Priority date: 2007-02-20
Filing date: 2008-02-20
Publication date: 2008-08-28

Abstract

An out-drive protection apparatus (10) for a watercraft such as a boat (11) having an out-drive (13) of known kind at its stern and a transom (15). The out-drive protection apparatus (10) provides a protective enclosure about the out-drive (13). The out-drive protection apparatus (10) comprises a locating means (21) and a shroud (23). The shroud (23) comprises a main portion (31) and an end portion (32). The end portion (32) is movable with respect to the main portion (31) into a position for sealing engagement with the transom (15). Specifically, the end portion (32) is angularly moveable with respect to the main portion (31) to configure it appropriately for the inclination of the transom (15). For this purpose, the end portion (32) is angularly moveable with respect to the main portion (31) for movement into the required position.. In this way, the end potion (32) can be set to an angular position with respect to the main portion (31) such that the end face (55 )of the shroud is at the required angular position determined by the inclination of the transom of the boat (11).

Description

"Out-Drive Protection Apparatus"

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 outdrives 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.

There have been various previous proposals directed to avoiding one or more of the abovementioned problems. One such proposal is disclosed in WO 2005/105567 which is in the name of the Applicant and the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference. WO 2005/105567 discloses an out-drive protection apparatus comprising shroud engageable with a locating member to provide an enclosure about the out-drive of a watercraft. The shroud has an end 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. Prior to fitting of the shroud, it is necessary to configure the end appropriately for the watercraft. Commonly, the watercraft comprises a boat having a transom at stem through which the out-drive can extend. In this regard, the transom is typically inclined from the vertical. It is therefore necessary to cut the end of the shroud at an angle to complement the inclination of the transom. The need to cut the end of the shroud introduces some complication to the process for initially fitting the out-drive protection apparatus to the watercraft.

It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

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 aspecfof the present invention there is provided apparatus for protecting the out-drive of a watercraft, the apparatus comprising a shroud adapted to provide an enclosure about the out-drive, the shroud having an end engagable with a surface of the watercraft, the shroud comprising a main portion and an end portion, the end portion defining said end and being movable with respect to the main portion into a position presenting said end for engagement with the surface of the watercraft. Preferably, the shroud further comprises means for selectively securing the end portion in said position with respect to the main portion.

Preferably, the end portion is angularly moveable with respect to the main portion for movement into said position presenting said end for engagement with the surface of the watercraft.

Preferably, the end portion has a lower end, the end portion being supported at or adjacent the lower end for pivotal movement with respect to the main portion.

Preferably the main portion has a bottom configured to receive and rotatably support the lower end of the end portion. This arrangement provides a pivotal interconnection between the main portion and the end portion.

The bottom of the main portion may be so configured to receive and rotatably support the lower end of the end portion through provision of a channel in which the lower end of the end portion is accommodated. The channel may present an arcuate face and the bottom of the end portion may present a complementary engaging face, whereby the two faces can slidingly engage to provide the pivotal interconnection between the main portion and the end portion.

Preferably, the main portion defines a top, a base and two opposed sides of the shroud.

Preferably, the shroud is arranged for sliding engagement with a locating means provided on, or adapted to be mounted on, the watercraft.

Preferably, the locating means comprises two rails and the shroud has two corresponding longitudinal recesses into which the rails can be slidingly received to effect sliding engagement therebetween, the two recesses being located each adjacent one side of the shroud. Preferably, the longitudinal recesses are located at the junctions between the top and two sides of the main portion of the shroud.

In one arrangement, the locating means may be adapted to be secured beneath the marlin board of the watercraft. In another arrangement, the rails may be formed integrally with the marlin board. 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 means when the rails of the locating member are fully located within the recesses on the shroud.

The connection means may comprise a transverse element such as a bar extending between the two rails and a slot structure provided in the shroud adjacent said end, the transverse element being adapted to locate in the slot structure when the rails of the locating means are fully located within the recesses on the shroud, whereby interaction between the slot structure and the transverse element supports the end of the shroud.

Preferably, the shroud has an opening through which the out-drive can pass upon movement of the shroud into engagement with the locating means, 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 buαyancy 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 means. Preferably, in releasably locking the shroud to the locating means, 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 interaction between the slot structure and the transverse element which serves to support the end of the shroud adjacent the transom.

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

The base 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 invention there is provided watercraft comprising an out-drive and a removable shroud providing an enclosure about the out-drive, the shroud having an end engagable with a surface of the watercraft, the shroud comprising a main portion and an end portion, the end portion defining said end and being movable with respect to the main portion into a position presenting said end for engagement with the surface of the watercraft.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a watercraft comprising a hull surface, an out-drive extending from the hull surface and a removable shroud providing an enclosure about the out-drive, the shroud having an end engagable with the hull surface, the shroud comprising a main portion and an end portion, the end portion defining said end and being movable with respect to the main portion into a position presenting said end for engagement with the hull surface.

Preferably, the shroud is arranged for sliding engagement with a locating means provided on the watercraft.

The locating means may be mounted on a member projecting from the hull surface. The member may comprise a marlin board.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 is an upper perspective and partly exploded view of a shroud forming part of an out-drive protection apparatus according to the embodiment; Figure 2 is a further upper perspective view of the shroud in an assembled condition;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing the shroud;

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the shroud together with a locating means forming part of the out-drive protection apparatus, the shroud and the locating means being illustrated in a separated condition;

Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing the out-drive protection apparatus in relation to a boat, with the shroud being separated from the locating means attached to the boat;

Figure 6 is a view similar to figure 5 with the exception that the shoud is shown fitted to the locating means to thereby provide an enclosure far the out-drive of the boat.

Best Mocte(s) for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to the drawings, there is shown an out-drive protection apparatus 10 according to the embodiment for a watercraft in the form of a boat 11 having an out-drive 13 of known kind at its stern. The boat 11 has a hull surface comprising a transom 15 from which a marlin board 17 rearwardly projects above the outdrive 13.

The out-drive protection apparatus 10 provides a protective enclosure about the out-drive 13, as best illustrated in Figure 6. 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 outdrive 13. The out-drive protection apparatus 10 comprises a locating means 21 and a shroud 23 releasably engageable with the locating means 21, as will be explained in detail later.

The locating means 21 is adapted to be secured to the martin board 17 on the underside thereof. The locating means 21 comprises two rails 22, each comprising an upper portion 23 and a lower portion 24, as best seen in Figure 4.. In the arrangement shown, the upper portion 23 comprises two mounting blocks 25 secured to the underside of the marlin board 17 in any suitable way, such as by screws 28. Other arrangements are of course possible, including one in which the upper portion is configured as a single block. The lower portion 24 is formed separately of the upper portion 23 and is configured as a shoe for attachment to the upper portion. The lower portion 24 comprises a body 26 which in this embodiment is formed of plastics material. The body 26 has two opposed side walls 26a and two opposed end walls 26b. One end portion 26c of the body 26 incorporates a ledge 26d which supports a locking element 27.

The body 26 incorporates a cavity 26e adjacent the ledge 26d. The cavity 26e has an open top 26f and is configured to receive the two mounting blocks 25 of the respective upper portion 23, as best seen in figure 4.

The construction of each rail 22 as two parts (being the upper portion 23 and the lower portion 24) provides a facility for some adjustment of that part of the rail

(being the lower portion 24) that locates within the respect to the shroud 23, as will be explained later. This is achieved through the lower portion 24 locating with respect to the upper portion 23 by the latter being accommodated within the cavity

26e. In this way, the lower portion 24 can be raised and lowered to a limited extent with respect to the upper portion 23, and can also be moved angularly up or down at either end to a limited extent in order to achieve the desired positioning. The lower portion 24 can then be fixed with respect to the upper portion 23 in any suitable manner, such as by screws 29 inserted into the side walls of the body 26 to fasten the lower portion 24 with respect to the upper portion 23. The shroud 23 comprises a main portion 31 and an end portion 32. The shroud main portion 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 is open 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 main portion 31 is constructed in two sections, being a first upper section 41 and a second lower section 42. The two sections 41, 42 are adapted to be secured together to form an integral unit, as shown in Figure 2.

The main portion 31 incorporates a fixing batten 43 in each side wall 34, 35 adjacent the end 38 and extending generally parallel to the edge thereof. Each fixing batt&n 43 is formed of a material (such as wood) into which a fastener such as a screw can be secured, as will be explained in more detail later. The fixing battens 43 are each accommodated in a recess 45 formed in the inner face of each side wall 34, 35 by the presence of a respective protrusion 47 in the side wall. The recess 45 is closed at the inner face to confine the fixing batten 43 therein by a covering layer 48 which in this embodiment comprises fibreglass. The covering layer 48 forms part of a smooth exposed surface 49 which is on the inner side of each side wall 34 of the main portion 31 of the shroud 23 and against which the end portion 32 can slide, as will become apparent later.

The end portion 32 is adapted to be fitted onto the main portion 31 at the open end 38. In this regard, the end portion 32 comprises a body 50 having a central section 51 and two side sections 52. The central section 51 incorporates an opening 53 bounded by two upstanding lateral portions 51a and a bridge portion 51b extending between the lateral portions 51a at the lower ends thereof. The central section 51 presents an outer face 55 which borders the opening 53 and which carries a seal 56 for engaging the transom 15 of the boat 11. The seal 56 is configured as a strip which extends around the periphery of the opening 53, as shown in Figure 2.

When the shroud 23 is fitted in position, the out-drive 13 extends through the opening 53 in the end portion 32. The shroud 23 is adapted for sealing contact with the transom 15 of the boat 11 about the out-drive 13 for closing the opening 53 to prevent ingress of surrounding water into the interior of the shroud. The sealing contact is established by the seal 56.

Prior to fitting of the shroud 23, it is necessary to configure the end portion 32 appropriately for the inclination of the transom 15. For this purpose, the end portion 32 is movable with respect to the main portion 31 into a position presenting the seal 56 on the end face 55 for sealing engagement with the transom 15. Specifically for this purpose, the end portion 32 is angularly moveable with respect to the main portion 31 for movement into the required position. For this purpose, the end portion 32 is adapted to be supported at or adjacent its lower end for pivotal movement with respect to the main portion. In this regard, the main portion 31 is configured to receive and rotatably support the lower end of the end portion 32 so providing a pivotal interconnection 57 between the main portion and the end portion. In the arrangement shown, the main portion 31 is provided with a transverse channel which provides an elongate socket 58 in the base 33 adjacent the open end 38. The socket 58 presents an arcuate socket face 58a. The bottom of the end portion 32 is configured as an elongate knuckle 59 of complementary configuration to the socket 58. The knuckle 59 presents an arcuate knuckle face 59a. With this arrangement, the knuckle 59 is rotatably supported in the socket 58, with the two faces 58a, 59a in contact for sliding engagement to provide the pivotal interconnection 57 between the main portion 31 and the end portion 32.

Accordingly, the end portion 32 can be moved angularly with respect to the main portion 31 for the purpose of varying the inclination of the end face 55. In this way, the end potion 32 can be set to an angular position with respect to the main portion 31 such that the end face 55 is at the required angular position determined by the inclination of the transom 15 of the boat 11. In Figure 3, one such angular position is shown, with several other angular positions also depicted in phantom lines. Once the angular position of the end portion 32 has been determined, the end portion is fixed in position with respect to the main portion 31. In this embodiment, the end portion 32 is fixed in position with respect to the main portion 31 using fasteners 60 such as screws installed through the two side sections 52 and into the fixing battens 43 in the side walls 34, 35. The fasteners 60 are installed from the inner side such that they pass through the side sections 52 of the end portion 32 and into the fixing battens 43. In this way, the fasteners 60 do not penetrate the exterior faces of the side walls 34, 35. Once the end portion 32 has been so fixed in positron, a water seal can be established between the end portion 32 and the main portion 31 to inhibit the ingress of water. The seal can be established in any suitable way, such as through placement of a bead of sealant between the central and two side sections 51 , 52 of the end portion 32 and the adjacent parts of the main portion 31- In particular, sealant is provided between the exposed surface 49 on the inner side of each side wall 34 of the main portion 31 and the confronting face of the adjacent side section 52 of the end portion 32.

The side sections 52 of the end portion 32 are of a generally triangular configuration (as best seen in Figure 1) to accommodate a range of available angular positions of the end portion 32 with respect to the main portion 31.

The shroud 23 has two longitudinal recesses 61 into which the rails 22 of the locating means 21 can be sϋdingly received to effect sliding engagement therebetween. The two recesses 61 are located each adjacent one side wall 34, 35.

A connection means 70 is provided for releasably connecting the end 38 of the shroud 23 to the locating member 21 when the rails 22 are fully located within the recesses 61 , as shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the connection means 70 comprises a transverse element 71 such as a bar extending between the two rails 22 of the locating means 21 (as best seen in figure 4) and a slot structure 73 provided in upper end of the main portion 31 of the shroud adjacent the open end 38. The slot structure 73 comprises two slots 75 opening onto the end 38 of the shroud 23. The transverse element 71 is adapted to locate in the slot structure 73 when the rails 22 of the locating member 21 are fully located within the recesses 61 on the shrϋud 23, whereby interaction between the slot structure 73 and the transverse element 71 supports the end 38 of the shroud.

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

Each locking member 81 is of known kind, comprising an over-centre latch 83 having a catch 85 for releasable engagement with the corresponding locking element 27 on the respective rail 22.

The top 36 of the shnoud body 31 incorporates a port 90 fitted with a removable closure to facilitate access to the region within the shroud 23 below the top, for inspection and other purposes.

The base 33 of the shroud 23 incorporates a sump 101 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6) for collection of water which might accumulate within the shroud. The sump 101 is configured as a trough103 extending along the length of the base 33 of the main portion 31 of the shroud 23 from a location adjacent the rear wall 39. The trough 103 terminates inwardly of the open end 38 of the main portion 31 of the shroud 23.. The sump is not shown in Figures 1 to 4.

A pump 105 is associated with the sump 101 for discharging any water accumulating therein, as shown in Figure 6. The pump 105 is located towards the end of the trough 103 adjacent the rear wall 39. While not apparent in the drawings, the bottom of the trough 103 is sloped to direct water accumulating therein towards the pump 105. The pump 105 has an outlet communicating with a discharged line 107 which opens onto the exterior of the shroud 23 at discharge port (not shown). Typically, the discharge port is so positioned as to be above the water line when the shroud 23 is in engagement with the locating means 21. In certain applications, the trough 103 also serves to provide a clearance space to accommodate a skeg 14 on the out-drive 13. The pump 105 is located rearwardly within the trough 103 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 means 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 110 in the form of two floats 111 positioned on the exterior of side walls 35. The floats 111 may be of any appropriate construction, such as solid floats or inflatable floats-

Each float 111 may be 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.

Prior to fitting of the shroud 23, it is necessary to configure it appropriately for the boat and the size of the out-drive 13 thereof. The transom 15 is typically inclined from the vertical. It is therefore necessary to position the end portion 32 in relation to the main portion 31 to correspond to the inclination of the transom 15, as previously explained. Installation of the out-drive protection apparatus 10 also involves attachment of the locating means 21 to the underside of the marlin board 17 of the boat 11. The locating means 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 portion 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 means 21 in the appropriate manner. The end 38 of the shroud 23 is supported by interaction between the slot structure 73 and the transverse element 71 of the locating means 21, also as previously described.

In certain circumstances, the end portion 32 of the shroud may be supplied without the opening 53 in the central section 51 of the body 50, and also without the seal 56 in position. This allows the opening 53 to be formed as part of the initial installation process so that it can be tailored to the out-drive configuration of the watercraft In such circumstances, the seal 56 would be installed in position after formation of the opening 53.

After the initial installation process, the shroud 23 can be attached to, and removed from, the locating means 21 as necessary. The locating means 21 typically remains permanently attached to the mariin 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. In order to fit the shroud 23 in position, it is merely necessary to place the shroud in the water and float it towards the locating means 21 from the rear end of the boat. As the shroud 23 approaches the locating means 21, it is oriented so that the recesses 61 align with the rails 22. Once the recesses 61 are aligned with the rails 22, the shroud 23 can slide along the rails 22 into the position where it engages the transverse element 71 and then abuts against the boat transom 15. The shroud 23 is secured in position using the locking means 80. Detachment is simply a reversal of this procedure. While not shown in the drawings, there may be provision to facilitate breaking of sealing engagement established between the end portion 32 of the shroud 23 and the boat transom 15.

When the shroud 23 is placed in the water and floated into engagement with the locating member 21 , the interior of the shroud will at least partially fill with water. Once the opening 53 is closed by the confronting portion of the boat transom 15, the water is then contained within the interior of the shroud 23. The contained water can be removed by operation of the pump 105. 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 13 in this condition, with access being obtained through the port 90. 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.

It can be seen from the foregoing description that the out-drive protection apparatus according to the 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, may assist in providing peace-of-mind for the boat owner, particularly if the outdrive is to be left in the water for extended 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

The feature of the end portion 32 of the shroud 23 being movable with respect to the main portion 31 into a selected position is particularly advantageous, as it allows the shroud to be readily configured as necessary for installation on a boat.

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

Claims

Tho Claims Defining the Invention is as Follows

1. Apparatus for protecting the out-drive of a watercraft, the apparatus comprising a shroud adapted to provide an enclosure about the out-drive, the shroud having an end engagable with a surface of the watercraft, the shroud comprising a main portion and an end portion, the end portion defining said end and being movable with respect to the main portion into a position presenting said end for engagement with the surface of the watercraft.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the shroud further comprises means for selectively securing the end portion in said position with respect to the main portion.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the end portion is angularly moveable with respect to the main portion for movement into said position presenting said end for engagement with the surface of the watercraft.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the end portion has a lower end, the end portion being supported at or adjacent the lower end for pivotal movement with respect to the main portion.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the main portion has a bottom configured to receive and rotatably support the lower end of the end portion.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the bottom of the main portion is configured to receive and rotatably support the lower end of the end portion through provision of a channel in which the lower end of the end portion is accommodated.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the channel presents an arcuate face and the bottom of the end portion presents a complementary engaging face, whereby the two faces can slidingly engage to provide the pivotal . interconnection between the main portion and the end portion.

8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the shroud is arranged for sliding engagement with a locating means provided on, or adapted to be mounted on, the watercraft.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the locating means comprises two rails and wherein the shroud has two corresponding longitudinal recesses into which the rails can be siidingly received to effect sliding engagement therebetween, the two recesses being located each adjacent one side of the shroud.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the main portion defines a top, a base and two opposed sides of the shroud, the longitudinal recesses being located at the junctions between the top and two sides of the main portion of the shroud.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the locating means is adapted to be secured beneath the marlin board of the watercraft.

12. Apparatus according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the rails are formed integrally with the marlin board.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 12 further comprising a connection means for releasably connecting the shroud to the locating means when the rails of the locating member are fully located within the recesses on the shroud.

14.Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the connection means comprises a transverse element emending between the two rails and a slot structure provided in the shroud adjacent said end, the transverse element being adapted to locate in the slot structure when the rails of the locating member are fully located within the recesses on the shroud, whereby interaction between the slot structure and the transverse element provides support for the end of the shroud.

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein 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.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the marginal portion of the shroud about the opening is provided with a seal for sealing engagement with a portion of tine watercraft

17.Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 tb 16 wherein locking means are provided for realisably locking the shroud into engagement with the locating means.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the action of the locking means biases the shroud into sealing engagement with said portion of the watercraft for the purpose of sealing the opening.

19. Apparatus according to maintains interaction between the slot structure and the transverse element.

20.A watercraft comprising an out-drive and a removable shroud providing an enclosure about the out-drive, the shroud having an end engagable with a surface of the watercraft, the shroud comprising a main portion and an end portion, the end portion defining said end and being movable with respect to the main portion into a position presenting said end for engagement with the surface of the watercraft.

21.A watercraft comprising a hull surface, an out-drive extending from the hull surface and a removable shroud providing an enclosure about the outdrive, the shroud having an end engagable with the hull surface, the shroud comprising a main portion and an end portion, the end portion defining said end and being movable with respect to the main portion into a position presenting said end for engagement with, the hull surface.

22,A watercraft according to claim 20 or 21 further comprising a locating means, wherein the shroud is adapted for sliding engagement with the locating means.

23.A watercraft according to claim 22 wherein the locating means is mounted on a member projecting from the hull surface.

24. Apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

25.A watercraft substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.