Propulsion system for a marine vessel
A marine vessel includes an exterior component fitted to a hull of the marine vessel and a propulsion module configured to be received by the exterior component. The propulsion module includes a power source configured to drive a propeller; a shaft configured to couple the power source and the propeller. The module includes a housing configured to store at least the power source and a portion of the shaft.
1 . A marine vessel, comprising:
an exterior component fitted to a hull of the sailing vessel; and
a propulsion module configured to be received by the exterior component, wherein the propulsion module includes:
a power source configured to drive a propeller;
a shaft configured to couple the power source and the propeller; and
a housing configured to store at least the power source and a portion of the shaft.
2 . The marine vessel of claim 1 , wherein the propulsion module is configured to not pierce the hull.
3 . The marine vessel of claim 2 , wherein the exterior component at least partially shields the propulsion module from underwater objects.
4 . The marine vessel of claim 3 , wherein the exterior component is configured to be employed as a keel or a rudder for vessel steerage or stability.
5 . The marine vessel of claim 1 , wherein the exterior component is configured to be a keel of the marine vessel.
6 . The marine vessel of claim 5 , wherein the keel comprises a cavity configured to receive the propulsion module.
7 . The marine vessel of claim 6 , wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of electrical contacts for coupling the power source to a power system.
8 . The marine vessel of claim 7 , wherein the power source is an electric motor.
9 . The marine vessel of claim 8 , wherein the propulsion module further comprises a motor controller located within the housing.
10 . The marine vessel of claim 7 , wherein the housing comprises a shapeable material.
11 . The marine vessel of claim 10 , wherein the housing is formed from fiberglass or polyurethane foam.
12 . The marine vessel of claim 1 , wherein the exterior component is configured as a rudder of the marine vessel.
13 . The marine vessel of claim 12 , wherein the rudder comprises a cavity configured to receive the propulsion module.
14 . The marine vessel of claim 13 , wherein the cavity is located proximate to the front or back of the rudder.
15 . The marine vessel of claim 12 , wherein the power source is an electric motor.
16 . A propulsion module and rudder assembly for propelling and steering a marine vessel, comprising:
a power source configured to drive a propeller;
a shaft configured to couple the power source and the propeller;
a housing configured to store at least the power source and a portion of the shaft; and
a rudder configured to receive the housing.