Tilt mechanism for outboard motors

The tilt mechanism (10) for a marine propulsion unit has a swivel bracket (14) pivotally attached to a transom bracket (11). A trim pin (20) is carried by a trim pin carrier (24) which is pivotally attached to the swivel bracket (14). The trim pin (20) travels in cam slots (19) which define two connected cam loops and acts as a ratchet with notches (21, 22, 23) in the cam slots (19) to establish trim and tilt positions for the propulsion unit. The two cam loops allow the propulsion unit to be returned to the uppermost position without dropping to the lowest position first. A moveable return cam (38) in the lower loop allows the operator to select the lowest trim position to which the unit will return.