I'm about to replace my old Raymarine wheel drive with the Linear Drive. Apparently the new autopilot wheel motors have less power and can't handle my H34. I plan on putting a 12x24x1 inch piece of King Starboard in the lazarette bottom in order to provide a solid base for the mounting block under the lazarette. But I'm out of town and not near the boat and was interested in any suggestions on how to physically locate the unit. I will be ordering an Edison short tiller arm to attach to the rudder post, as I don't think I will be able to mount the drive to the ~12" driven wheel on the rudder.
Has anyone installed the Raymarine Linear Drive Type 1 in a H34? or similar boat?
- Thread starter Mike Oldak
- Start date
I switched from a new wheel pilot for the same reason as you. Here are a couple of photos of the type 1 linear drive installation in my boat.
looks like you welded up a new bracket. Hopefully on my H34 I can just mount it to the bottom of a upgraded lazarette floor (or else I'll pull out my MIG welder)
Mike, going to be a tight fit. Pictures below.. There may be room above the driven wheel but because of the angle of the post, the new steering arm may have to go on the forward side.. which would require relocating the rudder stops and the angle iron bumper. I would really like to see how you end up installing the linear drive! You might be able to put the arm and drive unit in the lazarette, just above the top post bearing, May require a beefier top bearing if the arm is above the bearing..?? Good Luck.
