Hi Everyone - I'm going to swap out my chain drive rotary autopilot for a linear below-deck unit on my 2000 461. Since there's no exposed rudder post, I'm going to have to attach the ram to the quadrant. Anyone have pictures of such an install that they could share? I'd obviously hate to set myself up for quadrant failure.... Thanks!
Adding a linear ram on a Oceanis 461
- Thread starter RossH
- Start date
Smaller boat, but on the 37 there’s just enough exposed post below the quadrant for an extra arm that collars around the post. Not sure if there might be any space like that in your case -
Welcome to the forum!!
Is your linear drive mechanical or hydraulic and what manufacturer? What does your linear drive installation instructions say about how to mount the arm. My Raymarine hydraulic linear drive says "The hydraulic ram must NOT foul any part of the vessel’s structure or quadrant throughout its entire range of movement." It further says a hydraulic linear drive unit connects to the rudder stock via an independent tiller arm. Attached is a photo of the replacement hydraulic ram attached to the rudder post. Might do an internet search on "attaching autopilot linear drive to beneteau 46.1" for additional help like in the link below.
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Is your linear drive mechanical or hydraulic and what manufacturer? What does your linear drive installation instructions say about how to mount the arm. My Raymarine hydraulic linear drive says "The hydraulic ram must NOT foul any part of the vessel’s structure or quadrant throughout its entire range of movement." It further says a hydraulic linear drive unit connects to the rudder stock via an independent tiller arm. Attached is a photo of the replacement hydraulic ram attached to the rudder post. Might do an internet search on "attaching autopilot linear drive to beneteau 46.1" for additional help like in the link below.
Connecting a new Raymrine linear drive to a steering quadrant
I have a 1987 Beneteau First 405 and wish to fit a Raymarine EV 200 autopilot with a ST1 linear pack to steer the boat. Fixing the linear drive direct to the rudder stock would be the strongest connection and give independence from the wheel steering system. The rudder stock square section top...
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Attachments
I wish there was room, but sadly there is not. It's definitely going to have to attach to the quadrant.
Thanks. It's a Raymarine Type II - long FWIW. Believe me, I've done a ton of searches already. This is a 461, not a 46.1, they're quite different. I wish I could use a tiller arm - but there is no room whatsoever for that. The quadrant looks fairly robust, and the spot I'm thinking of using already has the travel stop bumper attached to it - so it's obviously capable of handling some abuse at that location.