Beneteau 361 - below deck autopilot

[Philip_Oceanis 361]

I would like to install a below deck autopilot in my Beneteau 361. Most probably a raymarine unit.
However, I really cannot see how it is possible to connect the mechanical linear drive unit in the middle (I believe it has to be in the middle) of the quadrant. There's no space to mount the drive unit.
Anybody with a Beneteau 361 and below deck autopilot? Any pictures of the installation would be very very very much appreciated.
Thanks

 

[RichH]

Drilling into the quadrant material will only 'weaken' the all important quadrant.

The probable BEST way to mount/install an under deck AP is to apply an independent 'tiller arm' directly to the rudder shaft (AP linear drive connects to the tiller arm, not to the quadrant) .... then if 'either' the quadrant steering or the AP fails you still have the 'other' system.

example: http://www.p2marine.com/sailing-gea...r-arms.shtml?gclid=CN79qqjBsKcCFYbb4AodK3MOTA

;-)

 

[agaliha]

Phillip,
I have a B361 with a factory mounted linear autopilot (Raymarine). A single hole in the quadrant will not weaken it. It's a tricky, tight fit, so you might want to call Beneteau for advice. They may even have a template. Also (I found this out the hard way), you have to reverse the signal wires from the controller because the unit attaches behind the rudder post and the unit was designed to be ahead of the rudder post.
Agaliha

 

[Steve Dion]

Personally I would contact a local Bene dealer and see what they would do and what they would charge. What may appear to be a nearly impossible job may be no big deal when you know what you are doing.

My buddy Rick Dinon took a couple of photos from his H40.5 and it turned out to be very quick & easy.