Rotary autopilot

[Tagmann101]

Hello, I just bought a large boat. It's a project boat. My plan is to fix it and go cruising. So I will probably be seeking a lot of advice.

Anyway, I am looking at autopilots. Does anyone have any information on what is required to equip a Raymarine Rotary T1 drive unit (sprockets, cogs, chain or belt)? My boat is 18,000 lbs, and that unit is rated to handle it, but I can't find any information on the additional equipment, what is needed, where to buy it. The T1 is compatible with Raymarine systems, so that's covered.

Thanks. RT

[stevec195]

I went through this with our 15k boat and bought the chains and sprockets at Mcmaster.com. As I recall the sizing information for the sprockets is in the ray marine installation guide.

[Tagmann101]

Hello, the web site mentioned looks great. Was the autopilot difficult to install? Did you have to glass in any mounting structures? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[stevec195]

In some ways mine was pretty simple in that I have a Edson rack and pinion steering which enabled one sprocket to be attached to the steering shaft. I my case, I was able to reinforce the deck that my steering shaft was mounted on to mount the the rotary motor below, with a chain connecting the drive to the steering shaft. Let me know if you have a similar set up and I'll take a photo.
Cheers

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by stevec195

In some ways mine was pretty simple in that I have a Edson rack and pinion steering which enabled one sprocket to be attached to the steering shaft. I my case, I was able to reinforce the deck that my steering shaft was mounted on to mount the the rotary motor below, with a chain connecting the drive to the steering shaft. Let me know if you have a similar set up and I'll take a photo.
Cheers

Ours is an identical install, sprockets from the same source. If more pics are needed I've got some I can get to tomorrow too.