Linear drive Auto pilot install, pictures/ideas needed!

[Iain]

I will be installing a raymarine type 1 linear drive on my Niagara 35 and would like to see some pictures of other installations! Any comments/ideas/pics will be greatly appriciated!

[colemj]

The installation of that drive is very straight-forward and it can be mounted in any position.

1. Be VERY sure to provide it a solid mounting base - a bulkhead is best, and any shelf or bracket you fabricate must be bullet proof and able to take lots of force. Much more force than you think.

2. Make sure you stay within the maximum mounting angles for the drive.

3. Make sure the rudder stops are set correctly so that the drive does not bottom out before the stops. Many boats have wide rudder stops, but this drive requires 35* stops, so yours may need to be repositioned inward to be within that angle.

4. Provide good heavy wiring to it.

Those are pretty much all you need, and just a summary of what is in the installation manual.

Mark

[Iain]

I am considering mounting the drive on a Stainless Steel bracket that will be mounted/bolted to the underside of the cockpit sole. I will use a large/long bracket to spread the load.

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Iain

I am considering mounting the drive on a Stainless Steel bracket that will be mounted/bolted to the underside of the cockpit sole. I will use a large/long bracket to spread the load.

Make sure to have a backing plate... This device places a lot of stress on the mounting bracket.

The other thing I would suggest, if you are cruising, carry a spare bolt that connects the linear drive to the tiller. We broke one last month (After 11k NM) and had to hand steer for 250 nm... The bolt is a weak link on purpose and will break before you bend or break something else.

You will love the auto pilot... you will find it drives the boat better than you can, especially downwind.