I have a 16 tonne
steel pilothouse
cutter with a transom-hung
rudder supported by a skeg (as opposed to pintles). My two
steering stations are hydraulic to a Marol linear ram (about 20 cu. in.) that turns the
rudder quite easily and which may be bypassed for
windvane use.
I would need either to modify this setup for an
autopilot and electrically activated hydraulic
pump, or, preferably, to add a second hydraulic ram for just the AP. I'm looking at the Octopus line (see
Linear Drive Family | Octopus Autopilot Drive Systems). Any thoughts on this product line, what control heads
work well with it and how best to install it? Thanks in advance.