Mechanical Linear Drive guidelines

[Derek - Raymarine - Moderator]

When selecting the correct Mechanical Linear drive, it should be noted that we use the actual boat displacement as a guide, not the design displacement, since the actual displacement can often be as much a 20% greater than the design displacement.

Please refer to the full installation guidelines in the handbook
at this link

With regards to the mechanical rudder end stops, it is essential these are strong enough to stop the drive BEFORE it reaches it own limit of travel, this is clearly stated in the installation handbook.



The reason for this is that when the autopilot is not being used, the rudder must not rely on the drive unit limit of travel as a means of stopping the rudder moving hard over, for example when reversing the wheel can sometimes bang hardover and this shock load can cause damage to the drive unit unless the rudder is stopped by the mechanical endstops. The torque from the drive will be much less than the shock load force exerted by the sea in some situations.

RAYFAQ#