Raymarine Type 2 Mechanical Linear Drive, For Mechanical Steering, 480 kg Peak Thrust

Overview

The Raymarine Type 2 Linear Drive Unit is a mechanical autopilot drive for mid to large boats with existing mechanical steering systems. It mounts below deck and moves the rudder directly by pushing on the tiller arm or rudder quadrant, giving the autopilot a direct mechanical link to the steering system.

This Type 2 range is available for 12V or 24V DC systems, with short-stroke and long-stroke versions. Short-stroke models support boats up to 15,000 kg or 33,000 lb displacement with a 300 mm or 12 in maximum stroke, while long-stroke models support boats up to 20,000 kg or 44,000 lb displacement with a 400 mm or 16 in maximum stroke.

When the autopilot is disengaged, the electro-mechanical clutch releases so the boat can be hand-steered without the drive fighting the helm. The drive is suited to installations where the steering system can be back-driven from the rudder and where a proper structural mounting point is available below deck.

Key features

• Type 2 mechanical linear drive for Raymarine autopilot systems on mechanically steered vessels.
• Below-deck installation keeps the drive connected directly to the tiller arm or rudder quadrant.
• Available in 12V and 24V versions to match the vessel’s DC electrical system.
• Short-stroke versions provide 300 mm or 12 in travel for boats up to 15,000 kg or 33,000 lb displacement.
• Long-stroke versions provide 400 mm or 16 in travel for boats up to 20,000 kg or 44,000 lb displacement.
• 480 kg or 1,050 lb peak thrust across the Type 2 short and Type 2 long configurations.
• Hardover time is 11 seconds for short-stroke models and 14 seconds for long-stroke models, measured at plus or minus 35 degrees with no load.
• Works with Raymarine ACU-400 autopilot control units.
• Protected for use in engine compartments and suitable for demanding below-deck marine spaces when installed correctly.

Variants

The Raymarine Type 2 Linear Drive Unit is offered in four configurations covering voltage and stroke length. This allows the drive to be matched to the vessel’s DC system and steering geometry without changing the basic Type 2 mechanical drive format.

The options vary by 12V or 24V supply and by short or long stroke. The Type 2 short versions use a 300 mm stroke and are rated for boats up to 15,000 kg displacement, while the Type 2 long versions use a 400 mm stroke and are rated for boats up to 20,000 kg displacement.

• M81131, 12V with short stroke. This version suits 12V installations that need the Type 2 short-stroke geometry with 300 mm of rudder drive travel.
• M81133, 24V with short stroke. This version keeps the same short-stroke layout while matching boats wired around a 24V DC autopilot drive supply.
• M81132, 12V with long stroke. This version suits 12V systems that need the longer 400 mm stroke for steering layouts with greater tiller arm travel.
• M81134, 24V with long stroke. This version combines 24V operation with the long-stroke format for vessels that require the 400 mm travel configuration.

Installation and setup

The fixed end of the drive must be secured to strong structural members in the hull, while the moving end connects to the rudder stock or quadrant through an independent tiller arm. Accessory fittings from the steering system manufacturer may be needed, depending on the boat’s steering arrangement.

Correct alignment matters. The drive should sit at right angles to the mounting surface and at right angles to the tiller arm when the rudder is amidships. Type 2 short models use a 700 mm mid-stroke dimension, while Type 2 long models use an 850 mm mid-stroke dimension.

Compatibility and fit

This drive is intended for boats with existing mechanical steering systems. It is not a casual drop-in part, since the steering system must be able to back-drive from the rudder and the mounting area must be strong enough to handle autopilot loads.

It is a practical match for cruising sailboats and larger mechanically steered vessels where below-deck access is available and the autopilot system is built around Raymarine ACU-400 drive control. Before fitting, the stroke length, displacement rating, voltage, tiller arm radius, and mounting geometry should all be checked against the vessel’s steering layout.

Electrical and system integration

The drive connects to the autopilot course computer or drive control unit through its motor and clutch cabling. Short-stroke 12V Type 2 models have typical average power consumption of 48 to 72 W, while 24V Type 2 models are listed at 66 to 96 W.

For clean operation on board, the drive cabling should be routed with attention to marine electrical noise, battery supply quality, and separation from high-power transmitting equipment. That matters most on boats with VHF, SSB, radar, and other electronics sharing tight below-deck spaces.

What’s included

• Linear drive unit
• Mounting foot assembly with foot, pivot pin, two washers, and two R-clips
• Tiller pin assembly with tiller pin, R-clip, top washer, lock washer, and 1/2 inch UNC nylock nut