Raymarine Type 3 Autopilot Hydraulic Linear Drive, For Mechanical Steering, Up to 35,000 kg

Overview

The Raymarine Type 3 Hydraulic Linear Drive is a self-contained hydraulic linear drive system for mechanically steered vessels that need an autopilot drive with serious steering force. It is offered in 12V and 24V versions and is rated for vessels up to 35,000 kg or 77,000 lb displacement.

This drive is for boats with mechanical steering, not boats with an existing hydraulic steering system. The system combines a reversing hydraulic pump, fluid reservoir, hydraulic ram and hydraulic lines, giving the autopilot an isolated steering drive that attaches to the rudder stock through an independent tiller arm.

For an Evolution autopilot installation, this Type 3 hydraulic linear drive works with the Raymarine ACU-400 actuator control unit. The ram is mounted to structural members inside the vessel, so the installation should be planned around strong mounting points, rudder geometry and access for service.

Key features

• Type 3 hydraulic linear drive for mechanically steered vessels up to 35,000 kg or 77,000 lb displacement.
• Available for either 12V DC or 24V DC electrical systems, allowing the drive voltage to match the vessel's DC setup.
• Works with the Raymarine ACU-400 actuator control unit in Evolution autopilot systems.
• Self-contained steering package with hydraulic ram, reversing pump, reservoir and hydraulic lines.
• Hydraulic ram connects to the rudder stock through an independent tiller arm for autopilot steering separate from the manual steering path.
• Rated peak thrust of 675 kg or 1488 lb, with a maximum stroke of 300 mm or 12 in.
• Maximum rudder torque rating of 2565 Nm or 23100 lb in.
• Hardover to hardover time of 12 seconds at plus or minus 35 degrees with no load.
• Meets EN60945:2002 EMC and EN28846:1993 ignition protection standards.

Variants

This product is offered in two voltage configurations so the drive can be matched to the boat's DC electrical system.

The core Type 3 hydraulic linear drive specification remains the same across the range, while the voltage changes between the 12V and 24V versions.

• M81202: Voltage 12V. This version is for vessels with a 12V DC electrical system and uses the same Type 3 hydraulic linear drive layout for mechanical steering installations.
• M81203: Voltage 24V. This version is for vessels with a 24V DC electrical system, common on larger boats where the autopilot drive is part of a higher-voltage house or service system.

Installation and setup

The drive ram must be anchored to strong structural members and connected to the rudder stock through an independent tiller arm. Because the drive works directly on the steering gear, correct geometry, alignment and mounting strength are critical for smooth autopilot response and long service life.

Accessory fittings from the steering system manufacturer may be needed, depending on the tiller arm and steering layout. This is a product for planned installations, refits and upgrades where the installer can confirm displacement, rudder torque requirements, available mounting space and ACU-400 integration before fitting.

Compatibility and use on board

This Type 3 drive suits larger cruising sailboats, offshore passagemakers and heavy displacement vessels with mechanical steering where a wheel pilot or smaller drive unit is not appropriate. It gives the autopilot the muscle needed for longer runs, watchkeeping and steady course control when the steering loads are too high for lighter drive systems.

It should not be selected for a vessel that already has hydraulic steering and needs an inline hydraulic pump. In that case, the steering system type must be matched to the correct Raymarine hydraulic pump instead of a hydraulic linear drive.

What's included

• Hydraulic linear drive components consisting of hydraulic fluid reservoir, pump and hydraulic ram.
• Tiller pin assembly consisting of tiller pin, R-clip, lock nut and two washers.
• Hydraulic ram mounting screw pack consisting of four bolts, four washers and four lock nuts.
• Pump mounting screw pack consisting of two bolts, two washers and two lock nuts.
• Documentation.
• Hydraulic fluid transit container.