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

Orders are processed within 2 business days, which includes verification, packing, and dispatch. Orders of $100 or more qualify for free shipping when eligible. For orders under $100, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and selected service. International shipping is available for eligible products, and certain items may require additional handling, warehouse transfers, or may ship directly from the manufacturer, which can affect processing time.

Deliveries are handled by preferred carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and others depending on your location and selected service. Estimated delivery times are displayed at checkout and may vary due to customs processing, carrier delays, weather, postal disruptions, or other circumstances beyond our control. Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with tracking information. Tracking may take up to 24 hours to update on the carrier's website and is also available through your account when applicable.

We ship throughout the United States and to most international destinations for products eligible for international shipping. International orders may be subject to customs duties, taxes, brokerage charges, or other import fees, which are the customer's responsibility and are not included in the product or shipping price. PO Boxes are accepted only when shipping through USPS, and not all packages qualify for this option. If your order does not arrive within the estimated delivery window, please contact us at info@apollolighting.com or +1 (954) 375-0100 so we can assist with locating your package.

Learn more.

Returns may be requested within 30 days of receiving your order. Items must be unused, uninstalled, unaltered, and returned in their original packaging with all tags, packing materials, blank warranty cards, manuals, instructions, accessories, and included items. Certain products, including installed or used electronics, electrical components, lighting, consumables, custom or special-order items, cut-to-length products, safety equipment, and merchandise exposed to water or marine conditions, may not be eligible for return.

To request a return, sign in to your account and select the applicable order and items, and submit your request for review. Eligible unfulfilled items may also be submitted for cancellation within 1 hour of placing the order. Returns or cancellations are not considered approved until you receive confirmation from Apollo Lighting. Please do not ship or drop off merchandise before receiving return approval and instructions.

Customers are responsible for arranging and paying for return shipping unless the return is due to an error by Apollo Lighting or the item is verified as defective, damaged, or incorrect. Missing, damaged, defective, or incorrect items must be reported within 2 business days of delivery, and photos or other documentation may be required for review. If the issue is verified, Apollo Lighting may provide or reimburse return shipping and issue a replacement or refund depending on the circumstances. International customers are responsible for return shipping, duties, taxes, customs charges, brokerage fees, and other costs associated with an international return.

After your return is received and inspected, approved refunds are issued to the original payment method and may take 5-7 business days to appear after processing. Original shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable, and the value of any included free items that are not returned may be deducted from the refund. Apollo Lighting does not charge a standard restocking fee on eligible returns. Returns that are incomplete, damaged, installed, used, altered, improperly packaged, or otherwise do not meet the eligibility requirements may be refused. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service for all customer-arranged returns.

For assistance, contact info@apollolighting.com or call +1 (954) 375-0100.

Learn more.

Many products sold by Apollo Lighting include a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. Warranty terms vary by brand, product category, and model, so eligibility, coverage duration, exclusions, and available remedies are determined by the applicable manufacturer. We recommend reviewing the warranty information provided with your product before installation or use, especially for marine electronics, navigation equipment, lighting, electrical systems, pumps, safety equipment, and other specialized marine products.

If you need warranty service, the claim must follow the process established by the manufacturer, authorized service center, or designated warranty provider. You may be asked for proof of purchase, a serial number, product registration, photos, maintenance or installation records, or other documentation. Apollo Lighting does not determine or modify a manufacturer's warranty coverage or final claim decision, but we are happy to help provide purchase information and direct you to the appropriate manufacturer or warranty resource.

Keep your receipt, product documentation, serial number information, and original packaging when practical. Damage caused by normal wear, misuse, improper installation, insufficient maintenance, corrosion, impact, unauthorized modifications, electrical issues, or operation outside the manufacturer's specifications may not be covered. Warranty claims are separate from standard returns, so a product that has been installed, used, or exposed to marine conditions may no longer qualify for return while still remaining eligible for evaluation under the manufacturer's applicable warranty.

Learn more.