Hydraulic Actuator for autopilot on a Hunter?

[bgallinger]

Has anyone tried to install a hydraulic actuator to replace a wheel autopilot on a Hunter? I have a 34 Hunter and there does seem to be enough space to install a hydraulic cylinder connected to the steering quadrant. The wheel autopilot works well in relatively calm conditions but struggles mightily with stern quartering seas.

[Rucksta]

A two piece lever arm with four bolts and a keyway separate from the quadrant is considered good practice.

Allows for optimising the lever arm to the actuator stroke and the desired rudder angle and gets the actuator off the same plane as the steering cables which creates more mounting options in a limited space.
Also can provide a useful mounting point for a rudder position sensor

The quadrant may not be designed to take full load on a single point where the actuator is attached.

Good luck

[deblen]

You may find useful info in these old CF posts.
Personally,I prefer the Raymarine M81130 style electric ram for cost,simplicity & reliability,it will work on about any brand of control head,but it requires the control head or interface to be able to supply sufficient port,stbd & clutch current.
Many folk prefer to go the electro-hydraulic route.
Any autopilot control can steer a vessel satisfactorily as long as it controls a robust,properly sized & installed rudder drive system.
Cheers/Len
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ml#post3774134

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...nt-140087.html


https://www.sbmar.com/articles/marin...ering-systems/

[bgallinger]

Originally Posted by bgallinger

Has anyone tried to install a hydraulic actuator to replace a wheel autopilot on a Hunter? I have a 34 Hunter and there does seem to be enough space to install a hydraulic cylinder connected to the steering quadrant. The wheel autopilot works well in relatively calm conditions but struggles mightily with stern quartering seas.

Sorry, my mistake!! There does NOT appear to be enough space for a hydraulic cylinder!!