Best Hydraulic actuator

[jacktheflyer]

I've been researching an electric/Hydraulic actuator to interface with Raymarine electronics for a 40' Catamaran. The threads I've found are long and not really to the point. Can anyone advise of a cost effective unit that might suit given that I will need to upgrade the driver electronics to suit.

[DeepFrz]

Octopus comes to mind.
http://octopusdrives.com/

[skipmac]

I have been reading up on the Jefa drives from Denmark. Have some very interesting features and look very well built in the photos. Don't have one and have read very little about them except they are OEM for some big name AP makers.

https://www.jefa.com/

[Matt Johnson]

I'm not sure if you are hydraulic steering on the cat. If not, go with the Raymarine linear drive. It uses way less power than the hydraulic units, is quieter, and they have bulletproof reliability in the newer ones. I wish I could go back to the electric, but due to my configuration, need a hydraulic drive.

We went Lecomble & Schmitt hydraulic linear drive.... it's what is used on the Vendee Globe and many other around the world race boats. High durability, but not the cheapest.

Matt

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

I'm not sure if you are hydraulic steering on the cat. If not, go with the Raymarine linear drive. It uses way less power than the hydraulic units, is quieter, and they have bulletproof reliability in the newer ones. I wish I could go back to the electric, but due to my configuration, need a hydraulic drive.

We went Lecomble & Schmitt hydraulic linear drive.... it's what is used on the Vendee Globe and many other around the world race boats. High durability, but not the cheapest.

Matt

I kept the Raymarine linear drive when I upgraded the control section of my AP so am interested in your comments about reliability of the drive.

What do you define as newer ones IE made after what year? Do you consider them more reliable just due not being old or was there some design change or improvement at some point? If the later, can an older unit be upgraded to match the new ones?


Thanks
Skip

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I kept the Raymarine linear drive when I upgraded the control section of my AP so am interested in your comments about reliability of the drive.

What do you define as newer ones IE made after what year? Do you consider them more reliable just due not being old or was there some design change or improvement at some point? If the later, can an older unit be upgraded to match the new ones?


Thanks
Skip

If it says Raymarine and not Autohelm, it's the newer design. They went from plastic to metal gears and improved the clutch. I used 'bulletproof' loosely there, but they are very reliable if sized properly.

Matt

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

If it says Raymarine and not Autohelm, it's the newer design. They went from plastic to metal gears and improved the clutch. I used 'bulletproof' loosely there, but they are very reliable if sized properly.

Matt

Thanks. I thinkmine says Raymarine but now I'll have to go look at it to be sure. The boat came with a Type 1 but is at the very top end of the rating for a Type 1 so I found a old/new in box Type 2 on eBay for $400. Will use the Type 2 and keep the old unit as a spare.

Quiet is a big deal for me since the rudder post is right under the aft cabin bed.

[jacktheflyer]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

I'm not sure if you are hydraulic steering on the cat. If not, go with the Raymarine linear drive. It uses way less power than the hydraulic units, is quieter, and they have bulletproof reliability in the newer ones. I wish I could go back to the electric, but due to my configuration, need a hydraulic drive.

Matt

Thanks. This is the sort of info I'm needing. The steering is all cable and works pretty good but is a little firm. I currently run a wheel pilot which works well until I get to 8.5kts. I'm impressed with Ray's linear drive having seen it operate on another boat but I may be limited for space on the quadrant. I was also expecting the hydraulic to be half the cost of the linear drive. Also like to have it operate on the quadrant so I have a back up steering method.

[Matt Johnson]

I don't know about Australia, but you can often find the Raymarine drive used in good shape. Also, If you haven't already purchased the other components of the electronic package, you may find a package with linear drive and autopilot computer with a big discount.

Matt

[DeepFrz]

The linear drives, even the ones with metal gears, can wear out at the planetary gear system. The gear pins wear the gear holes and the whole thing gets sloppy and starts to slip or jam. SV Delos has several different posts where they have had to deal with repair of their mechanical drive in different parts of the world. I have posted links on the forum. Your may be able to find them by using the google custom search under the search button.