Autopilot Type 1 Linear Drive Mounting on Oceanis 351?

[Johnny Ross]

Looking at installing Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive below decks on our Oc. 351 and would appreciate anyone's experience and advice on this project.  Where is the best place to mount the drive foot?  Looks like the bottom side of the propane tank locker will be the best place.  Can the connector pin for the push rod be mounted on the quadrant or do I need to install a rudder arm, if so-what length?  Will the X5 Wheel Pilot computer drive the Type 1, if I install a manual switch for the clutch?  Any other input will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

[russel...@gmail.com]

have one on my 36.7. integrated with chart plotter etc. wireless remote is an expensive option rarely used.

extremely reliable. put control head where night time light won't affect night vision

Russell Dunn

On Apr 12, 2014, at 12:08 PM, Johnny Ross <boutt...@gmail.com> wrote:

Looking at installing Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive below decks on our Oc. 351 and would appreciate anyone's experience and advice on this project.  Where is the best place to mount the drive foot?  Looks like the bottom side of the propane tank locker will be the best place.  Can the connector pin for the push rod be mounted on the quadrant or do I need to install a rudder arm, if so-what length?  Will the X5 Wheel Pilot computer drive the Type 1, if I install a manual switch for the clutch?  Any other input will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

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[Bob Getty]

Contact Ward at Beneteau they have a drawing for the power head mounting.   I had it some where but Word will get it to you if you ask.  843 423-6459  or 843 629-5300, email ward.ri...@beneteauusa.com  

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                   Bob 
         S/V Our Dream
'97 Beneteau Oceanis 351 #195
   Slip C-17, Castle Harbor Marina
     Chester River  Kent Island
           Chester, MD
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                Gmail

[Johnny & Doris Ross]

Thanks for the info.  Have already sent an email to ward.

[David Hutchings]

Hi 

I fitted one of these to my Oc 351 a little while ago. I attach some photos. Basically I fitted the drive to the starboard side as it was easier to work there, as I could just about climb down inside the aft locker. I angled the drive with some wooden wedges to get the angle right under the cockpit drain pipes. I also placed the X10 computer down there too. I got a plate constructed with a pivot bolt which bolted onto the quadrant with a 12mm hole to take the pivot pin. It is designed to transfer the twisting loads over a large sector of the quadrant. I think a separate arm would be better but my arrangement suits my style of casual sailing. Also made a simple wooden platform to support the rudder reference unit.

I believe the linear drive can operate at up to 30 amps using the X30 computer. My X10 can drive it at 10 amps which is fine for me. I would check the output of the wheel based units which often drive at only 5 amps. I put the flux compass under a shelf in the starboard rear cabin and got only 1 degree deviation. 

I got the drive and control head secondhand on eBay. Whole thing cost about $2500 which I was pretty happy with.

A lot depends on whether you are sailing at weekends or want to cross the oceans. Hope this helps.

David

OC 351 Teneraire

Sydney

On 13 April 2014 02:08, Johnny Ross <boutt...@gmail.com> wrote:

Looking at installing Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive below decks on our Oc. 351 and would appreciate anyone's experience and advice on this project.  Where is the best place to mount the drive foot?  Looks like the bottom side of the propane tank locker will be the best place.  Can the connector pin for the push rod be mounted on the quadrant or do I need to install a rudder arm, if so-what length?  Will the X5 Wheel Pilot computer drive the Type 1, if I install a manual switch for the clutch?  Any other input will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

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[ume...@comcast.net]

Nice post! Well done.

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From: "David Hutchings" <davidch...@gmail.com>
To: benetea...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2014 10:53:20 PM
Subject: Re: {Beneteau Owners} Autopilot Type 1 Linear Drive Mounting on Oceanis 351?

[Johnny & Doris Ross]

David,

Thanks- that was just the type info I was looking for and one of the best post I've seen. Will have to modify slightly because of my molding tank location on starboard side and aft air handler on port side- but definitely doable. Thanks again.

Johnny

[Jonathan Green]

I mounted the linear drive unit to the starboard bulkhead with just a plywood pad and mounted the rudder reference on the port bulkhead on a simple shelf mount. That aft compartment can get a little moist offshore with all the vents on the transom so I put the course computer at the foot of the bunk in the aft cabin. 

I'm not a big fan of attaching the linear drive unit directly to the quadrant, even with reinforcement. A tiller arm is the proper method. Edison made one up for me to my specs. 

This set up has performed competitively for my Oceanis 351, Jeroboam, on two solo transatlantics and a couple races to and from Bermuda, plus countless miles coastal racing and cruising. I carry a spare linear drive unit as that's the most likely point of failure.

Here are some photos of my set up:

[Johnny Ross]

Thanks Jonathan, nice installation.