Below deck tiller pilot piston Fitting

[machone]

Has anybody here done this?

I would like a below deck tiller piston setup.

I have a very simple tiller/rudder. The tiller is connected directly to the rudder post that goes through the hull in a steel hull 'tube'(not sure what the nautical term is!). I am fitting a new stainless tube but this would be an ideal opportunity to attach a 'tiller arm' to the rudder post at an angle below deck. I am told that as long as the piston is at right angle to the tiller arm there should be no problem but how do I calculate the length of the below deck tiller arm and the size/power of piston I require?

Thanks

machone

28ft heavy(7.5t) slow steel sloop

 

[sailorman]

http://www.raydirect.co.uk/files/Autopilots.pdf

+ the linear drive

It is do able but with a tiller you will notice the drag as the rams resistance when helming by hand.
these rams are very powerful the tang on the rudder stock MUST be strong enough

 

[prv]

how do I calculate the length of the below deck tiller arm and the size/power of piston I require?

The instructions for the drive unit specify the dimensions.

If you go the Raymarine route, then I think you will be well within the size band for their smallest drive unit ("Type 1").

Have a read of this installation guide: http://www.raymarine.eu/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=1937

Looks like the required length of tiller is 250mm for the Type 1.

Pete

 

[colhel]

Can you get tiller pilots with a standby setting? I've thought about doing something similar but couldn't see how you could release the power (free the tiller) quickly unless you made some sort of mechanical release.

 

[GrahamM376]

Can you get tiller pilots with a standby setting? I've thought about doing something similar but couldn't see how you could release the power (free the tiller) quickly unless you made some sort of mechanical release.

Linear drives are very powerful units, permanently mounted (unlike tiller pilots) and have a standby position on the controller without which you wouldn't be able to steer.

 

[Uricanejack]

Why?

 

[GrahamM376]

Why?

They have an electromagnetic clutch and, when engaged for steering, have around 300kg thrust so the wheel/tiller can't be moved by hand due to the force required. In standby or when switched off they move freely.