Linear autopilot.

[Sneaky Pete]

Oceanis 323 has a wheel autopilot. Is it possible to fit a 12v linear drive unit, push pull, onto the steering quadrant below the footwell? There's not much depth in the footwell.
Has anyone done this job or seen this type of conversion.

 

[KompetentKrew]

Trust you've seen Oven's post in this thread? Looks like a Raymarine type-1 (EV-200 kit) or similar.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

To get into the back stowage area I will need to loose about half my body weight.

 

[greeny]

To get into the back stowage area I will need to loose about half my body weight.

And get around the back of the gas locker in the stbrd quarter. That's where my old 323 had the mechanics installed. Almost impossible to retro install in that position without taking the gas locker moulding out first. The other side (port) has the fuel tank installed so that's a no go as well. If I was desperate to do it I would remove the gas locker and that would give you semi decent access. Unfortunately I recently sold the boat or I would take photos of the install for you.

 

[Sneaky Pete]

That's good to know the easier way in. As a single handed sailor the boat needs a stronger autopilot, as good as the small motor and the rubber band is around the wheel, it does lose it's way under weather load resulting in the alarm sounding.

 

[ithet]

I had a Linear drive fitted to an Oceanis 331 which has the same quadrant according to post #2. Rather than squeeze it behind the bulkhead, I had it fitted to the fitting on the front of the quadrant and mounted forward of the bulkhead in the rear cabin. This made fitting considerably easier. On the 331 this is helped as there is a shelf it can sit above. One day I will have a nice box made to cover it.