rudder sensor

[Rob_Webb]

anyone connected a raymarine autopilot rudder sensor to a Whitlock system? trouble is that it's direct link with no cable or quadrant system and so far I'm not sure how to attach the sensor to the moving parts of the linkage without drilling through bits of metal, possibly weakening it?

or could I glue it with some kind of modern-day wonder adhesive that would stand up to the conditions?

 

[john_morris_uk]

Assuming you have got a suitable place on the rudder stock, a piece of stainless bent to an 'L' shape and appropriate length, and held in place with a large jubilee clip round the stock would do very well. I am assuming that you have no quadrant or anything else to connect to as you say.

Otherwise how about posting a picture or two?

 

[FWB]

For the Ref Unit to work correctly you must make a parallelogram arrangement. The axis of the unit must be in line athwartships with the rudder stock. The movement of the unit must follow the movement of the rudder.
As has been said,a photo would help.

 

[johnphilip]

I fitted a Raymarine auto pilot to my Elan last winter. Not the easiest job. Access to the stub tiller on the rudder stock and the linkage from the whitlock pedestal required a masochistic contortionist. I have to smile at the idea of taking photos. I hope you have more room. I too was in scared of being able to drill the rudder stock to take the pin from the raymarine link. However this proved quite easy and the hole required for the pin is pretty small, if this is enough to compromise the strength then the whole design is suspect. I mounted the Raymarine unit on the underside of the bathing platform which gave a good path for the link from full lock port or starboard.
The main problem was that the unit would not work. Having grovelled to fit the unit I now took it out, opened it and found a loose wire that had very obviously not been soldered properly. Thank you raymarine. However after a seasons use I have now forgiven it as it is so much better than tiller pilots on previous boats.