Where to get a tiller arm for an autopilot?

[prv]

This is a poor clamping method that won't last long dealing with the forces found in steering systems; either use a split clamp like the one in knuterikt's picture

The one in Knuterikt's picture (or at least, the one he actually installed on his boat) uses set screws, at Jefa's suggestion.

Pete

 

[prv]

I made up a tiller arm similar to the one pictured above for our last boat. Current one, fitted by previous owner, just has a large flat stainless plate (around 4mm thick) bolted down on the quadrant, with the linear drive attachment pin welded to the plate. Simple and cheaper option and I can still use the emergency tiller if necessary..

I need the tiller to be a little higher up than the quadrant, in order for the outboard end of the ram to fit. Plus, part of the motivation for this project (apart from the wheelpilot being a rattly heath-robinson piece of scrap) is to have emergency steering available more quickly than dragging a tiller out of the bottom of the locker and messing about with bolts and spanners to fit it. The less that's shared between the wheel mechanism and the pilot drive, the better.

Pete

 

[knuterikt]

The one in Knuterikt's picture (or at least, the one he actually installed on his boat) uses set screws, at Jefa's suggestion.

Pete

Yes, clamping & set screw

 

[prv]

Yes, clamping & set screw

And you drilled the stock slightly to take the ends of the screws?

Presumably the thing to do is to get everything set up and tested for full and free movement etc, then take the clamp off and drill where the screws have marked the metal.

Pete

 

[knuterikt]

And you drilled the stock slightly to take the ends of the screws?

Presumably the thing to do is to get everything set up and tested for full and free movement etc, then take the clamp off and drill where the screws have marked the metal.

Pete

We used a small undersized drill bit and used some tape to get a tight fit in the hole w/o damaging the threads and drilled a pilot hole.
Then took it off and completed the drilling. easy way to get a good centered mark.

 

[uxb]

I'm another happy customer of Aztec Marine / Jeffa. Smart bit if kit and very helpfull advice when ordering.

 

[prv]

We used a small undersized drill bit and used some tape to get a tight fit in the hole w/o damaging the threads and drilled a pilot hole.
Then took it off and completed the drilling. easy way to get a good centered mark.

Clever!

Pete