Autopilot drive mechanisms

Raymarine Type 2 hydraulic drive unit (12V) for autopilot on medium displacement boats. Supports vessels up to 22,000 kg with a 12V power system. Key benefits:

• High-thrust ram: provides steering power for rudders on boats up to ~22 tons
• Auto clutch: disengages the drive during manual steering with no drag
• 12V pump: dependable reversible pump compatible with standard 12V marine electrical systems
• Ready-to-install kit: all components included (ram, pump, reservoir, fittings) – pre-filled with fluid for quick setup

Raymarine Type 1 mechanical linear drive (12V) – a compact autopilot solution for smaller and mid-size boats. Suitable for vessels up to 11,000 kg displacement. Key features:

• Short stroke (300 mm): provides quick rudder response and fits easily in tight compartments
• Powerful motor: delivers ~295 kgf of thrust for reliable steering in rough conditions
• Quiet operation: smooth, low-noise performance – ideal for sailing yachts
• Built-in clutch: disengages the drive for unrestricted manual steering when needed

Raymarine Type 2 linear drive (12V, short stroke) – a more powerful mechanical drive for larger boats. Suitable for vessels up to 15,000 kg displacement. Highlights:

• 300 mm stroke: quick rudder movement, optimized for boats ~50–60 ft
• High thrust (~480 kgf): handles rudder loads on heavier vessels
• Robust design: reinforced motor and gearbox for continuous duty
• Disengage clutch: allows easy switch to manual steering with no resistance

Raymarine Type 2 linear drive (12V, long stroke) – an extended mechanical drive for autopilots on larger vessels. Max displacement: 20,000 kg. Notable features:

• Long 450 mm stroke: greater rudder travel range, ideal for deep rudder setups
• High power (~1000 kgf): handles steering for vessels ~20 tons
• Precision over long throw: smooth control even with larger rudder angles
• Robust mounting: requires solid bracing – built for big yachts and small ships

Raymarine Type 1 linear drive (24V) – the 24-volt version of the compact mechanical drive. Suited for vessels up to 11,000 kg (~24,000 lbs). It features:

• Short 300 mm stroke: same quick, responsive rudder control as the 12V model
• 24V compatibility: ideal for boats with 24V power systems or dual-battery setups
• High efficiency: lower current draw for the same power – reduces strain on the electrical system
• Easy install: compact size and an included clutch for disengaging the drive when needed

The M81134 is a high-performance Type 2 long-stroke linear drive (24V) designed for Raymarine autopilot systems on mid-size to large vessels. It delivers direct rudder control with powerful thrust and precision, ensuring your boat stays on course under all conditions. Rated for mechanically steered yachts up to 20,000 kg displacement, this drive operates quietly and efficiently, providing fast hard-over times for responsive autopilot steering. Key features include:

• High power & capacity: Suited for mechanically steered vessels up to 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) displacement, offering the muscle to steer larger boats.
• Long 400 mm stroke: Extended stroke length for a greater rudder range, ideal for larger rudder systems requiring more travel.
• 24V operation: Compatible with 24-Volt DC systems and intended for use with the Raymarine ACU-400 autopilot controller for optimal performance.
• Powerful yet quiet: Provides strong thrust, fast hard-over times, and quiet operation of the steering system, enhancing onboard comfort and control.
• Reliable & safe: Features an electromechanical clutch that disengages the drive when the autopilot is off, allowing smooth manual steering with no resistance.

The M81135 is a Type 1 rotary drive unit (12V) for Raymarine autopilots, engineered for steering systems driven by chain and sprocket. This compact, reliable drive mounts behind the helm and interfaces with the steering chain, enabling automatic helm control on vessels up to 11,000 kg displacement. It delivers smooth and powerful steering with minimal noise, providing ample torque for precise course-keeping, and it is compatible with the Raymarine ACU-200 actuator controller. Key features include:

• 12V rotary drive: Designed for chain-and-sprocket helm systems (cable or rod steering), it attaches to the steering chain to turn the helm wheel when the autopilot is engaged.
• For boats up to 11,000 kg: Rated for vessels up to 11 tons (24,000 lbs) displacement – ideal for medium-sized sailboats and powerboats.
• Quiet & smooth operation: The unit’s outstanding design provides smooth, powerful autopilot steering with quiet operation, reducing helm noise and vibration.
• Responsive performance: With a maximum output shaft speed of ~33 RPM, it can drive the rudder from lock-to-lock in about 10 seconds (no load), ensuring the autopilot can make quick heading adjustments.
• Easy integration: The compact form factor simplifies installation behind the instrument panel. It works with the Raymarine ACU-200 actuator control unit and seamlessly integrates into Evolution autopilot systems for plug-and-play steering automation.

The M81136 is a Type 2 rotary drive unit (12V) designed for autopilots on larger vessels that demand higher steering power. Built to integrate with mechanical chain-and-sprocket steering systems, this 12V drive can handle boats up to 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) displacement. It delivers significantly more torque than the Type 1 drive, making it suitable for heavy sailboats and small commercial craft. The M81136 is intended for use with the Raymarine ACU-400 controller and provides powerful yet smooth automatic steering even under heavy loads. Key features include:

• High capacity (Type 2): Rated for vessels up to 20,000 kg displacement – twice the capacity of Type 1 – covering large sailing yachts and motorboats.
• 12V operation: Runs on a 12-Volt DC system, drawing substantial power for its drive motor; pairing with the Raymarine ACU-400 is recommended to handle the current and control.
• High torque output: Delivers roughly 40 Nm of peak torque, ensuring sufficient force to swing a large rudder in demanding conditions (strong winds, rough seas).
• Fast and quiet: Despite the higher power, the unit maintains quiet operation and quick response, with approximately 10–12 s hard-over time (no load) for timely course corrections.
• Rugged and reliable: Features robust gearing and a clutch to protect the system; when the autopilot is disengaged, the clutch allows immediate manual helm control for safety.

The M81137 is a Type 2 rotary drive unit (24V) – a high-performance autopilot drive for larger vessels that combines the power of the Type 2 series with 24-Volt operation. Designed for boats up to 20,000 kg displacement, this 24V rotary drive offers even more efficient performance under heavy loads and is compatible with Raymarine’s ACU-400 controller. The M81137 integrates into the chain-and-sprocket steering system and delivers quiet, smooth, and strong automatic rudder control. Key features include:

• Maximum capacity (Type 2): Engineered for vessels up to 20,000 kg (44,000 lbs) displacement – suitable for large yachts and commercial craft.
• 24V power: Runs on 24 Volts, ideal for boats with 24V electrical systems; draws half the current of an equivalent 12V drive for the same power, reducing strain on the electrical circuit.
• High torque output: Similar to the 12V model, delivers ~40 Nm of torque to handle big rudders; the 24V motor provides reliable operation and runs cooler during prolonged use.
• Speed & precision: ~10 sec hard-over time (no load) ensures timely adjustments; precise control with minimal noise or vibration for an unobtrusive autopilot experience.
• Compatibility & safeguards: Pairs with the ACU-400 controller. Built-in clutch protects against overload, and the clutch disengages on standby for immediate manual steering takeover.

The M81138 is a standard stern drive autopilot actuator designed to interface with the steering system of inboard/outboard (I/O) engines (stern drives). This electromechanical drive unit connects to the power steering valve of the sterndrive’s hydraulic steering system, effectively operating the steering just as the helm cable would. When the autopilot is engaged, M81138 moves the stern drive’s steering actuator, and when disengaged, an electro-magnetic clutch releases the unit for manual helm control. It is compatible with 12V systems and the Raymarine ACU-200 controller. Key features include:

• For MerCruiser & Volvo Penta sterndrives: The standard sterndrive actuator is engineered for popular MerCruiser (post-1997 models) and Volvo Penta inboard/outboard systems with power steering.
• Electromechanical steering control: Attaches to the power steering valve – operating the hydraulic steering in the same manner as the helm cable, enabling automatic turning of the outdrive unit.
• 12V operation, ACU-200 compatible: Runs on 12V DC and is driven by the ACU-200 autopilot controller for precise rudder (outdrive) positioning.
• Clutch disengage for manual helm: When autopilot is off, the drive’s clutch disengages, allowing unhindered manual steering with the wheel, exactly as normal, with no added resistance.
• Reliable autopilot control: Makes high-speed motorboats easier to handle – keeps course during fast runs and sharp turns by smoothly working with the boat’s hydraulic steering, ensuring stable and predictable handling.