Quote from StrightR@eastlink.ca on December 15, 2020, 9:39 am

In the process of acquiring a RayMarine EV 100 Wheel Pilot.  Just wondering if anyone else has installed one or a similar unit and if so where you placed the key components?  I have Gerry's input just wondering if anyone has any other options on where they placed things and how they like the unit.

Quote from david_copley@verizon.net on December 15, 2020, 11:36 am

I have been investigating installation of a autopilot and have received information from this manufacturer which would allow allow the motor and operating components to be located below deck. I have imagined the wheel type drive units others have installed could become a potential hanging point for the mainsheet when sailing especially during a jibe and also wished to retain the function of the magnetic compass. The Octopus Drive RS unit utilizes a cable drive which allows remotely mounting the drive motor. I have determined the drive motor can fit in the starboard lazarette hatch. According to the literature the drive motor does not take the thrust load to operate the rudder but rather a cable anchoring point located a short distance from the rudder shaft does require a structural anchor.

I received the following from the manufacturer.

 

You are correct that our RS drive units would be an ideal match for your application.

Based on your vessel size we’d recommend the “Short” (8” stroke) version.

https://octopusdrives.com/products/type-rs-sailboat-drives/

 

A benefit of the RS Drive is that the Rudder Feedback module can be mounted directly onto the Drive Unit eliminating the need to try and mount on the power assist steering cylinder assembly, the various options are listed below, bolded for your application.

 

PID	Description
OC15SUK27A	Rudder Feed Back Potentiometer Module – Comnav and Si-Tex Kit
OC15SUK27B	Rudder Feed Back Potentiometer Module – Raymarine Kit
OC15SUK27D	Rudder Feed Back Potentiometer Module – Coursemaster
OC15SUK27E	Rudder Feed Back Potentiometer Module – Garmin, Furuno, TMQ and Simrad
OC15SUK83	Simrad Resistance to Frequency Conversion Kit - Required for Simrad NAC3, AC12 and AC42

 

We do not sell directly in the USA, but the product is available from number of local dealers:

 

Master distributors:

• CWR Wholesale Distribution 1-800-527-3306 https://cwrdistribution.com/
• Seawide Distribution 1-866-SEAWIDE https://www.seawide.com/
• West Marine Pro https://www.westmarinepro.com/
• Win-Tron Electronics https://www.wintronelectronics.com

Direct and On line Dealers:

• Defender industries 1-800-628-8225 https://www.defender.com/
• West Marine https://www.westmarine.com/
• Amazon

 

Any other questions feel free to let us know.

 

Thanks and best,

Kyle

 

Kyle Jackson

Key Account Manager- Octopus OEM

 

Cell:       +1.604.968.7568

Direct:   +1.604.952.2673

Office:  +1.604.940.2010

Email:    kjackson@cmpgroup.net

Web:     www.cmpgroup.net

Quote from StrightR@eastlink.ca on December 15, 2020, 1:34 pm

Following from Andrew Watts:

My Auto is an EV200 (liner drive) and everything is mounted below the helm.  The Liner Drive is located on the Stbd side of the boat, so access is from the Port side locker.     The Fluxgate compass is directly below the binnacle and the control box is mounted on the Stbd side just forward of the propane locker.  Thats why I have an access panel in the aft cabin, Stbd side;  to get into that space.  From there I have access to the controller and the propane manifold.   (I have a propane HWT heater)   It also a handy storage space for my spare anchor, bosuns chair, Emerg tiller etc.

Quote from StrightR@eastlink.ca on January 17, 2021, 8:59 am

Completed installation of the Raymarine EV 100 wheel pilot and connection to the Garmin plotter yesterday.  Tee following is where we put the components and why:

1. Control head (P70s) was placed near the throttle/gearshift as high as possible and as close to the wheel as possible.  Rationale: Easy to reach when putting wheel motor into auto and standby.  Also close to gear shift and hard to damage, away from winches and main sheet traveler.  See photo 1.
2. ACU-100 (Actuator Control Unit) was placed in the compartment under the chart table.  Dry easily accessible close to control panel. See photo 2.
3. EV-1 Sensor Core was placed on the back of the galley bulkhead in the compartment forward of the propane locker.  Propane locker container removed for installation.  See photo 3.
4. Wheel drive was located on the starboard side of the pedestal as far away from the magnetic compass as possible.  A surface mount pedestal fitting is required for the C&C 99.  Photos 4 and 5.
5. Sea talk converter installed just forward of the propane locker on starboard side.
6. Nema 2000 to Seatalk converter to connect Garmin plotter to sea talk converter.  Inside pedestal guard
7. Tested  all working waiting to get back in the water and see how it works at sea.