Octopus Model 1212LAM12 Linear Actuator

Octopus Model 1212LAM12 38mm Linear Atuator installed belowdecks.
The larger images are annotated with notes on installation of the cylinder. These notes apply as well to the new installation

Modified Rudder Stop

Modified Rudder Stop. Original rudder stop was built up to restrict maximum rudder angle to 37.5°. The larger images show this in more detail.

New Octopus Linear Actuator

New Octopus Model 1212RAR12 38mm Linear Atuator with 14' of hydraulic hose

Reconnected to tiller arm

Re-connected to tiller arm. Note that with the reservoir on the right side of the cylinder a bit of the new bunk support had to be removed. This is a fairly tight installation. Steering cables are not visible because sheaves were removed at the time the photo was made

View from above

View looking straight down at unit. Note that actuator is at 90 degrees to the tiller when the rudder is centered. Note chafe gear covering hoses.

Remote pump installation

The remote pump is installed below the floorboards in the passage. A small hatch was cut out to accomodate this. The pump is screwed to a teak plate which is glued to the hull with thickened epoxy. The hatch could be shorter but I've allowed space to install a fuel transfer pump to the right. Installation in the engine room is also a possibility

This is a new or replacement linear drive for almost any automatic pilot.  This actuator has been installed in at least 4 Peterson Cutters.  It is very strong and reliable, having only 3 moving parts in the pump.  Octopus now has a new product which has a remotely mounted motor and longer hoses.  This allows the noisy pump to be located elsewhere (e.g. the engine room).  Beatrix hase reconfigured her Octopus Actuator 14 foot hoses to do just this.  

The Octopus Linear Actuator is made by Octopus Products 660 Derwent Way, Annacis Island, Delta, BC CANADA, V3M 5P8.  Phone: (604) 525-0471.  Fax: (604) 540-3650.  E-mail: sales@octopusdrives.com
Left: Octopus "New Concept" Model 1212RAR12 38mm Linear Actuator<
Right: Octopus original Model 1212LAM12 38mm Linear Actuator. This is the correct size for the P44.
For more information see the following pages:
  1. Octopus Drives Home Page
  2. Installation Guide for 38mm Linear Drive
  3. Sketch of Installation on Beatrix (as shown in photo below).
  4. Concept diagrams of remote pump.
  5. KP44 Steering Data Empirical data on rudder and wheel torque at speed.

 

 

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