Short mechanical linear actuator type 1, 12V

The short mechanical linear actuator type 1 (reference M81130) is an autopilot actuator specifically designed for medium-sized sailboats. It provides a compact and robust solution with optimized power consumption to maintain heading accurately.

This model operates exclusively on a 12V electrical system.

It connects directly to Raymarine heading computers, including ACU series modules and older SPX generations.

The actuator weighs approximately 7.5 kg. This controlled mechanical inertia provides excellent thrust power without excessively increasing the weight of your installation.

Alignment is critical. The push rod must be aligned within a very strict tolerance of +/- 5 degrees relative to the rotation plane of the rudder arm to prevent premature wear of the equipment.

For a cable length up to 5 meters on this 12V model, use a 4 mm² cross-section.

If the distance between the autopilot computer and the ram reaches 10 meters, you must use cables with a 10 mm² cross-section to avoid critical voltage drops.

Doing so is strongly discouraged. The equipment must be powered by a separate battery. Starter motor current draw can drop the voltage below 10V, which would cause the autopilot to reset.

The hydraulic ram must be installed at least 1 meter away from any equipment or cables transmitting radio signals, such as VHF radios or their antennas, to prevent interference.

When a SSB radio is installed, the minimum installation distance between the actuator and the radio equipment must be increased to 2 meters.

No, it must be installed more than 2 meters away from the radar beam path to ensure proper electromagnetic operation.

Raymarine recommends servicing the hydraulic ram every 1,000 hours of use or every 2 years, whichever comes first.

Regular maintenance must be performed by a Raymarine authorized service representative to ensure the product's reliability and longevity in a marine environment.

When the tiller is centered (vessel on course), the ram must be mounted at a right angle to the rudder quadrant and be in a mid-stroke position.

It is recommended not to cut or splice cables specified by Raymarine, as this may compromise electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance unless the installation manual explicitly permits it.

No, the type 1 actuator is designed for mid-sized sailboats with moderate displacement. For a large vessel, a type 2 or higher actuator will be required as the type 1 would be undersized.

Unlike hydraulic systems, this mechanical ram offers a more compact solution, optimized electrical power consumption, and eliminates the risk of fluid leaks under the deck.

A voltage drop below 10V will not damage the equipment, but it may cause it to reset, leading to the loss of some heading data and an unexpected change in the autopilot's operating mode.

For an installation requiring up to 16 meters of cable, you must use a 16 mm² cross-section to ensure proper 12V power supply.

Yes, the assembly of the tiller arm pin (including the pin, R-pin, washers, and Nylock nut) is included with the drive unit.