Below Deck Autopilot - E38-100

[Guinness38]

Hello everyone, we are looking to install a below deck autopilot on our E38-100. We've seen many threads regarding this upgrade. As you may know, this model does not have enough rudder shaft exposed to allow a separate tiller arm to be clamped on it. Has anyone trimmed the rudder tube to expose enough of the rudder shaft to fit an autopilot control arm?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Loren Beach]

No link in mind now, but in the past I recall a link with pix for a sturdy attachment for a control arm attached to the quadrant itself. Perhaps others will recall it?

 

[Christian Williams]

It can be done.

E38 Under Deck Linear Drive

So after purchasing my E38 just two weeks I decided yesterday it was time to dive into the starboard locker and check out the room to install an under deck linear drive autopilot like the Raymarine evo-200. I was surprised by the lack of space between the top of the rudder tube and the under...

ericsonyachts.org

 

[Guinness38]

It can be done.

E38 Under Deck Linear Drive

So after purchasing my E38 just two weeks I decided yesterday it was time to dive into the starboard locker and check out the room to install an under deck linear drive autopilot like the Raymarine evo-200. I was surprised by the lack of space between the top of the rudder tube and the under...

ericsonyachts.org

Thanks Christian, appreciate the information. Have you heard of anyone trimming the rudder tube?

 

[Christian Williams]

FYI, I combined some relevant threads into a Master Thread on this topic.

I guess sawing off the tube is possible, although there is a bronze sleeve for the lower bushing in there which might interfere. I don't recall anybody doing it.

Mechanically, a quadrant attachment would work--if there's room, which a mockup would reveal.