E38 Under Deck Linear Drive

[kiwisailor]

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 deck. The existing quadrant takes up all the room. See the following pictures. Question now is what are my options?

 

[Loren Beach]

There are prior threads here over the years. Here is one and some searching will find others.
http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoex...Installation-Pics-and-Information-(Autopilot)

Loren

 

[Joliba]

The later E 38s were built with sufficient space there to actually attach a small "tiller" arm onto the rudder post. Perhaps you will find some others who have made the installation with the configuration you have. To me it appears that one option is to add a structure to the underside of the quadrant itself to which the linear drive arm can be attached.
Mike Jacker

 

[kari]

I agree . .. work from the under side . . . plenty of room . .

 

[kiwisailor]

The later E 38s were built with sufficient space there to actually attach a small "tiller" arm onto the rudder post. Perhaps you will find some others who have made the installation with the configuration you have. To me it appears that one option is to add a structure to the underside of the quadrant itself to which the linear drive arm can be attached.
Mike Jacker

I have an early E38 without room on the rudder stock to add another tiller. The other option is as you suggest is to attach the linear directly to the existing quadrant. I note from the YS Rudder Installation Manual that Christian Williams posted that the quadrant was able to be configured with 3 different stop options, including one that has a direct connection to the quadrant by drilling in the web of the quadrant. See picture below.

So the question now is would this type of connection be adequate for a linear drive connection point and provide the necessary leverage. Interested to know if anyone else has connected a linear to the quadrant design.

 

[ConchyDug]

Did you ever come up with a solution to the early model 38s cramped quadrant?

Did you attach a plate of some sort to the lower side of the quadrant?

 

[Christian Williams]

It is possible to mount a plate under the quadrant--without even removing the quadrant (there's just enough meat on the flanges to permit drilling and bolts). The attachment point of a lever could be anywhere on such a plate. Mine is mahogany, but aluminum would also be easy to fabricate.

I don't know if that solves the issue for autopilot installation, my plate was required for a Cape Horn wind vane.

...

 

[rbonilla]

we did a garmin direct drive on a 1986 e38...possible, but needed custom fabrication for
proper angles and mounting...worth the extra work ( IMHO ) for a nice, clean installation...

 

[rbonilla]

...

 

[ConchyDug]

Ok good to know this is possible.

Wanting to throw a linear type 1 on it, sounds like a plate of G10 attached similar to CW's may be the route I go.

Christian did you thru-bolt or use U-bolts to attach the bracket?

Ebon do you have photos of your underdeck install?

 

[Christian Williams]

(I used quarter-inch bolts through quadrant flange and plate. Lock washers and Tef-gel.)

Anything you do will be custom. Ryan had space above his rudder tube:

https://ericsonyachts.org/ie/thread...llation-pics-and-information-autopilot.12103/

Some more on the topic here:

Autopilot choices on an E38

Hello All, It has come to my attention due to progressively longer sailing trips that a good autopilot is a must have piece of gear. I will not install a wheelpilot. The steering system in my boat is being torn down this winter. It makes a nice groaning noise when turning to port going down...

ericsonyachts.org

E38 Autopilot / Quadrant Install Help Needed

we have a 1982 E38 and purchased the controlling equipment for a below deck autopilot to be installed. Now that we have the Ram, they are indicating they can't connect to the existing 2-arm bronze Quadrant. Looking to possibly replace the quadrant with one that will work for a ram. Does anyone...

ericsonyachts.org

There is a much-discussed 2007 thread by "Capt. Ron" called E38_autopilot, apparently a PDF formerly located in the EY.org "Projects" area. You might ask Sean, the site owner, if he can locate it. I was unable to.

 

[rbonilla]

if it would help...i can put you in touch with my Garmin Tec that did my install...he will have some time saving ideas and thoughts...since he just did this project for me...he mounted the arm direct onto the steering post and drilled the pin through the middle...room was very tight...Dick is located in Tampa/St Pete area...just let me know and i can post his contact information....

 

[ConchyDug]

I've checked all the autopilot threads and it seems no one has posted photos of the "old" style quadrants with a linear drive. Was hoping to see a linear drive install direct to the quadrant.

I have a wheel unit but I'd like something that could handle a kite and the wheel unit struggles there.
There isn't room on the "old" style for a tiller arm, from what I could tell.

I'll take photos of whatever I do and post it eventually.

 

[Christian Williams]

See Post 2 "quadrant install" thread above.

Spinnakers are a challenge for any autopilot. Not a recommended use.

 

[Nick J]

Has anyone fit a Jefa direct drive on an Ericson?

PYI Inc. | Jefa Direct Autopilot Drives

Jefa Direct Autopilot Drives available for 30' to 70' sailboats.

www.pyiinc.com

I wonder if it would be an easier install that could just bolt to the underside of the cockpit sole?

My wheel pilot started acting up on a 14 hour day with zero wind last weekend so it got me thinking about this stuff again.

 

[ConchyDug]

If you have the clearance/space for one on your rudder post go for it. PYI customer service is top notch.

I've seen a Jefa paired with a raymarine type 1 linear drive first hand and they are nice.

We carried a j105 kite on a 33' double-ender in 15kts for hrs with that setup wasn't too hairy.

 

[kiwisailor]

Did you ever come up with a solution to the early model 38s cramped quadrant?

Did you attach a plate of some sort to the lower side of the quadrant?

In the end I installed a Raymarine EV100 wheel drive unit. It's technically underrated for the E38 but has worked perfectly, the big thing was installing the EV-1 heading sensor midship low down just behind the holding tank and away from the iron horse (engine). I previously had the heading sensor installed in the quarter berth nav area and it was getting thrown off by the engine. I mostly use the wheel drive when motoring or cruising so there isn't any weather helm load. When the wind really picks along with weather helm then I hand steer.

 

[Christian Williams]

That has been my experience with the EV-100 too. Simple, cheap, works fine up to whitecaps as long as seas aren't big. Sail trim to relieve weather helm is the key.