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Linear Actuators
General DescriptionAn Octopus Hydraulic Linear Actuator is a simple, effective way to drive the rudder on a boat equipped with a mechanical steering system. The linear actuator is an assembly of an Octopus reversing pump and a marine hydraulic cylinder. This assembly is mounted on the rudder tiller-arm or quadrant. When the autopilot is not in use the cylinder runs freely along with the rudder. When the automatic pilot is in use a solenoid valve on the actuator closes and locks the cylinder. Steering signals from the pilot are now fed to the D.C. motor, which drives the pump to move the cylinder back and forth. De-energized, the solenoid valve immediately disconnects the automatic pilot from the rudder. The actuator has a small translucent oil reservoir, making it easy to check fluid levels. These actuators have only five moving parts. Mechanical simplicity gives our product reliability and ease of service when compared to complicated gear and screw actuators, making our units a favorite for offshore mariners. These actuators are shipped from our factory completely filled with oil and require no additional plumbing.
NEW PRODUCT - Universal Linear Drive – Style LAU 38mm Bore & 45mm Bore Cylinders - In 8 Configurations or In Kit Form
PRODUCT FEATURES:
TESTIMONIALS:* Top Hanse Yacht Brokerage in the US installs a Universal Linear Drive LAU on a Hanse 375 - CLICK HERE for the full report!
* LAU Drive installed on a Kelly-Peterson 44 - courtesy of Jeff Stander S/V Beatrix
* Octopus Linear Drive Article on Ocean Navigator - courtesy of Quentin Kinderman Click here for the LAU Installation Guide.
Linear Drive SizingThe size of the linear drive must be matched to the size of the vessel or rudder torque requirements and the power supply capability of the autopilot must also be considered. Care must be taken when using theoretical formulas to determine rudder torque requirements, as the conservative formulas result in grossly oversized drives. Also the power consumption and thrust specifications for linear drives can be misleading as the power consumed is often quoted as an average and the peak thrust is not sustainable for long periods. Based upon past experience, Octopus has developed a general rule when sizing the linear drive, by using the length of vessel and accepting that there will be lightly steered larger vessels and heavier steered smaller vessels, also it is worth noting that most autopilot correction is within ± 10 degrees. The largest drive that will physically fit and can be powered is always the best solution in the long run. A more reliable criteria for sizing power consumption (and therefore thrust via the performance curve of the hydraulic pump), is the current draw whilst actually steering in normal conditions, then by extrapolating thru a 15-20% duty cycle, a more reliable figure can be established. As a general rule, the autopilot should be capable of supplying enough power on a sustained basis to run the drive at 2 x normal steering amperage and on a momentary basis at 3 x normal steering amperage. In all cases a fuse as specified by the autopilot manufacturer should be fitted to the system power supply. In larger linear drive systems using a continuous running pump, a separate starter relay is used for supplying power to the pump motor. In these cases the autopilot only supplies milliamp power to switch the starter relay, operate the bypass valve and to effect steering corrections thru a solenoid valve.
Specifications and Dimensions
EffeciencyImportant for sail boat:  Ordering Information and AccessoriesOrder a unit using the Octopus model number shown above. To order an actuator with the pump separate from the cylinder, substitute the letter 'R' for 'M' in the model number.
For larger yachts see product information sheet on Model CRA02LAR12. This system comprises of a Continuous Running Pump set and a heavy-duty actuator.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
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