Raymarine

Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive - 12V

SKU: 15856 · UPC: 023193811307 · MPN: M81130
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02 · Overview

Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive - 12V — Product description

Upgrade your boating experience with the Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive, a robust solution tailored for mechanically steered vessels weighing up to 22,000 pounds. This 12V drive integrates seamlessly with Raymarine's Evolution autopilot systems, delivering precise control whether you're cruising calm waters or tackling choppy conditions. Boat owners appreciate its balance of power and efficiency, ensuring your autopilot handles steering effortlessly without compromising your boat's natural feel.

Why Boat Owners Rely on This Linear Drive

Steering a boat manually over long distances can be exhausting, especially in rough seas. This linear drive steps in as a game-changer, mounting directly to your existing mechanical steering setup—like cable or rack-and-pinion systems. Its design minimizes interference when the autopilot is off, thanks to exceptionally low backdrive force. You retain full manual control with minimal drag, making it ideal for sailboats, fishing vessels, or weekend cruisers.

Performance shines through fast hardover times, allowing quick responses to changing conditions. Quiet operation means less noise distraction during those peaceful offshore runs, while efficient power use extends battery life on extended trips.

Standout Engineering Features

  • Powerful Electric Motor Setup: Paired with an electromagnetic fail-safe clutch, high-tensile belt drive, and epicyclic gearbox for smooth, reliable torque delivery—even under heavy loads.
  • 12-Inch Stroke Length: Provides ample travel for sharp turns without excessive strain on the system.
  • Compact and Durable Build: Engineered for easy retrofitting into tight engine spaces, resisting corrosion in harsh marine environments.
  • Energy-Efficient Operation: Draws minimal current for high output, perfect for 12V systems on mid-sized boats.

These elements combine to offer thrust capable of managing vessels up to 10,000 kg displacement, ensuring stability during autopilot engagement.

Seamless Integration and Setup

Compatible with the ACU-400 Autopilot Control Unit, this drive slots into Raymarine's Evolution ecosystem, leveraging advanced sensors for adaptive steering. Installation is straightforward for those familiar with marine hydraulics or mechanics—secure the drive to your tiller arm or quadrant, connect the wiring harness, and calibrate via the autopilot head unit.

Pro tip: Align the drive parallel to your steering axis for optimal performance and reduced wear. Most users complete setup in a few hours, getting back on the water faster. Always double-check hydraulic lines or cable tensions post-install to avoid play in the system.

Long-Term Reliability and Care

To keep this drive performing like new, rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure and inspect the belt drive annually for tension and cracks. Lubricate pivot points sparingly with marine-grade grease. In standby mode, the low backdrive ensures your steering stays responsive, but periodic autopilot calibrations maintain peak accuracy.

Boat captains report years of trouble-free service, attributing it to the drive's rugged construction and smart clutch system that protects against overloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of boats is the Raymarine Type 1 Linear Drive best suited for?

It's designed for mechanically steered boats up to 22,000 pounds displacement, such as sailboats, outboards, or inboards with cable steering. Ideal for vessels around 30-40 feet where precise autopilot control matters.

How does the low backdrive force benefit manual steering?

Low backdrive means the drive barely influences your steering when the autopilot is disengaged, preserving the boat's natural helm feel and responsiveness for docking or fine adjustments.

Is this drive compatible with all Raymarine autopilots?

It pairs specifically with the ACU-400 from the Evolution series, ensuring full integration with EV-1 sensors and course computers for top-tier performance.

What makes the hardover time impressive?

Quick hardover allows the autopilot to execute full rudder swings rapidly, crucial for evasive maneuvers or maintaining course in swells, without sluggish response.

How quiet is the drive during operation?

The epicyclic gearbox and belt drive minimize noise and vibration, letting you enjoy a serene ride even with autopilot active in sensitive areas like fishing spots.

Can I install this drive myself?

Yes, with basic mechanical skills—mount it, wire to 12V, and calibrate. Professional installers recommend it for complex setups to ensure alignment.

Does it work well in rough water?

Absolutely, its robust thrust and clutch system handle pounding waves, keeping your course steady when manual steering tires you out.

Boats with traditional hydraulic steering systems will use an Evolution autopilot driven by a hydraulic pump. The pump connects to the boat's hydraulic steering lines and allow the autopilot to steer the boat by controlling the flow of fluid through the boat's steering system. The hydraulic pump is controlled by the Evolution autopilot Actuator Control Unit.

Raymarine M81130 Attributes

  • Compatibility: ACU-400 Autopilot Control Unit
  • Drive Type: Mechanical Linear
  • Stroke Length: 12 Inch
  • Maximum Thrust: 650 Pound
  • Input Voltage: 12 Volt

Raymarine M81130 Features & Benefits

  • Pump Connects To The Boat's Hydraulic Steering Lines And Allow The Autopilot To Steer The Boat By Controlling The Flow Of Fluid Through The Boat's Steering System
  • Hydraulic Pump Is Controlled By The Evolution Autopilot Actuator Control Unit
  • 650 Pounds Maximum Thrust
  • Easy To Install
  • Limited 2 Year Warranty

Type 1 Linear Drive - 12V

Linear drive for mechancically steered vessels up to 22,000lb (10,000kg).

Designed for boats with existing mechanical steering systems. The mechanical linear drive provides powerful thrust, fast hardover times and quiet operation.

Features:
  • Low backdrive force, to minimize the drives effect on the boats steering when the autopilot is in standby
  • A powerful electric motor controlled by an electromagnetic fail-safe clutch, using a high tensile belt drive and epicyclic gearbox
  • High performance for minimum current consumption


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SKU: NVN-15856
MPN: M81130
UPC: 023193811307
03 · The numbers

Technical specifications

BrandRaymarine
ModelRaymarine Type 1 Linear Drive - 12V
SKU / MFR#15856

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04 · Before you buy

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05 · Customer voices

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