a
introduction
a1
system overview
The Octopus Type R Remote Drive is a rotary mechanical autopilot drive system which
makes it simple and economical to fit an autopilot on smaller powerboats with
mechanical push-pull cable steering or small sailboats with a steering quadrant or tiller.
The type R drive unit incorporates a drive motor, solenoid clutch and integrated rudder
feedback (RFB) capability. Its design means that the drive can be mounted in a
convenient position, meaning it will fit a large number of boats which because of
design constraints or size were not practical to have an autopilot fitted before.
The system uses a steering cable and connection kit which is fitted in addition to
the existing manual steering cable for cable steered boats or directly to the steering
quadrant for sailboats. This allows the system to be easily installed on most types of
boat without having to interfere with the existing steering system. There are five Type
R packs available which include the drive unit, 6ft (1.8m) steering cable and relevant
connection kit:
part number
type
compatibility
MDRESYS-A*
Sterndrive
Mercruiser 1994 onwards, Volvo Gasoline engines
and Volvo Diesel engines USA 1997 onwards
* We recommend changing the steering cable for a 9ft version when installing on to a twin engined boat .
MDRESYS-B
Sterndrive
Mercruiser Saginaw 1983-93, Volvo Diesel engines
Europe 1994 onwards
MDRESYS-C
Outboard
Yamaha 70hp+
MDRESYS-D
Outboard
Mercury, Mariner, Suzuki
MDRESYS-E
Inboard/Sailboat Up to 32ft (9.75m) / 13,200lbs (6,000kg) displacement
a2
compatibility information
• The Type R Remote Drive is recommended for use on vessels with a maximum
speed of 44mph (65km/h) and should not be fitted to vessels which can exceed this.
• It should not be fitted to boats where the engine max horsepower exceeds the
max horsepower rating for the vessel as stated on the vessel manufacturer’s tag.
• The existing steering system MUST be capable of being back driven. The Type R
Remote Drive cannot be fitted if the steering system is a NFB (no feed back) type.
• The drive is designed to produce a maximum cable push/pull of 300lbs (136kg),
which makes it suitable for the vast majority of cable steered vessels. However
some vessels fitted with push pull cable steering systems have very stiff steering
or steering which is heavily loaded in one direction due to hull design and engine
considerations. Generally speaking, the Type R drive will steer vessels that do not
require more than a 15lb force on the rim of a 14in diameter steering wheel to hold
a course, this equals 105in-lb of torque. If the steering wheel input torque exceeds
this figure we would recommend that the vessel be fitted with a hydraulic linear
actuator drive system instead.
4 of 44
Subject to change without notice
OC15269 REV F
www.octopusdrives.com
www.octopuseurope.com
