Octopus 12″ 38mm 12V Autopilot Linear Drive Unit

Description

The Octopus 12-inch 38 mm 12V Autopilot Linear Drive Unit, SKU OCTAF1212 or OCT-LINEAR-12, is a drive-only electromechanical actuator for compatible mechanical steering systems. It attaches directly to a steering quadrant or tiller-pin assembly and is intended for cruising sailboats, offshore sailing yachts, and heavier displacement vessels with suitable structural steering linkages. A separate compatible course computer, control head, heading sensor, and installation hardware are required.

The 12V drive is specified for vessels up to 11,000 kg, or 24,000 lb, and requires a mid-current autopilot computer rated for at least 10A continuous output. Peak draw is listed at 12A under heavy steering loads. The 6.4 kg actuator uses anodized aluminum and a hardened stainless steel rod, carries an IPX5 splash-and-moisture rating, and incorporates a solenoid clutch to permit manual steering disengagement.

Key Specifications

• 12V drive-only linear autopilot actuator, SKU OCTAF1212 or OCT-LINEAR-12.
• Designed for direct connection to a compatible steering quadrant or tiller-pin assembly.
• Suitable for compatible sailboats and heavy displacement vessels up to 11,000 kg, or 24,000 lb.
• Requires a separate mid-current autopilot computer rated for at least 10A continuous drive output.
• Peak current draw is listed at 12A during heavy steering loads.
• Uses an anodized aluminum body and hardened stainless steel actuator rod.
• Features an integrated solenoid clutch for manual steering disengagement and reduced back-drive resistance.
• Weighs approximately 6.4 kg and has an IPX5 splash-and-moisture protection rating.

Mechanical Installation

This linear drive must be mounted on a rigid structure with correctly engineered linkage geometry. Verify the actuator stroke, steering-arm radius, pivot alignment, full rudder movement, clearance at both ends of travel, side-load limits, structural strength, and unrestricted manual steering. The drive must not reach a mechanical stop before the rudder reaches its intended travel limit.

Match the course computer to the 12V motor, 12A peak load, clutch circuit, and complete steering-system requirements. Install the electrical wiring with appropriate conductor size, fuse or breaker protection, strain relief, and moisture protection. The IPX5 rating supports splash exposure but does not make the unit suitable for flooding or continuous submersion.

Before Ordering

Confirm vessel displacement up to 24,000 lb, compatible mechanical quadrant or tiller-pin steering, adequate actuator-stroke and linkage geometry, structurally strong mounting points, matching 12V course computer with at least 10A continuous capacity, 12A peak circuit capacity, clutch wiring, protected installation location, and all required autopilot control and sensor components before purchase.