JD:

I assume you have a T37 or a boat with a similar steering quadrant. I elected to tie in our new autopilot's hydraulic ram to the existing metal frame and bronze sector instead of reinventing the wheel (sorry).  By doing so it reduces the racking of the hull almost completely. My wife and I cruised the Bahamas and then the Caribbean for three years and last year I soloed to Cuba.  No autopilot problems in over ten thousand miles.  I am a metalworker and yes it took some time to figure out but was well worth the trouble.  The autopilot is a W-H, model 3.  I imagine the pressures produced by your drive unit are a bit less, the W-H puts out up to fifteen hundred pounds.  If you have any questions please drop me a line.

Regards,

Bob

Walkabout, T37 #538