September 2023
For serious offshore sailors, solo cruisers, or anyone who enjoys reducing helm fatigue, a dependable autopilot system is essential. We recently completed a full installation of a Jefa Type 1 Radial Drive, integrated with a Raymarine Evolution Autopilot system — including the EV-1 Sensor Core, ACU-200 (Autopilot Control Unit), Rudder Reference Sensor, and P70s Control Head. We chose Raymarine because our boat already had Raymarine components and we didn’t want to mix and match.
Here’s the complete process, equipment list, technical specs, and tips we learned along the way.
After extensive research, we settled on this combination for several reasons:
✅ Jefa Drive Unit: Renowned for quiet, efficient, and robust operation — ideal for offshore and extended cruising.
✅ Raymarine Evolution System: Provides adaptive steering, accurate heading data, and integrates well with our other Raymarine instruments.
✅ Rudder Reference Sensor: Improves autopilot performance, especially under sail or in confused seas, and
✅ ACU-200: Sufficient power handling for our 37-foot sailboat with cable steering.
Here’s exactly what I installed:
| Component | Model/Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jefa Drive Unit | Type 1 Radial Drive | Max torque: 150 Nm, Max boat length: ~45ft |
| Raymarine EV-1 Sensor Core | E70096 | 9-axis heading sensor |
| Raymarine ACU-200 | E70430 | Powers drive unit, interfaces with sensor |
| Raymarine Rudder Reference | M81105 | Measures rudder angle |
| Raymarine P70s Control Head | E70329 | Autopilot control and status display |
| SeaTalkng Backbone Kit | Various | Connects system components |
Maximum Output Torque: 150 Nm (1326 in-lbs)
Max Boat Displacement: ~11,000 kg (24,000 lbs)
Silent clutch and low backlash gearing
Direct connection to steering quadrant
Compatible with Type 1 drives
Operating Voltage: 12V DC
Max Continuous Drive Output: 7 Amps
Integrated rudder sensor connections
Solid-state, 9-axis compass and motion sensor
Auto-compensates for pitch, roll, and yaw
Ideal mounting: away from magnetic interference
Rotary position sensor
Provides real-time rudder angle feedback
Improves autopilot accuracy and control response
Watch our installation videos to see where we put all of the components.
Step 1: Plan component locations for optimal access and minimal interference.
Step 2: Align and securely mount the Jefa drive.
Step 3: Mount rudder sensor — ensure smooth, full-range movement.
Step 4: Install EV-1 Sensor away from magnetic fields.
Step 5: Wire everything: drive to ACU, sensor to ACU, SeaTalkng backbone.
Step 6: Run dockside tests — verify rudder angles, steering response, calibrate EV sensor.
Step 7: Perform sea trials — test under both sail and engine power.
The complete system feels seamless:
✔️ Jefa drive steers quietly, powerfully, even in swell.
✔️ EV-1 sensor keeps heading lock-on tight — minimal overcorrection.
✔️ Rudder sensor enhances responsiveness, especially off the wind or in gusts.
✔️ ACU-200 handles loads without overheating or excessive draw.
Overall, the system feels like a trustworthy extra crew member, perfect for solo passages, short day-hops or offshore cruising.
Invest time in precise alignment — poor alignment affects performance.
Run cables with chafe protection and proper strain relief.
Follow Raymarine’s calibration guides — accuracy depends on setup.
Adding the rudder sensor now saves frustration later — it’s worth it.
Installing a Jefa drive with a full Raymarine Evolution Autopilot has transformed our sailing experience. It takes planning, patience, and careful installation, but the result is reliable self-steering for long passages or local cruising. We use it every time we motor or sail anywhere.