12. Actuator and Blade Installation

Actuator and Blade Installation Introduction

The final stages of installation are differentiated by the cable entry into the hull. If you are following a concealed cable entry, follow the procedure detailed in Section 12.1. For exposed cable entry, follow procedure in Section 12.2.

Note: Do not bend the Actuator Cable at a radius smaller than 50 mm (1.97 in.) to avoid damaging the cable.

12.1 Concealed Cable Entry

1. Place the Actuator into the Actuator Plate, aligning the cable gland in the slot provided in the Actuator Plate. The Actuator can be mounted either way, so the cable is in the left or right slot. The arms should be pointed out toward the installer. One arm is stiffer than the other.
2. Position the Seal Plate over the arms and Actuator and align the countersunk holes on the bottom surface.
   • On Dual Controller systems the 2 supplied plastic debris caps will need to be inserted between the Seal Plate and Actuator Plate at this stage. See Figure 67 below.
3. Apply thread locker and thread in the top four (4) M6-1.0 x 30 mm Hex Head Bolts with M6 Washers to align the Seal Plate with the Wedge Pack Assembly, but do not tighten. There should be a small gap (about 2 mm) between the top of the Seal Plate and the Actuator Plate. (Quantity six (6) bolts for Dual Controller systems)

4. Visually center the Actuator to the Seal Plate by comparing small length of protruding Actuator housing on each end.
5. Apply thread locker and insert the bottom six (6) M6-1.0 x 16 mm Torx Flathead Screws. Torque to 80 in-lbs (9 N-m) in an alternating pattern. Repeat the top torquing sequence 2 times or until the bolts do not rotate when achieving the torque. (Quantity ten (10) bolts for Dual Controller systems)

6. Torque the top four (4) M6-1.0 x 30 mm Hex Head Bolts to 50 in-lbs (5.7 N-m) in an alternating pattern. Repeat the top torquing sequence 2 times or until the bolts do not rotate when achieving the torque. This ensures an even clamping force is applied across the Actuator. (Quantity six (6) bolts for Dual Controller systems).
7. Ensure rubber gromet is present in Cable Gland and then Tighten the Cable Gland on the inboard side of the transom. The Cable Gland should be snug to prevent leaking, but do not overtighten. Gently pull on the cable to ensure there is no movement and prove it is sealing securely.

Verify Seal Plate Angle

At this point the Seal Plate angle can be verified with a straight edge to ensure the wedge pack selection was correct. Following the procedure from Section 6.2 to check the angle of the Seal Plate. If adjustments are desired, remove Seal Plate and rebuild the Wedge Pack following Section 7 in place until desired Seal Plate angle is achieved.

Note: The Cable Gland must have the rubber grommet in place to properly seal. The outside of the cable must be clean of debris, dust, adhesives, etc. to properly seal. Do not allow acetone to come in contact with the Controller Cable Gland Sealing Nut.

8. Attach the bonding wires and Actuator Plate Anodes.
   • Attach one terminal end of one bonding wire to the upper right corner of the Transom Plate using one (1) M2-0.7 x 6 mm Phillips Head Screw.
   • Attach one terminal end of another bonding wire the the front right-hand side of the Seal Plate using one (1) M2-0.7 x 6 mm Phillips Head Screw.
   • Install the two (2) Actuator Plate Anodes using two M5-0.8 x 20 mm Button Head Screws. Slide the two free terminal ends of the bonding wires over the right-hand anode screw while inserting creating a continuous connection between the Transom Plate, Actuator Plate, and Seal Plate.
     • Note: Install the wire to the starboard side arm before mounting the Blade.

9. Install the Blade to the Actuator Arms using the four (4) M8-1.25 x 30 mm Hex Head Bolts and their washers. Slide one of the bonding wire terminal ends over the top right bolt while inserting. Before torqueing the bolts, push the Actuator Arms firmly down against the Blade supporting edge. Torque these four (4) bolts to 130 in-lbs (14.7 N-m) in an ‘X’ pattern.

10. Once installed, push the Blade all the way down and verify that the Blade is not contacting the Seal Plate. There should be a small, even gap between the Blade and the Seal Plate.
    • Before torquing, the Blade can be slid up and down slightly to bring it closer and farther away from the Seal Plate, respectively. If the Blade is rubbing and creating friction against the Seal Plate, or if the gap appears too large, adjust the Blade accordingly. Contact Seakeeper if there are still concerns with Blade gap tolerance after following these instructions.

Note: Maintaining this gap between the Blade and Seal Plate is critical to maintaining factory tested failure mode performance. If the gap between the Blade and Seal Plate is too large, system performance will fall off. If the Blade contacts the Seal Plate, the friction will slow down the system’s response time, also reducing performance.

To maintain the factory fitment:

• Do not apply anti-fouling coating to the surfaces between the Blade and Seal Plate in order to avoid changing the fit of those parts.
• Always keep the surfaces between the Blade and Seal Plate clean and free from debris, including naturally occurring debris (such as marine debris) and other debris (such as paint or coating.
• When repairing or replacing any components on the Controller, confirm that the Blade rotates by hand. Resistance will be felt from the Actuator, but there must be no additional grinding or friction inhibiting movement.

11. Install the Blade Anode using two M5-0.8 x 20 mm Button Head Screws. Slide the other terminal end of the bonding wire over the right-hand side screw while inserting.

When complete, the anodes and bonding wires should be connected as shown below.

12.2 Exposed Cable Entry

1. Install the Cable Guide Support in the groove in the Seal Plate.

2. Place the Actuator into the Actuator Plate. The Actuator can be mounted with cable exiting to port or starboard side, so select the correct side to align with the Cable Guide. The arms should be pointed out toward the installer. One arm is stiffer than the other.
3. Position the Seal Plate over the arms and Actuator and align the countersunk holes on the bottom surface.
   • On Dual Controller systems the two (2) supplied plastic debris caps will need to be inserted between the Seal Plate and Actuator Plate at this stage. See Figure 67.
4. Route the Actuator Cable through the Cable Guide Support.
5. Apply thread locker and thread in the top four (4) M6-1.0 x 30 mm Hex Head Bolts with M6 Washers to align the Seal Plate with the Wedge Pack Assembly, but do not tighten. There should be a small gap (about 2 mm) between the top of the Seal Plate and the Actuator Plate. (Quantity six [6] for Dual Controller systems) See Figure 66 – Seal Plate Top Screw Installation.
6. Visually center the Actuator to the Seal Plate by comparing small length of protruding Actuator housing on each end.
7. Apply thread locker and insert the bottom six (6) M6-1.0 x 16 mm Torx Flathead Screws. Torque to 80 in-lbs (9 N-m) in an alternating pattern. Repeat the top torquing sequence 2 times or until the bolts do not rotate when achieving the torque (Quantity ten [10] bolts for Dual Controller systems) See Figure 69 – Bottom Bolts Installation.
8. Torque the top four (4) M6-1.0 x 30 mm Hex Head Bolts to 50 in-lbs (5.7 N-m) in an alternating pattern. Repeat the top torquing sequence 2 times or until the bolts do not rotate when achieving the torque. This ensures an even clamping force is applied across the Actuator. (Quantity six (6) bolts for Dual Controller systems).

Verify Seal Plate Angle

At this point the Seal Plate angle can be verified with a straight edge to ensure the wedge pack selection was correct. Following the procedure from Section 6.2 to check the angle of the Seal Plate. If adjustments are desired, remove Seal Plate and rebuild the Wedge Pack following Section 7 in place until desired Seal Plate angle is achieved.

9. Mount the Cable Guide Support in line with the natural path of the Actuator Cable to the transom. Pre-drill two (2) mounting screw pilot holes using a 3/32 in. (2.4 mm) bit. Inject sealant into the holes. Insert two (2) No. 8 x 0.75 in. screws and tighten with a Phillips head screwdriver.
10. Route the Actuator cable over the Inner Cable Guide. Feed as much cable as possible through the Cable Gland Tube.
11. Tighten the Cable Gland around the Actuator Cable on the inboard side of the transom (See Figure 70 – Cable Gland Installation Inboard of Transom). The Cable Gland should be snug to prevent leaking, but do not overtighten. If the Cable Gland was not selected, apply marine adhesive sealant to the cable sheath and cable hole to seal the penetration from outside the hull. Note: The Cable Gland must have the rubber grommet in place to properly seal. The outside of the cable must be clean of debris, dust, adhesives, etc. to properly seal. Do not allow acetone to come in contact with the Controller Cable Gland Sealing Nut.
12. Place the Outer Cable Guide over the Inner Cable Guide. Mark the location of the six (6) mounting screw holes. Drill 3/32 (2.4 mm) pilot holes in these six (6) locations.
13. Inject sealant into the pilot holes for the mounting screws for the Outer Cable Guide. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, install the six (6) mounting screws into the hull and hand-tighten.

14. Attach the bonding wires and Actuator Plate Anodes.
    • Attach one terminal end of one bonding wire to the upper right corner of the Transom Plate using one (1) M2-0.7 x 6 mm Phillips Head Screw.
    • Attach one terminal end of another bonding wire the front right-hand side of the Seal Plate using one (1) M2-0.7 x 6 mm Phillips Head Screw.
    • Install the two (2) Actuator Plate Anodes using two M5-0.8 x 20 mm Button Head Screws. Slide the two free terminal ends of the bonding wires over the right-hand anode screw while inserting creating a continuous connection between the Transom Plate, Actuator Plate, and Seal Plate.
      • Note: Install the wire to the starboard side arm before mounting the Blade.
15. Install the Blade to the Actuator Arms using the four (4) M8-1.25×20 mm screws and their washers. Before torquing the bolts, push the Actuator Arms firmly down against the Blade supporting edge. Torque these four (4) bolts to 80 in-lbs (9.0 N-m) in an ‘X’ pattern (Figure 72 – Blade Installation).
16. Once installed, push the Blade all the way down and verify that the Blade is not contacting the Seal Plate. There should be a small, even gap between the Blade and the Seal Plate. Contact Seakeeper if the Blade does not meet this requirement.
    • Before torquing, the Blade can be slid up and down slightly to bring it closer and farther away from the Seal Plate, respectively. If the Blade is rubbing and creating friction against the Seal Plate, or if the gap appears too large, adjust the Blade accordingly. Contact Seakeeper if there are still concerns with Blade gap tolerance after following these instructions. (Figure 73 – Blade Gap Adjustment)

Note: Maintaining this gap between the Blade and Seal Plate is critical to maintaining factory tested failure mode performance. If the gap between the Blade and Seal Plate is too large, system performance will fall off. If the Blade contacts the Seal Plate, the friction will slow down the system’s response time, also reducing performance.

To maintain the factory fitment:

• Do not apply anti-fouling coating to the surfaces between the Blade and Seal Plate in order to avoid changing the fit of those parts.
• Always keep the surfaces between the Blade and Seal Plate clean and free from debris, including naturally occurring debris (such as marine debris) and other debris (such as paint or coating.
• When repairing or replacing any components on the Controller, confirm that the Blade rotates by hand. Resistance will be felt from the Actuator, but there must be no additional grinding or friction inhibiting movement.

17. Install the Blade Anode using two M5-0.8 x 20 mm Button Head Screws. Slide the other terminal end of the bonding wire over the right-hand side screw while inserting. (Figure 74 – Blade Anode Installation)

See Figure 75 for Anode and Bonding Wire overview.