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Selecting a Reactor 40 Autopilot

Before selecting a Reactor™ 40 Autopilot, answer a few specific questions about the vessel's steering system and then select the applicable autopilot system based on the boat and how it will be operated.

Answering the following questions can define the Reactor 40 Autopilot system that would work best on the vessel. 

The following information is to assist in selecting a Reactor 40 Autopilot system for a vessel. The vessel may have other considerations that are not listed or areas needing further assistance. In those instances, seek professional installation.

From the drop downs below, select the type of vessel the Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot will be installed on: Powerboat or Sailboat


Powerboat


Does the vessel have an existing Garmin Autopilot?

If YES - In many situations a new Reactor™ 40 autopilot system can be integrated with an older Garmin autopilot system

NOTE: The Garmin Helm Control, GHC™ autopilot controller, is not the autopilot model. The GHC is the input device for the autopilot system. 

  • If a user cannot identify the autopilot system, gather the model numbers, unit ID or serial numbers of the CCU, ECU, GHC, Shadow Drive™ sensor, Drive or Pump and Garmin chartplotter that are currently installed on the vessel and call Marine Autopilot Product Support

  • Additionally, provide the autopilot technician with the following information so they can select the correct size pump or drive that is required for the vessel:

    • Length of vessel

    • Displacement of vessel

    • How the autopilot will be used

    • Type of steering system that is on the vessel

    • Steering cylinders total cubic inches of hydraulic volume

Types of Steering Systems 

    • Hydraulic  

    • Mechanical 

    • Solenoid

    • Steer By Wire 

    • Kicker  

The autopilot technician will use the model numbers, unit ID or serial numbers, and vessel information to identify the devices for the new autopilot system. To learn more about the components of a Garmin autopilot see Components of a Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot.


Third-Party Autopilots

Does the vessel have an existing third-party autopilot pump or drive? Is the plan to use an existing third-party pump or drive with a Reactor 40 Autopilot system?

NO -  Not using an existing third-party autopilot or third-party pump or drive. Select from the "Steering System" drop-downs below



Hydraulic

Garmin determines and selects the Reactor™ 40 Autopilot and hydraulic pump or drive based on the following:

  • The total volume of the steering cylinders  

  • Is the vessel steering system a "Low Pressure and High Volume" steering or a "High Pressure and Low Volume" steering system

  • Size of the vessel

  • How is the vessel autopilot going to be used - high speed, slow trolling, heavy or calm sea state

  • Does the vessel have Power Assist, Uflex, Verado, Hynautic type systems

  • Pump, Shadow Drive™ sensor, and CCU mounting considerations

  • Hydraulic hose diameter, length. and fittings 

 

Before selecting a Reactor™ 40 Autopilot system and pump or drive, answer the following questions:

What is the total volume in cubic inches of the vessel steering cylinders or RAMs? This information is crucial in selecting the correct pump 

  • The steering cylinders manufacturer's ID tag typically lists the volume of the steering cylinders

  • Add the volume of all the steering cylinders to find the total volume of all the steering cylinders

Example: If the vessel has multiple steering cylinders (two) and the volume of each cylinder is five cubic inches. Add the cubic inches for the "Total Volume" of the steering cylinders. In this case, it is ten cubic inches. 

If the volume for the steering cylinders is unknown, contact the steering cylinder OEM and provide the steering cylinder serial number and model number. Then add all of the steering cylinders together to get the total volume.

NOTE: Selecting the wrong hydraulic pump for a steering cylinder outside its specifications will damage the pump.

         

 Is the vessel Hydraulic steering system a "High Pressure and Low Volume" system or a "Low Pressure and High Volume" system?

  • The information is needed to select the correct pump to match the vessel's helm, helms, and steering cylinder operational considerations.

  • Owners can identify this information by researching the HELM stations and steering cylinder pressure and volume utilization considerations. Call the OEM for the Helm stations and the steering cylinders to determine the pressure and volume utilization considerations

  • The Garmin SmartPump v2 can operate either high-pressure or low-pressure or a high-volume or low-volume system

NOTE: Selecting a hydraulic pump that operates outside the specified pressure and volume levels will result in early pump failure, potential early failure of the ECU, and possible damage to other parts of the steering system. In addition, the inner hydraulic hose diameter must be ¼" hose or better. Improper hose diameter, length of hose, and fittings play a role in the pressure required to move fluid through the hydraulic lines. Narrower hydraulic lines, equally restrictive fittings, or longer hydraulic hose runs can increase pressure beyond what a properly selected autopilot pump is rated to handle. Using a ¼" hose or better may prevent early pump failure.


Is the vessels steering cylinders or RAMs in a "Balanced or Unbalanced" configuration?

NOTE: The installer will need to know the steering cylinder "Balanced or Unbalanced" configuration to determine proper installation or accessories to select

NOTE:  1.2 Liter and 2.0 Liter pumps CANNOT be installed with an unbalanced cylinder


Select the applicable "total steering cylinder volume" in cubic inches for the vessel from the drop-downs below.


Read all the operational considerations to ensure the correct Reactor 40 Autopilot system and pump or drive is selected for the vessel.

NOTE: The Reactor 40 with SmartPump v2 is the preferred hydraulic pump for most hydraulic systems, and it can be used and operated in most vessels and applications. The SmartPump v2 is the most versatile pump and is designed to work in a wide range of configurations, including performing in either high pressure or low pressure or a high volume or low volume system. If in doubt about the vessels type of hydraulic system or how the vessel may be operated, the SmartPump v2 is the best option.



Total steering cylinder Volume Up to 24 cubic inches: 



Total steering cylinder Volume is Under 10 cubic inches: 


  • 1.0 Compact Hydraulic pump system This system has specific utilization and operational considerations. Consult with an autopilot specialist

  • If choosing the 1.0 Compact Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic autopilot system, ensure your vessel meets the following essential considerations

    • The Compact 1.0-liter pump and ECU are specifically designed to be used together

    • No substitutions are allowed for the 1.0 Liter Compact pump or the Compact ECU in a Compact Reactor 40 Autopilot system. It is impossible to install another size or type of pump to replace the 1.0 Liter Compact pump, and another ECU for the Compact ECU can not be substituted

    • Used for single-cylinder applications with cylinder volumes under ten cubic inches

    • A single-engine under 150 HP

    • Used on vessels under 25 feet 

    • No pressurized air systems

    • No powered assist systems (Verado or UFLEX Pro)

    • Used in cruising application only, no high-performance situations that include drastic and erratic movements

    • It is not intended for fishing or applications that require holding heading while trolling at low speeds or operating in rough waters


Total steering cylinder Volume is Between 6 cubic inches to 14 cubic inches: 

  

1.2 Liter Hydraulic Pump is designed to be used with the Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC™ 50 Autopilot Instrument. 

If choosing the 1.2-liter pump with Reactor 40 Hydraulic system, ensure the vessel meets the following essential considerations. 

    • Used for single-cylinder applications with cylinder volumes from 6 to 14 cubic inches

    • It is a High Pressure / Low Volume pump (HPLV)

    • The 1.2-liter pump cannot be used on pressurized air systems above 11 psi

    • Used in low-speed trolling and cruising speed applications

    • The 1.2-liter hydraulic pumps are used in many hydraulic systems, including Verado and UFLEX Pro systems


Total steering cylinder Volume is Between 10 cubic inches to 24 cubic inches:


2.0 Liter Hydraulic Pump is designed for use with the Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC™ 50 Autopilot Instrument. 

If choosing the 2.0-liter pump with Reactor 40 Hydraulic system, ensure the vessel meets the following essential considerations:

    • 2.0-Liter Pump - A low-cost option for dual-cylinder applications with total cylinder volumes from 10 to 24 cubic inches (from 160 to 390 cc)

      • NOTE: The 2.0L pump is a Low Pressure, High Volume pump and will not work in a High-Pressure system

    • Used in dual-cylinder applications with total cylinder volumes from 10 to 24 cubic inches

    • The 2.0-liter pump is a Low Pressure, High Volume (LPHV)

    • The 2.0-liter pump is not used in pressurized air systems above 11 psi

    • Used in low-speed trolling and cruising speed applications

    • It is only recommended for Low-Pressure hydraulic systems

    • It cannot be used in Verado or UFLEX Pro systems


Steer-By-Wire (SBW)


Which SBW system is already installed on the vessel?

Solenoid


Solenoid valves are electro-magnetically actuated devices that are activated to move hydraulic fluid in response to the steering system commands.

The Reactor™ 40 Autopilot system and accessories listed below will be needed:


Kicker


Specially designed for boats with small gasoline outboard motor up to 25 horsepower.

NOTE: Before purchasing the Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot system, ensure the outboard motor is compatible. See Garmin Autopilot Compatibility Guide.



Sailboat


The vessel has an existing Garmin Autopilot

In many situations a new Reactor™ 40 autopilot system can be integrated with an older Garmin autopilot system.

Yes - Identify the model of Garmin Autopilot that is currently installed on the vessel  

NOTE: The GHC is not the autopilot model. It is the Garmin Helm Control that allows input for the autopilot system.

  • If a user cannot identify the Autopilot system, gather the model numbers, unit ID, serial numbers, and Garmin chartplotter currently installed on the vessel and call Autopilot Product Support

  • Additionally, provide the Autopilot technician with the following information so they can select the correct size pump or drive required for the vessel:

    • Length of vessel

    • Displacement of vessel

    • How will the autopilot be used, leisure or commercial

    • Type of steering system that is on the vessel

    • Steering cylinder's total cubic inches of hydraulic volume

Types of Steering Systems

    • Hydraulic  

    • Mechanical 

    • Solenoid

    • Steer By Wire 

    • Kicker

The autopilot technician will use the model numbers, unit ID or serial numbers and vessel information to identify the devices to be used with a new Reactor 40 Autopilot system.

To find out more about the components of a Garmin autopilot, see Components of a Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot.


The vessel does not have an existing Garmin Autopilot installed.

Does the vessel have an existing Autopilot system? 

Is the plan to use the existing drive or pump?


  • NO, not using an existing third-party autopilot or third-party drive

    • From the drop downs below,  select the type of steering system that is on the vessel


Mechanical


What is the total displacement of the sailboat?  Displacement includes the weight of the vessel, crew members, motor, rigging, sails, fluids, and all equipment.

NOTE: If the vessels total displacement, including the weight, all equipment, fluids (fuel, water, other), and crew, is close to a drives upper limits, select the next larger drive. A larger drive will ensure the pilot has adequate capacity to steer the vessel in adverse conditions.


Hydraulic / Steer-By-Wire (SBW) / Solenoid


If the sailboat has an existing Hydraulic or Steer-by-wire steering system and the user is planning on purchasing or installing a Reactor 40 Autopilot system, contact Marine Product Support.  Explain the sailboat steering system and Garmin can assist in selecting the correct system for the sailboat.



Autopilot Definitions

    • What is a Drive: A "Drive" is either Hydraulic, Electric, or Mechanical. The drive generates either hydraulic pressure, electric or mechanical motor movement to move the Steering Actuator or rudder

    • What is a Steering Actuator / RAM / Cylinder: A steering actuator is also known as a "RAM" or "Cylinder." The device is attached to the rudder post or the outboard motors. The RAM moves the rudder or the engines to change the direction the vessel is traveling. The RAM connects via Hydraulic hoses to the main Hydraulic Autopilot Drive, which provides the pressure to "move" the RAM. The size of the RAM or Cylinder is typically measured in Cubic inches

    • What is a Tiller Arm:  A Tiller Arm is a device that attaches to the rudder post or to a steering linkage to transfer the movement of the steering actuator "RAM" or typically a linear or mechanical drive unit 

    • What is a Hydraulic Drive: Used for boats with hydraulic steering systems. Select the suitable hydraulic drive unit based on the system pressure requirements and capacity (in cubic inches) of your hydraulic steering actuator / RAM / Cylinder

    • What is a Balanced vs. Unbalanced:  Determining if a Hydraulic steering cylinder is Balanced or Unbalanced

    • High Pressure vs. Low-Pressure Hydraulic systems: High Pressure / High Volume Steering Systems

    • What is a Linear Drive: Most typical types of mechanically-steered sailboats move the rudder directly from the tiller arm or rudder quadrant. Mechanical drives operate using an electric motor with a clutch (disengages drive to limit the back drive force when on standby). Hydraulic linear drives use a self-contained system with a bypass valve to move the rudder

    • What is a Mechanical Drive: Typically associated with chain and cable steering systems, cable and rod systems, or gear drive systems

    • What is a Solenoid Drive: A Hydraulic drive that uses electric solenoids to control the vessel's hydraulic steering system

    • What is Steer-By-Wire (SBW): A SBW system is an Autopilot integrated into the vessels existing marine electronics. The drive unit is a third-party OEM with proprietary software to communicate with the drive unit and Garmin Autopilot system

    • What is a Kicker: An Autopilot system that attaches to a small gasoline outboard motor up to 25 horsepower

    • What are Rudder Gains and Navigation Gains: Rudder gains are associated with Heading hold. Navigation Gains are associated with following a Route

    • What are GAINS: Refers to the amount of movement a rudder is directed by the Autopilot system based on GPS information, boat speed, hull shape, sea state, and other conditions. The GAINS values are established during the Sea Trial Auto-Tune section or manually manipulated


To see all the current model autopilot systems, see Garmin Autopilot Systems.

Select one of the following FAQs for more information:

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