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Installing a Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot

When installing a Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot, here are some important considerations.

NOTEALWAYS refer to the Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot Installation, Configuration and Owners Manuals for autopilot system instructions.

Search for Garmin Manuals 

  • See GHC Requirement for Reactor Autopilot Commissioningto view compatible chartplotters  

  • A Garmin Autopilot requires a NMEA 2000 network to communicate with the Autopilot system and the other navigation equipment 

  • A Garmin Autopilot can communicate via NMEA 0183.  However, users must install a GHC 20 and the required GHC 20 7-pin Data Cable

  • If you use a NMEA 0183 network to send navigation information to the Autopilot, engaging an Auto Guidance Path with the Autopilot will not be available

  • A Garmin Autopilot can integrate with a third party chartplotter system, however commissioning and use must be accomplished via a GHC 20 or a Garmin chartplotter

  • Do not use Teflon Tape on ANY of the hydraulic hose fittings. See Installation manuals for proper installation practices

  • Do not install third party hydraulic fitting directly on the the pumps. It is advised to install 3rd party "Shut-Off Valves, "Ts", or "Elbows" at least ten inches away from the pump

  • Ensure the Reactor 40 CCU is not affected by Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)

NOTE: Garmin Highly recommends using a Garmin and NMEA certified or ABYC Certified Installer

NOTE: Garmin Marine Warranty https://www8.garmin.com/marine/PDF/2017-garmin-marine-warranty-policy.pdf

NOTE: Dealer / Installer Locator https://www.garmin.com/en-US/dealerlocator


From the drop downs below select the the Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot system being installed:


Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack with SmartPump V2


Select this link to go directly to the device:  Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack with SmartPump v2 With GHC 20

Installation and Owners Manuals: The Manuals for the Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack with Smartpump V2

MEA 2000 Reference Manual

NMEA 2000 PARTS

Garmin Rudder Feedback Device:  GRF 10 (If required)

3rd Party Rudder Feedback Sensor: GRA 10 (If required)

Verado Adapter Kit (If required)

SeaStar Fittings Kit (If required)

If the vessel has a "Jog Lever" a GNA 10 will be needed (If required)

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control (If required)

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control Manuals

Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack with either the 1.2 L or 2.0 Liter Pump


Select this link to go directly to the device: Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC 20

Installation and Owners Manuals: The Manuals for the Reactor 40 Hydraulic Corepack

NMEA 2000 Reference Manual

NMEA 2000 PARTS

If choosing the 2.0 liter pump, select this link to go directly to the device 2-Liter Pump Kit

The Manuals for the 2.0 Liter Pump

If choosing the 1.2 liter pump select this link to go directly to the device 1.2 Liter Pump Kit

The Manuals for the 1.2 Liter Pump

If the vessel requires an Autopilot Check Valve Autopilot Check Valve

1.2 L and 2.0 L Pump Check Valve Instructions

Unbalanced Valve Kit (If required)

Garmin Rudder Feedback Device:  GRF 10 (If required)

3rd Party Rudder Feedback Sensor: GRA 10 (If required)

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control (If required)  

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control Manuals

Reactor 40 Mechanical / Retrofit / Solenoid Corepack


Select this link to go directly to the device: Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack With GHC™ 20

Installation and Owners Manuals: The Manuals for the Reactor 40 Mechanical / Retrofit / Solenoid Corepack

NMEA 2000 Reference Manual

NMEA 2000 PARTS

If choosing a Class A Drive select this link to go directly to the device Class A Drive Unit for GHP 12

Class A Drive Unit Installation Instructions

If choosing a Class B Compact Drive select this link to go directly to the device: Class B Compact Drive Unit

Class B Compact Installation Instructions

If choosing a Class B Drive select this link to go directly to the device Class B Drive Unit for GHP 12

Class B Drive Unit Installation Instructions

The Shadow Drive is only used in a Hydraulic steering system Shadow Drive (If required)  

If using a 3rd Party drive/pump, an Actuator Power Cable will be needed(If required)  

If using a 3rd Party Rudder Feedback device , a Rudder Feedback Cable will be needed(If required)  

If using a Solenoid drive system, a Solenoid Power Cable will be needed (If required)  

Garmin Rudder Feedback Device:  GRF 10 (If required)  

3rd Party Rudder Feedback Sensor: GRA 10 (If required)  

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control (If required)  

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control Manuals

Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot


Select this link to go directly to the device:  Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot with GHC 20 and Shadow Drive Pack

Installation and Owners Manuals: Manuals for the Compact Reactor 40

NMEA 2000 Reference Manual

NMEA 2000 PARTS

SeaStar Fittings Kit  (If required)  

If the vessel has a "Jog Lever" a GNA 10 will be needed (If required)

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control (If required)  

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control Manuals

Steer- By- Wire (SBW)


Select this link to go directly to the device: Reactor 40 Steer-by-wire Standard Corepack With GHC 20

Reactor 40 SBW Manuals

Select this link to go directly to the device: Reactor 40 Steer-by-wire Corepack for Yamaha Helm Master With GHC 20

Yamaha Helm Master SBW Manuals

Select this link to go directly to the device: Reactor 40 Steer-by-wire Corepack for Volvo Penta With GHC 20

Volvo Penta SBW Manuals

Select this link to go directly to the device: Reactor 40 Steer-by-wire Corepack for Viking VIPER With GHC 20

Viking VIPER SBW Manuals

If the vessel has a "Jog Lever" a GNA 10 will be needed (If required)

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control (If required)

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control Manuals

Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot


Select this link to go directly to the device:  Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot With GHC 20 Autopilot Display

NOTE: Open the Accessories tab in this link  Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot With GHC 20 Autopilot Display to find accessories specifically for each Outboard Motor OEM

Manuals for the Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot

Ensure the Outboard motor is compatible: Autopilot Compatibility Guide.  Scroll to the bottom of the table to see the Reactor 40 Kicker Engine Compatibility

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control (If required)  

Reactor Autopilot Remote Control Manuals



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