Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot
Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot — Product description
Imagine cruising across open waters without constantly gripping the wheel, letting advanced technology handle the nuances of steering while you focus on the horizon, your crew, or simply enjoying the ride. The Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot transforms this vision into reality for boaters seeking precision and peace of mind. Engineered for hydraulically steered vessels—from sleek inboards and outboards to robust diesels and responsive sailboats—this system stands out with its intuitive responsiveness and boat-handling smarts.
Precision Steering That Adapts to the Sea
At the heart of the Reactor 40 lies a solid-state 9-axis Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS), a technological marvel that senses pitch, roll, and yaw with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike traditional gyros that demand specific mounting and frequent recalibration, this compact unit installs almost anywhere on your boat, in any orientation. The result? Dramatically reduced heading error and course deviation, smoother rudder adjustments, lower power draw, and a ride that feels steady even in choppy conditions.
Boaters often rave about how it anticipates waves and wind shifts, maintaining your plotted course effortlessly. Whether you're dodging swells on a powerboat run or fine-tuning sails during a tack, the Reactor 40 reacts dynamically, minimizing overcorrections that can wear on your hydraulic system or unsettle passengers.
Shadow Drive: Control When You Need It Most
Safety meets convenience with patented Shadow Drive technology. Engage the autopilot for hands-free navigation, but rest assured—should you need to take over manually, a simple turn of the helm instantly disengages it. No fumbling with buttons or switches. Once you steady the course, it seamlessly re-engages, blending automation with human oversight. This feature has proven invaluable in unexpected maneuvers, like avoiding debris or adjusting for sudden traffic, earning trust among seasoned skippers.
Effortless Setup for More Time on the Water
Commissioning an autopilot shouldn't eat into your boating time, and the Reactor 40 ensures it doesn't. Streamlined calibration walks you through essentials quickly, leveraging the AHRS for auto-detection of your boat's dynamics. No endless sea trials or complex menus—just plug into your NMEA 2000 network, pair with GHC helm controls, and go. It's designed for real-world boating, where simplicity translates to reliability.
Versatile Performance Across Boat Types
Powerboaters appreciate modes like heading hold and step turns for efficient trolling or long hauls, while sailors benefit from wind hold, tack/gybe automation, and layline calculations. This dual-purpose flexibility means one corepack covers diverse needs, from weekend center-consoles to offshore cruisers or performance catamarans. In rough seas, its sea-state filtering keeps adjustments proportional, preventing the "hunting" common in lesser systems.
Full-System Connectivity and Control
Link the Reactor 40 to your Garmin chartplotter for a networked powerhouse. Access autopilot commands from multiple GHC 20 displays (up to three), share heading data for radar overlays like MARPA, or enable trolling patterns and search grids. Compatible smartwatches or wireless remotes extend control to anywhere on deck. For enhanced navigation, pair with detailed charts to unlock path-following tools that suggest optimal routes while respecting your inputs.
Everything You Need for a Complete Install
This corepack arrives ready to integrate:
- Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit) for core processing
- GHC 20 helm control display for intuitive operation
- ECU (Electronic Control Unit) tailored for hydraulic steering
- ECU power cable and interconnect for straightforward wiring
- Shadow Drive module for safety override
- Buzzer for audible alerts
- NMEA 2000 essentials: drop cables, power cable, T-connectors, terminators
- Comprehensive documentation
With these components, you're set for a professional-grade setup that interfaces seamlessly with existing hydraulics, no guesswork required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of boats is the Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot best suited for?
It's optimized for hydraulically steered powerboats like inboards, outboards, stern drives, and diesels, as well as sailboats with hydraulic systems. Its versatile modes support both power and sailing maneuvers effectively.
How does the solid-state 9-axis AHRS improve autopilot performance?
This AHRS provides precise attitude and heading data regardless of mounting position, reducing errors, minimizing rudder movement, and conserving power while delivering a smoother ride in varying sea conditions.
What is Shadow Drive technology and why is it useful?
Shadow Drive allows manual helm override without disengaging the autopilot permanently. It senses wheel movement to pause automation instantly, then re-engages on steady course—ideal for safety during evasive actions.
Can the Reactor 40 integrate with other Garmin devices?
Yes, via NMEA 2000, it connects to compatible Garmin chartplotters for full control, data sharing, radar overlays, and advanced features like trolling patterns or Auto Guidance with select charts.
How quick is the commissioning process for this autopilot?
Minimal and user-friendly—basic steps leverage the AHRS for quick boat-specific tuning, getting you operational in less time than traditional systems require.
Does it support sailing-specific features?
Absolutely, including wind hold, automatic tack/gybe, and step turns, making it a go-to for hydraulic sailboats seeking responsive handling.
What controls are available for operating the system?
Up to three GHC 20 helm displays, optional wireless remotes, or compatible Garmin smartwatches, all networked for flexible deck control.
Equip your vessel with the Reactor 40 and experience autopilot evolution—responsive, reliable, and ready for adventure.
Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot
** Not designed to be used with Garmin Smartpump **
Garmin's Most Responsive Autopilot System on the Water
- Solid-state 9-axis Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS)
- Minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride
- Minimal commissioning and calibration
- Patented Shadow Drive technology keeps you in control, even when autopilot is engaged
With a complete package designed for powerboats and sailboats, Garmin brings an advanced marine technology to the boating public that was once only available for commercial boats. The Reactor 40 autopilot series is simply the most responsive autopilot system we have ever offered.
Reactor 40 autopilots are very versatile. Both powerboat and sailing features are available in all corepacks, including heading hold, wind hold, tack/jibe, step turns and more; simply pick the autopilot that's compatible with your existing steering system.
The Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot corepack is ideal for all types of hydraulically steered powerboats inboards, outboards, stern drives and diesels or hydraulically steered sailboats. This robust unit gives powerboat users an easy-to-use autopilot system to rely upon for navigation. With its solid-state 9-axis AHRS, Reactor 40 mounts nearly anywhere, in any orientation and requires minimal commissioning. Our patented Shadow Drive technology gives boaters the security of knowing they maintain control, even when relying upon the autopilot.
Solid-state 9-axis AHRS
With its advanced solid-state 9-axis solid-state 9-axis AHRS, you can mount Reactor 40 nearly anywhere, in any orientation. In addition, this system greatly minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride for all on board.
Reacts to Conditions
This amazing autopilot actually reacts to the sea to hold your course. Even when the boat is pitching and rolling, you can remain confident that the Reactor 40 autopilot will keep you on your desired course.
Minimal Commissioning and Calibration
All autopilots require commissioning and calibration all of them. We know you just want to get on the water, so we made this process as fast and easy as possible. That's the power of simple.
Full Integration with Garmin Chartplotters
Combined with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter, you can have full control of Reactor 40 from wherever you are on the boat. In addition to holding its course in virtually all weather and wind conditions, the system can smoothly perform a variety of preprogrammed trolling and search procedures. Plus, with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter and BlueChart g2 Vision charts (sold separately), you gain optional features such as Auto Guidance, which automatically steers GPS paths.
Stay in Control with Shadow Drive Technology
The Reactor 40 autopilot features patented Shadow Drive technology. This gives you the security of knowing you maintain control, even when the autopilot is engaged. The Shadow Drive system automatically disengages the autopilot if the helm is turned, giving you the freedom to maneuver the boat. The autopilot automatically re-engages when you hold a steady course.
Connect to Networked Devices
Reactor 40 is operated using up to 3 GHC helm control units. GHC communicates with the autopilot system via your NMEA 2000 network, so autopilot heading data can be shared easily with other devices. This enables MARPA and chart overlay when connected to a Garmin chartplotter. An optional handheld wireless remote control is also available; however, for the highest level of convenience, control GHC using a compatible quatix 3 or quatix 5 marine multisport smartwatch.
In The Box
- Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit)
- GHC 20 helm control display
- ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
- ECU power cable
- Interconnect cable
- Shadow Drive
- Buzzer
- NMEA 2000 drop cables (2 meters)
- NMEA 2000 power cable
- NMEA 2000 T-connectors
- Male and female terminators
- Documentation
1Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations.
Garmin Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic Autopilot Corepack
Model: 010-00705-19- Solid-state 9-axis Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS)
- Minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride
- Minimal commissioning and calibration
- Patented Shadow Drive™ technology keeps you in control, even when autopilot is engaged
With a complete package designed for powerboats and sailboats, Garmin brings an advanced marine technology to the boating public that was once only available for commercial boats. The Reactor 40 autopilot series is simply the most responsive autopilot system we have ever offered.
Reactor 40 autopilots are very versatile. Both powerboat and sailing features are available in all corepacks, including heading hold, wind hold, tack/jibe, step turns and more; simply pick the autopilot that’s compatible with your existing steering system.
The Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot corepack is ideal for all types of hydraulically steered powerboats — inboards, outboards, stern drives and diesels — or hydraulically steered sailboats. This robust unit gives powerboat users an easy-to-use autopilot system to rely upon for navigation. With its solid-state 9-axis AHRS, Reactor 40 mounts nearly anywhere, in any orientation and requires minimal commissioning. Our patented Shadow Drive technology gives boaters the security of knowing they maintain control, even when relying upon the autopilot.
With its advanced solid-state 9-axis solid-state 9-axis AHRS, you can mount Reactor 40 nearly anywhere, in any orientation. In addition, this new system greatly minimizes heading error, course deviation, rudder movement and power consumption while providing a comfortable ride for all on board.
This amazing autopilot actually reacts to the sea to hold your course. Even when the boat is pitching and rolling, you can remain confident that the Reactor 40 autopilot will keep you on your desired course.
All autopilots require commissioning and calibration — all of them. We know you just want to get on the water, so we made this process as fast and easy as possible. That’s the power of simple.
Combined with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter, you can have full control of Reactor 40 from wherever you are on the boat. In addition to holding its course in virtually all weather and wind conditions, the system can smoothly perform a variety of preprogrammed trolling and search procedures. Plus, with a compatible Garmin networked chartplotter and BlueChart® g2 Vision® charts (sold separately), you gain optional features such as Auto Guidance , which automatically steers GPS paths.
The Reactor 40 autopilot features patented Shadow Drive technology. This gives you the security of knowing you maintain control, even when the autopilot is engaged. The Shadow Drive system automatically disengages the autopilot if the helm is turned, giving you the freedom to maneuver the boat. The autopilot automatically re-engages when you hold a steady course.
Reactor 40 is operated using up to 3 GHC™ helm control units. GHC communicates with the autopilot system via your NMEA 2000® network, so autopilot heading data can be shared easily with other devices. This enables MARPA and chart overlay when connected to a Garmin chartplotter. An optional handheld wireless remote control is also available; however, for the highest level of convenience, control GHC using a compatible quatix® 3 or quatix 5 marine multisport smartwatch.
1Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations.
What's in the Box:
- Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit)
- GHC™ 20 helm control display
- ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
- ECU power cable
- Interconnect cable
- Shadow Drive
- Buzzer
- NMEA 2000® drop cables (2 meters)
- NMEA 2000 power cable
- NMEA 2000 T-connectors
- Male and female terminators
- Documentation
SKU: NVN-69275
MPN: 010-00705-19
UPC: 753759189389
Technical specifications
| Brand | Garmin |
| Model | Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot |
| SKU / MFR# | 69275 |
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Frequently asked questions
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