Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack
Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack — Product description
Imagine cruising the open water, sails full or trolling for the big one, without constantly wrestling the helm. The Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack delivers that freedom, transforming how you navigate sailboats and powerboats with cable-actuated or direct steering systems. This below-deck powerhouse uses cutting-edge sensors to react instantly to waves and wind, keeping your course steady while you focus on what matters—enjoying the journey or handling onboard tasks.
Precision Steering That Adapts to Real-World Boating
At the heart of this system lies a solid-state 9-axis Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS). Unlike older gyros that demand precise orientation, this mounts flexibly—upright, inverted, or sideways—on cramped boats. It slashes heading errors and rudder swings, cutting power draw and delivering a smoother ride. Boaters report feeling the difference in choppy conditions: less fatigue from constant corrections, more confidence on long passages.
Seamless Response in Rough Seas
The Reactor 40 doesn't just follow a course; it anticipates sea motion. Pitching through swells or rolling in beam seas? It holds true, minimizing deviations that plague lesser autopilots. Pair it with your existing mechanical drive via the GRF 10 interface, and it's retrofit-ready for upgrades on older vessels.
Quick Setup for More Time on the Water
Commissioning feels effortless—dockside wizards walk you through in under an hour, no endless sea trials needed. Wind hold for sailors tackling gusts, step turns for powerboaters dodging traffic, tack/jibe automation for solo crews: these modes make complex maneuvers intuitive.
Versatile Fit for Diverse Steering and Garmin Ecosystems
Designed for boats with mechanical, cable, or solenoid setups, this corepack integrates via the GRF 10 with your current drive. Hydraulic boats? Add Shadow Drive for manual override safety—the autopilot disengages on wheel input, re-engaging smoothly after. Control up to three GHC 20 displays over NMEA 2000, sharing data for radar overlays and chart radar. Link to chartplotters for trolling patterns or search grids; smartwatches like quatix models offer wrist-level commands for ultimate convenience.
For peak accuracy, bolt on the optional GRF 10 rudder sensor. It fine-tunes feedback, especially vital in variable loads like sail trim or fishing gear shifts.
Complete Kit for Straightforward Installation
- Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit)
- GHC 20 helm control display
- ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
- ECU power cable
- Interconnect cable
- Buzzer for alerts
- NMEA 2000 drop cables (2m)
- NMEA 2000 T-connectors
- Male/female terminators
- Full documentation
Robust Specs Built for Marine Demands
| Component | Specifications |
|---|---|
| CCU Dimensions | 4.3" x 4.4" x 1.9" (10.9 x 11.2 x 4.8 cm) |
| ECU Dimensions | 6.6" x 4.6" x 2.1" (16.8 x 11.7 x 5.3 cm) |
| Supply Voltage | 10V to 30V |
| Operating Temperature | -15°C to 60°C (5°F to 140°F) |
| Max Sustained Motor Current | 15A |
| Max Instantaneous Motor Current | 40A |
| Max Clutch Current | 2.5A (relay for higher) |
| GHC 20 Helm Display | |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.3" x 4.4" x 1.9" (10.9 x 11.2 x 4.8 cm) |
| Display Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA color LCD) |
| NMEA Output | NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000 |
| Supply Voltage (GHC) | 9-16 VDC (up to 32 VDC) |
| Operating Temperature (GHC) | -15°C to 70°C (5°F to 158°F) |
| Max Power Consumption (GHC) | 3W |
| Viewing Angle / Brightness | 170° / 1200 cd/m² |
| Water Rating (GHC) | IPX7 |
| NMEA 2000 LEN | 7 (350 mA at 9VDC) |
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Reactor 40 Experience
Fishermen love its precise trolling holds, freeing hands for rods. Sailors appreciate wind vane emulation for upwind legs. On multihull cats, the flexible AHRS shines. Regular firmware updates via Garmin apps keep it evolving—check compatibility with your battery bank to avoid voltage dips under load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of boats work best with the Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack?
It's optimized for sailboats and powerboats using mechanical, cable-actuated, or solenoid steering systems, especially those needing a retrofit without full hydraulic overhauls.
How easy is the installation and calibration process?
Minimal tools and time required—mount the compact units below deck, connect via NMEA 2000, and sea-trial calibration takes minutes, thanks to the smart AHRS.
Does it integrate with other Garmin marine electronics?
Yes, full NMEA 2000 compatibility shares heading data for chart overlays, radar, and control from networked chartplotters or smartwatches.
What's the benefit of Shadow Drive technology?
It ensures manual helm control overrides the autopilot instantly for safety, re-engaging automatically—ideal for hydraulic steering dodges.
Do I need additional rudder feedback?
The GRF 10 sensor enhances precision in dynamic conditions like heavy weather or sail changes, though the core system performs well without.
Can it handle rough water and high winds?
Absolutely—the 9-axis AHRS reacts to pitch, roll, and yaw, maintaining course better than traditional systems in swells and gusts.
What sailing-specific features does it offer?
Wind hold, automated tacks/jibes, and step turns make it a sailor's ally for single-handing or crewed racing.
Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack
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
- Supports heading hold, wind hold, step turns and tack/jibe modes
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. If you don't see a compatible Reactor 40, you'll find the Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid is compatible with a wide variety of steering systems, whether hydraulic, cable drive, mechanical and solenoid. Just pair GRF 10 with your drive system already on board.
The Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid autopilot corepack is ideal for sailboats and powerboats with direct or cable-actuated steering systems. This Reactor 40 below-deck autopilot system gives captains that extra set of hands they need so you can safely attend to your sails, lines, winches and radios, without worry. With its solid-state 9-axis AHRS, Reactor 40 mounts anywhere, in any orientation and requires minimal commissioning.
Solid-state 9-axis AHRS
With its advanced 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
On hydraulic installations, the Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid autopilot corepack can add optional 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.
Choose from 3 Class Drives
Reactor 40 is available with 3 linear drives (sold separately) capable of driving many different steering systems on most midsize to large vessels (depending on the particular installation). All Garmin linear drives include built in rudder feedback sensing.
- Class A Drive Unit ” up to 28,500 lbs of displacement
- Class B Compact Drive Unit up to 48,400 lbs of displacement
- Class B Drive Unit ” up to 79,000 lbs of displacement
Connect to Networked Devices
The Reactor 40 autopilot 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.
Add Even More Peace of Mind
Add an optional GRF 10 rudder feedback sensor, and you can further enhance the performance of your Reactor 40 autopilot.
In The Box:
- Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit)
- GHC 20 helm control display
- ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
- ECU power cable
- Interconnect cable
- Buzzer
- NMEA 2000 drop cables (2 meters)
- NMEA 2000 T-connectors
- Male and female terminators
- Documentation
1Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations.
Garmiin Reactor™ 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack
Model: 010-00705-49- 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
- Supports heading hold, wind hold, step turns and tack/jibe modes
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. If you don’t see a compatible Reactor 40, you’ll find the Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid is compatible with a wide variety of steering systems, whether hydraulic, cable drive, mechanical and solenoid. Just pair GRF™ 10 with your drive system already on board.
The Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid autopilot corepack is ideal for sailboats and powerboats with direct or cable-actuated steering systems. This Reactor 40 below-deck autopilot system gives captains that "extra set of hands" they need so you can safely attend to your sails, lines, winches and radios, without worry. With its solid-state 9-axis AHRS, Reactor 40 mounts anywhere, in any orientation and requires minimal commissioning.
With its advanced 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.
On hydraulic installations, the Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid autopilot corepack can add optional 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 available with 3 linear drives (sold separately) capable of driving many different steering systems on most midsize to large vessels (depending on the particular installation). All Garmin linear drives include built in rudder feedback sensing.
Class A Drive Unit — up to 28,500 lbs of displacement
Class B Compact Drive Unit — up to 48,400 lbs of displacement
Class B Drive Unit — up to 79,000 lbs of displacement
The Reactor 40 autopilot 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.
Add an optional GRF 10 rudder feedback sensor, and you can further enhance the performance of your Reactor 40 autopilot.
1Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations.
Specifications| CCU dimensions | 4.3 " x 4.4 " x 1.9 " (10.9 x 11.2 x 4.8 cm) |
| ECU dimensions | 6.6 " x 4.6 " x 2.1 " (16.8 x 11.7 x 5.3 cm) |
| Supply voltage | 10 V to 30 V |
| Operating temperature | -15° C to 60 C° (5° F to 140° F) |
| Maximum sustained motor current | 15A |
| Maximum instantaneous motor current | 40A |
| Maximum clutch current | 2.5A (for drives requiring higher current than 2.5A, a relay needs to be added to the clutch circuit) |
| GHC20 Specification | |
| Unit dimensions, WxHxD | 4.3 " x 4.4 " x 1.9 " (10.9 x 11.2 x 4.8 cm) |
| Display resolution, WxH | 320 x 240 pixels |
| Display type | QVGA color LCD display |
| NMEA output | NMEA 0183, NMEA 2000® |
| Supply voltage | Powered by NMEA 2000 bus, 9-16 VDC, units operate up to 32 VDC |
| Operating temperature | -15° C to 70 C° (5° F to 158° F) |
| Max power consumption | 3W |
| Viewing angle | 170° |
| Brightness | 1200 cd/m2 (NIT) |
| Water rating | IPX7 |
| NMEA 2000 LEN (Load Equivalency Number) | 7 (350 mA at 9VDC) |
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
- Buzzer
- NMEA 2000® drop cables (2 meters)
- NMEA 2000 T-connectors
- Male and female terminators
- Documentation
"Garmin\u2019s \u201cMost Responsive Autopilot System on the Water\u201d The GHP Reactor 40 Mechanical Autopilot System is Garmin\u2019s answer for the mariner who has a cable drive, mechanical, or solenoid steering system. Garmin\u2019s GHP Reactor 40 Mechanical Autopilot System contains a solid state 9-axis Altitude Heading Reference System that enables the GHP Reactor to be mounted nearly anywhere on the boat, while it minimizes heading error, course deviation and rudder movement. Garmin has created the GHP Reactor40 Mechanical Autopilot System to react to hold course even with the vessel pitching and rolling. Although all autopilots require commissioning and calibration the GHP Reactor Mechanical Autopilot System can normally be accomplished in around 5 minutes instead of 20 or more. Sailboat needs for an autopilot like heading hold, wind hold, tack\/jibe, step turns and more, are supported by the GHP Reactor40 Mechanical\/ Retrofit\/ Solenoid Corepack. The GHP Reactor Mechanical can easily be added to any NMEA 2000 network as well as provide Auto Guidance through a compatible Garmin chartplotter with a G2 Vision Chart. If you have an existing drive unit and want to change or add autopilot to your boat the GHP Reactor Mechanical\/Retrofit\/Solenoid is compatible with a wide variety of steering systems, whether hydraulic, cable-drive, mechanical and solenoid. Just pair a GRF 10 with your drive system that is already on board."
SKU: NVN-69276
MPN: 010-00705-49
UPC: 753759189396
Technical specifications
| Brand | Garmin |
| Model | Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid Corepack |
| SKU / MFR# | 69276 |
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Frequently asked questions
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