Garmin Reactor 40 Steer-By-Wire Corepack with GHC 50
- Brand:
- Garmin
- Part no:
- 010-02794-03
Image: Powerboat Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Networking
- NMEA 2000
The Reactor 40 steer-by-wire corepack is a Garmin autopilot built for powerboats with electronically assisted steering. It is listed as compatible with SeaStar Optimus, Yanmar ZT370 stern drive electronic power steering, and ZF 2800 Pod drives, and it needs a compatible Garmin chartplotter to work. The course computer unit uses a solid-state 9-axis AHRS, so it can be mounted nearly anywhere in any orientation. It runs from a 9-16V NMEA 2000 supply, counts as a load of 3 (150 mA), and is waterproof to IPX7. This bundle includes the GHC 50 helm display, buzzer, and NMEA 2000 cabling.
Our take
The 9-axis AHRS can go in nearly any orientation, which gives you freedom when you pick a spot for the course computer. The catch is the 3 m CCU cable, so plan the run before you commit, and check your steering is one of the listed drives.
From our buying guide
Raymarine describes a typical autopilot as four parts: a heading sensor, a control unit, a drive and a control head. Bought alone, the parts don't steer, and Raymarine says the operator must stay at the helm at all times.
Check before you buy:
- The box list has the drive and control head you need, since packs can leave out a major part.
- It's rated for your boat the way the maker measures it. Raymarine sizes on fully laden displacement, often 20% above the designed figure.
- On hydraulic steering, the pump's range covers your steering cylinder's volume.