Garmin Compact Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot Starter Pack

Ideal Entry-level Autopilot System

• Includes Compact Reactor 40 CCU, ECU, pump and other autopilot components needed to add to your compatible chartplotter
• Recommended only for single-engine outboard boats less than 30’ long¹
• 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

Designed for boats less than 25’ long, the Compact Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot provides relief from manually holding the wheel to maintain course, especially when cruising at moderate to high speeds². Sit back at the helm, and enjoy your time on the water as the solid-state 9-axis AHRS technology delivers a comfortable ride.  It provides relief from manually holding the wheel to maintain course, especially when cruising at moderate to high speeds².

Offered in 3 different corepacks, this autopilot lets you configure your autopilot setup, depending on the features you need and how much you want to spend. Buy the starter pack (compatible chartplotter required²), add a GHC™ 50 marine autopilot control unit, or add both GHC 50 and the Shadow Drive™ attachment.

The autopilot is easy to install with flexible mounting options and quick, easy commissioning. Choose a corepack with our patented Shadow Drive technology, and simply turn the wheel to take control of the helm; hold a constant course to re-engage. It integrates with compatible Garmin electronics to control the autopilot from the chartplotter display.

Solid-state 9-axis AHRS

With its advanced solid-state 9-axis AHRS, Compact Reactor 40 provides you with more flexible mounting options. 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.

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 Compact Reactor 40 autopilot will keep you on your desired course.

Minimal Commissioning and Calibration

All autopilots require commissioning and calibration to work properly. 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 Electronics

Combined with our compatible networked electronics, you can have full control of Compact 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. You can even gain additional benefits such as the follow route and Auto Guidance+^™ features³.

Stay in Control with Optional Shadow Drive Technology

The Compact Reactor 40 autopilot supports 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.

Connect to Networked Devices

Compact Reactor 40 can be operated directly from your compatible Garmin chartplotter¹ screen or by 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 radar and chartplotter. An optional handheld wireless remote control is also available.

^¹Requires a compatible Garmin chartplotter (sold separately)
²Not recommended for fishing or applications that require holding heading while trolling at low speeds or operating in rough waters. For applications that require precise heading control, our higher-performance Reactor 40 models are recommended. Compact Reactor uses a gear pump design with limited performance relative to similar flow piston pumps. Not recommended for power assist installs, engines above 150 horsepower or boats with more than 12-degree deadrises. Mount pump within 6’ of the steering cylinder for best results.
³Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations