Compact Reactor™ 40 Hydraulic Autopilot Starter

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 25’ 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 speeds¹. Sit back at the helm, and enjoy your time on the water as the solid-state 9-axis AHRS technology delivers a comfortable ride.

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™ 20 marine autopilot control unit, or add both GHC 20 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. And it can be engaged to follow an Auto Guidance path³ (requires LakeVü g3 maps or BlueChart® g3 charts).

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. Plus, with optional BlueChart g3 Vision charts (sold separately), you gain industry-leading coverage, clarity and detail with updated coastal charts that feature integrated Garmin and Navionics® content.

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.

¹Not 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 deadrise. Mount pump within 6 feet of the steering cylinder for best results.
²Requires echoMAP™ CHIRP 5x/7x/9x chartplotter/sonar combo; ECHOMAP Plus 6x/7x/9x chartplotter/sonar combo; GPSMAP® chartplotter series 7200/7400/7600/8000/8200/8400/8500/8600; or GPSMAP chartplotter/sonar combo series 7x2/9x2/10x2/12x2
³Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations

Specifications

• Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 4.3 " x 4.4 " x 1.9 " (10.9 x 11.2 x 4.8 cm)
• Pump dimensions, LxWxH: 6.6 " x 3.9 " x 3.3 " (16.8 x 10.0 x 8.5 cm)
• NMEA output: NMEA 2000
• Supply voltage: 10V to 20V
• Operating temperature: -15° C to 70 C° (5° F to 158° F)

In the Box

• Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit)
• 1.0 L Pump
• ECU (Electronic Control Unit)
• ECU power cable
• Interconnect cable
• Buzzer
• NMEA 2000® drop cables (2 meters)
• NMEA 2000 power cable
• NMEA 2000 T-connectors
• Male and female terminators
• Documentation