Reactor™ 40 hydraulic system kit with SmartPump

The Garmin Reactor™ 40 with SmartPump v2 kit is an autopilot system designed for boats equipped with hydraulic steering. It integrates advanced technologies to provide responsive steering, precise navigation, and optimized tiller management.

The SmartPump v2 measures 197 mm in length, 190 mm in width, and 244 mm in height. Its weight is 7.5 kg.

The SmartPump v2 is designed to operate within a temperature range from -15°C to 55°C.

The SmartPump v2, equipped with a brushless motor, offers several key advantages:

Increased reliability and extended lifespan.Reduced electrical consumption.Quiet operation.Prevention of rudder jamming risk due to hardware or software issues.

The SmartPump v2 is designed on the "one-size-fits-most" principle and can support steering cylinders with volumes ranging from 4 to 24 cubic inches.

The flow rate of the SmartPump v2 is configurable and can be adjusted from 0 to 2.4 litres per minute.

The Reactor 40 course computer unit (CCU) has a diameter of 91.4 mm and weighs 159 g.

The CCU Reactor 40 is waterproof and compliant with IPX7, meaning it can withstand temporary immersion in water.

Yes, to avoid damaging your boat, the autopilot system must be installed by a qualified marine installer. Specific knowledge of hydraulic steering components and marine electrical systems is required for proper installation.

The SmartPump v2 must be installed in a dry location, protected from water and harsh weather. It is recommended to mount it horizontally if possible. If vertical mounting is required, the pump head connectors must face upward. For large steering cylinders or installations requiring high hydraulic pressure, the pump should be installed as close as possible to the cylinder, ideally with less than 3 meters of hydraulic hose connecting it to the cylinder.

For optimal performance, the CCU must be mounted on a rigid surface, away from magnetic interference sources. The ideal location is near the boat’s center of rotation, close to the central axis, lower in the boat, and slightly forward. The CCU cable must not be cut; extension cables are available if needed.

You can use a handheld compass to test a mounting location. Hold the compass at the intended location, then move it six inches to the left, right, above, below, in front of, and behind. If the compass needle moves by more than three degrees, magnetic interference is present and another location must be chosen.

You must use hydraulic hoses of -4 [6 mm (1/4 in) ID] or larger, with factory-crimped or field-replaceable fittings rated for a minimum of 1000 psi. It is also recommended to install T-connectors and shut-off valves (not included) to facilitate isolation and removal of the pump.

No, you must not use thread seal tape, such as Teflon tape, or thread sealant on the hydraulic fittings of this system. Small debris could enter the hydraulic system, block valves, and render the autopilot or steering system inoperable. Using these products voids the product warranty.

The Shadow Drive™ sensor must be mounted horizontally and as level as possible within the hydraulic steering lines. It must be at least 305 mm (12 inches) away from magnetic materials, closer to the rudder than the pump, and higher than the lowest rudder but lower than the pump. It must be installed in the starboard or port steering line, not in the return or high-pressure line.

The SmartPump must not be installed with a steering system featuring a non-vented reservoir, as this would damage the pump. Before installation, you must verify that your boat’s steering system has a vented reservoir. Typically, the vent hole is located in the filler cap of the highest helm. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer of the helm or reservoir.

Yes, it is essential to bleed all air from every part of the hydraulic system before attempting to use the autopilot to steer the boat. Failing to do so could prevent the system from functioning correctly.

The autopilot system can be configured and controlled using a compatible Garmin chartplotter if a dedicated helm control unit is not included in the kit. The chartplotter must be connected to the same NMEA 2000 network as the autopilot’s CCU.

A dedicated tiller control unit is not included in all autopilot packages. If your kit does not include one, you will need to configure and control the system using a compatible Garmin chartplotter connected to the NMEA 2000 network.

The CCU and the autopilot (or a compatible chartplotter) must be connected to an NMEA 2000 network using the included T-connectors. If your boat does not already have an NMEA 2000 network, a basic network can be built with the provided cables and connectors.