Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument

Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument

Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument is, quite simply, the most responsive autopilot system we’ve ever seen. Designed specifically for hydraulically steered powerboats, it acts as your "extra hand" at sea, whether you’re navigating the coastal waters of Essex or heading further offshore.

This isn't just a basic heading-hold system. The Reactor 40 uses a solid-state 9-axis AHRS (Attitude Heading Reference System), meaning it reacts to the sea’s conditions in real-time. Whether your vessel is pitching in a swell or rolling in a beam sea, this system holds your course with precision, reducing power consumption and minimising heading error so you can cruise with total confidence.

The included GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument transforms your helm with a premium, 5-inch high-resolution touchscreen. Its edge-to-edge glass design perfectly complements modern glass bridge setups, like the Garmin GPSMAP series, providing a seamless and intuitive interface to control your journey.

Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument Key Features

• GHC 50 Touchscreen Display: A bright, high-resolution 5-inch WVGA touchscreen that makes navigation simple. Its industrial design perfectly matches the latest Garmin GPSMAP chartplotters for a seamless helm aesthetic.
• Solid-State 9-Axis AHRS: Because it uses advanced solid-state technology, the Reactor 40 CCU can be mounted almost anywhere on your boat, in any orientation. It significantly reduces heading error, course deviation, and power consumption.
• Shadow Drive™ Technology: This is a game-changer for safety. If you need to take the helm suddenly to avoid an obstacle, simply turn the wheel. Shadow Drive automatically disengages the autopilot, giving you instant manual control. Once you hold a steady course again, it re-engages automatically.
• Responsive to Sea Conditions: You can remain confident even in rougher UK waters; this system actively reacts to the sea to hold your course, providing a much smoother and more comfortable ride for everyone on board.
• Seamless Integration: Control your autopilot from anywhere on the boat using compatible Garmin chartplotters, the Reactor Autopilot Remote, or even your quatix® marine smartwatch.
• Fast, Simple Calibration: We know you want to spend more time on the water and less time with manuals. The Reactor 40 features a quick and easy commissioning process to get you moving faster.

Technical Specifications

• • Display: 5-inch WVGA Touchscreen (800 x 480 pixels)
  • Water Rating: IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 metre for 30 mins)
  • Connectivity: NMEA 2000®, Wi-Fi®, and ANT® technology
  • Dimensions : (GHC 50)140 x 105 x 51 mm
  • AHRS: Solid-state 9-axis
  • Compatibility: All types of hydraulically steered powerboats
  • What’s in the Box?
  • Reactor 40 CCU (Course Computer Unit)
  • GHC 50 Helm Control Display
  • NMEA 2000® drop cables (2 metres) & power cable
  • NMEA 2000 T-connectors & terminators
  • Buzzer & Interconnect cable
  • ECU (Electronic Control Unit) & Power Cable
  • Shadow Drive Valve

Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot With GHC 50 Autopilot Instrument FAQs

Is this autopilot compatible with my boat?

This specific Reactor 40 corepack is designed for all types of hydraulically steered vessels. This includes inboards, outboards, stern drives, and diesels. Whether you have a powerboat or a sailing vessel, if your steering is hydraulic, this is likely the system for you.

Note: For smaller outboard boats under 25ft, you might also consider the "Compact" version of this kit.

Do I need to buy a pump separately?

Yes. This specific corepack (010-02794-00) does not include the hydraulic pump. Because different boats require different pump sizes (1.2L, 2.0L, or the high-performance SmartPump), Garmin sells the corepack and pump separately to ensure you get the exact match for your steering cylinder’s volume. If you aren't sure which pump you need, give our team at Morgan Marine a call and we can calculate it for you.

What is the benefit of the GHC 50 display over older models?

The GHC 50 is a major upgrade. It features a bright, edge-to-edge 5” WVGA touchscreen that looks stunning at the helm and matches the modern Garmin GPSMAP® x3 and 8600 series chartplotters. It provides a much more intuitive interface for commissioning and daily use than the previous button-operated units.

What does the "9-axis AHRS" actually do?

The 9-axis Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS) is the "gyro" of the system. It allows the autopilot to react to the sea conditions—such as pitching and rolling—to keep you on a steady course even in rough water. Because it is solid-state, it’s incredibly reliable and can be mounted almost anywhere on the boat in any orientation.

Can I still steer manually if the autopilot is on?

Yes, thanks to the Shadow Drive™ technology included in this kit. If you need to avoid an obstacle or change course quickly, you simply turn the wheel. The Shadow Drive automatically disengages the autopilot, giving you full manual control. Once you steady your new course, the system automatically re-engages.

Is it difficult to set up and calibrate?

Gone are the days of spending hours doing "circles" at sea. The Reactor 40 features a very straightforward commissioning wizard that can be run from either the GHC 50 display or a compatible Garmin chartplotter. The "Auto Tune" process is quick and highly effective at learning your boat's specific handling characteristics.

Can I control the autopilot from my watch?

Absolutely. If you have a compatible Garmin quatix® marine smartwatch or the Garmin Autopilot Remote, you can control your heading, engage/disengage the pilot, and even perform programmed patterns from anywhere on the deck.

Will it work with my existing Garmin Chartplotter?

Yes, it integrates seamlessly. Via the NMEA 2000 network, the autopilot can share data and settings with your Garmin MFDs. This allows you to engage "Auto Guidance+" to follow a path or use sailing-specific features like wind hold and tack/jibe (when connected to a wind sensor).

Does it require professional installation?

While the electronic setup is very user-friendly, the physical installation involves breaking into your boat's hydraulic steering lines and bleeding the system. We highly recommend a professional marine engineer handles the hydraulic side of the installation to ensure safety and peak performance.