Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot w/Stainless Steel Tilt Tube

Description

Control a compatible small kicker outboard with the Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot with Stainless Steel Tilt Tube. This autopilot package is designed for small gasoline outboards up to 25 horsepower that use a tilt tube, providing automatic steering and, on supported tiller-throttle engines, throttle control. The stainless steel tilt tube is particularly useful for Yamaha and Honda applications because it offers improved corrosion resistance compared with the mild-steel tilt tubes supplied on some engines. [161][287]

The system includes the Reactor 40 CCU and ECU, steering actuator, throttle actuator, stainless steel tilt tube, wireless remote, NMEA 2000 components, and associated installation hardware. A compatible Garmin chartplotter or separate GHC autopilot display is required if the selected package does not include a display. Engine-specific installation hardware or adapter kits may be required depending on the kicker make, horsepower, year, tilt-tube design, and throttle arrangement. [279][284]

Key Specifications

• Autopilot system for compatible gasoline kicker outboards up to 25 horsepower.
• Designed for outboards equipped with a tilt tube; smaller motors without a tilt tube are not compatible.
• Includes a corrosion-resistant stainless steel tilt tube for compatible Yamaha and Honda kicker installations.
• Uses a high-torque electric steering actuator with dual-direction engine-pivot control.
• Supports 10V to 20V DC power and has a stated 10A maximum current limit.
• Typical steering-system current draw is listed at 2A to 4A, depending on steering load and operating conditions.
• Uses NMEA 2000 Micro-C networking with Reactor 40 Kicker CCU and ECU components.
• Includes a steering actuator, throttle actuator, stainless tilt tube, CCU, ECU, NMEA 2000 parts, and wireless remote; package contents should be confirmed against the exact SKU.

Engine Compatibility

The steering actuator mounts through the kicker engine’s tilt tube. Garmin states that steering control is intended for tilt-tube-equipped outboards, and lower-horsepower outboards without a tilt tube will not work with Reactor 40 Kicker. Throttle control is designed for tiller-configured outboards; remote-throttle installations can require custom work or may not be supported. [161]

For example, Garmin identifies separate adapter kits for select Mercury and Tohatsu engines. These kits can be required to connect the throttle actuator even when the steering actuator and tilt-tube hardware are compatible. Confirm the manufacturer, engine model, horsepower, production year, tilt-tube condition, steering-arm geometry, and throttle type before purchase. [279]

Installation Considerations

Plan a 10V to 20V DC power circuit with appropriate protection for up to 10A, a NMEA 2000 backbone, secure CCU and ECU locations, actuator clearance throughout the full steering arc, and a protected cable route. The stainless steel tilt tube should be maintained with regular inspection, cleaning, and lubrication, particularly in saltwater service.

The system is not a substitute for a vessel operator. Verify throttle response, full steering travel, manual override, safe engine operation, autopilot calibration, and steering performance during a controlled sea trial before relying on the system while fishing or cruising.

Before Ordering

Confirm a compatible kicker outboard up to 25 horsepower, an existing tilt tube or required stainless-steel replacement, engine make and model, engine year, tiller-throttle compatibility, required adapter kit, available steering-actuator clearance, NMEA 2000 network, 10V to 20V supply, 10A circuit capacity, compatible Garmin display or chartplotter, and all required installation hardware before purchase.