Garmin Class B Drive Unit Linear Sailboats to 79,000lbs

Description

The Garmin Class B Drive Unit is a heavy-duty hydraulic linear actuator for compatible large sailboats and mechanically steered vessels up to 36,000 kg, or 79,000 lb, displacement. It connects directly to an independent tiller arm or steering quadrant and combines a hydraulic pump and ram in one self-contained drive assembly. This is a drive-only component and requires a compatible Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical autopilot system, high-current ECU, control display, heading sensor, power circuit, and correctly engineered steering linkage.

The 12V Class B drive provides up to 1,012 kg, or 2,230 lb, of peak thrust through a 300 mm linear stroke. It draws up to 30A under maximum load and uses an emergency manual-steering bypass arrangement. The approximately 14 kg actuator requires a rigid under-deck foundation, correctly aligned pivots, adequate full-stroke clearance, and an autopilot system approved for Class B drive operation.

Key Specifications

• Heavy-duty self-contained hydraulic linear drive for compatible large mechanically steered sailboats and displacement vessels.
• Designed for vessels up to 36,000 kg, or 79,000 lb, displacement.
• Provides up to 1,012 kg, or 2,230 lb, peak thrust.
• Uses a 300 mm linear push-pull actuator stroke.
• Operates from 12V DC and can draw up to 30A under maximum steering load.
• Connects directly to a compatible independent tiller arm or steering quadrant through a pivot and clevis linkage.
• Requires a Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical system with an approved high-current ECU and compatible Class B drive configuration.
• Weighs approximately 14 kg and incorporates an emergency bypass arrangement for manual steering.

System Integration

This is not a complete autopilot system. It requires a compatible Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical course-computer system, high-current ECU, autopilot display or chartplotter, heading sensor, power circuit, and correctly configured drive-class selection. It is not suitable for low-current autopilot computers, wheel-drive controllers, or systems unable to support its 30A load.

Verify vessel displacement, rudder torque, tiller-arm radius, actuator stroke, maximum steering load, required feedback method, power capacity, and manual-override function. A physical rudder-feedback sensor may be necessary depending on the steering arrangement and selected Reactor configuration.

Installation Considerations

Install the drive on a rigid under-deck foundation with pivot points aligned to prevent binding, side loading, over-travel, or restriction of manual rudder movement. Confirm the full 300 mm stroke is available before installation. Use suitably sized high-current marine wiring, appropriate 30A circuit protection, sealed terminals, and protected cable routing. Follow Garmin installation, dockside configuration, and sea-trial procedures.

Before Ordering

Confirm vessel displacement up to 79,000 lb, compatible mechanical steering, an independent tiller arm or steering quadrant, sufficient 300 mm stroke clearance, structural mounting strength, Garmin Reactor 40 Mechanical compatibility, approved high-current ECU, 12V supply, 30A circuit capacity, required feedback method, manual-steering bypass function, and complete autopilot-system components before purchase.