Anyone have info on Autopilots ?

mnm99

mnm99

Well-Known Member
Oct 2, 2015
2,447
Long Island
Boat Info
2004 340 SeaRay Sundancer
Engines
Twin 8.1 Merc
I'm just exploring.. I'm looking for what companies sell good ones that are compatible with Garmin. I found a Raymarine system, but not sure of all the components and if they work with Garmin. Any info would be cool. Thanks!

2004 , 340 Sundancer
 
For a new installation, I wouldn't look beyond Garmin autopilots unless there is a reason not to. Every manufacturer's components (at least the complex ones) are by design not made to work well with other brands. You might be able to get say, a Raymarine autopilot, to send and receive basic information to/from a Garmin MFD via NMEA 0183 (old protocol), maybe including a waypoint-based route (not sure of this). But, I'm sure you wouldn't be able to take advantage of Garmin's AP integrations like auto-routing or the ability to control the AP from the MFD.
If you already have Raymarine AP components installed, there are kits available to re-use parts of the existing system such as the pump, see Jaybeaux's thread.
 
Garmin. Was previously running RM AP and everything else Garmin. Control head went out on the RM AP, replaces with Garmin. Best integration.
 
Is today the day for Autopilots? I didn't even look in the General section and asked some questions in the Electronics section about autopilots.....weird

Yes, I'm just discovering that Garmin has hydraulic kits that come with the pumps. (I assume thats what you have) If you have a compatible Garmin already, you wouldn't need the the GHC 20 Helm Display. You'd basically need the proper hydraulic pump, a Garmin Reactor 40 CCU, & Garmin ECU. This kit comes with the ECU built into the hydraulic pump. Put that onto your NMEA 2000 network which should tie into your Garmin display.

https://shop.opticsplanet.com/garmin-ghp-reactor-40-hydraulic-corepack-smartpump.html?_iv_code=GA-BMA-GARGHPR40CSP-010-00705-69&gclsrc=aw.ds&msclkid=d7e30b98a82b194b58d6547bdc5e7bae&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=All Brands[95% Margin]>US>Shopping&utm_term=4585513248519370&utm_content=Garmin[95% Margin]>Shopping>US
 
Thanks guys. I just got off the phone with Garmin. Yes the unit listed is what I need he said. I didn’t realize how much they cost. The pump is expensive. He also said I’m better off with the display. Wasn’t really sure what he was talking about, but something to do with programming?? I’ve seen this unit a little cheaper. Looks pretty easy to install.
 
mnm99 said:
Thanks guys. I just got off the phone with Garmin. Yes the unit listed is what I need he said. I didn’t realize how much they cost. The pump is expensive. He also said I’m better off with the display. Wasn’t really sure what he was talking about, but something to do with programming?? I’ve seen this unit a little cheaper. Looks pretty easy to install.
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He is right you do need the GHC20; that is where the installer setup and tuning reside.
 
I’m sure you don’t need the reactor 40 for your boat. There is a less expensive Garmin pump that Im sure works in the 340. My friend has it in his boat. I would call a Garmin tech and ask for his recommendation. If you don’t get anywhere let me know. I’ll ask my friend which one he has in his 340. I know it’s Garmin and I know it has the shadow drive.
 
Can you ask your friend. This is what Garmin said to use. See if you can get the part number. Thanks

So as I'm digging deeper it looks like this pump can handle my cylinder. I was told the more expensive pump is a smart pump. Is there that big of a difference between the one listed and the smart one?

https://www.seatechmarineproducts.c...marine-hydraulic-steering-brass-cylinder.html
  • Volume cubic inches (cc): 10.2 (167)

"The Garmin 2L Pump for the Reactor 40 Autopilot is designed for boats with hydraulic steering between 10 and 24ci. An autopilot pump is required to make a complete Reactor 40 Autopilot system"
https://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-2L-Hydraulic-Pump-for-Reactor-40-Autopilot-P6422.aspx

https://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-SmartPump-V2-Hydraulic-Pump-for-Autopilots-P6070.aspx

Here are the specs for both lower priced pumps. Either of them look like they will work with my volume. I'm not sure about psi..?

The 1.2 Liter pump (010-11098-00) is a low-cost option:

  • Used for single-cylinder applications with cylinder volumes from 6 to 14 cubic inches
  • It is a High Pressure / Low Volume pump (HPLV)
  • Not used in air pressurized systems above 11 psi
  • Used in low speed trolling and cruising speed applications
  • Used in many hydraulic systems including Verado and UFLEX Pro systems.
The 2.0 Liter pump (010-11097-00) is a low-cost option:

  • Used in dual-cylinder applications with total cylinder volumes from 10 to 24 cubic inches
  • This is a Low Pressure / High Volume (LPHV) pump
  • Not used in air pressurized systems above 11 psi
  • Used in low speed trolling and cruising speed applications
  • Only recommend for Low Pressure hydraulic systems
  • Cannot be used in Verado or UFLEX Pro systems
 
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I’m afraid he wasn’t a lot of help. He said GPH 20. I think he means GHP 20. Either way it isn’t a reactor 40v2 smart pump. I have the V2 and I know that he installed a cheaper Garmin and his works great. When I bought mine the Garmin rep said I could go with the cheaper. I didn’t But could have and my system is probably larger than yours. For what it’s worth
 
Riptide III said:
I’m afraid he wasn’t a lot of help. He said GPH 20. I think he means GHP 20. Either way it isn’t a reactor 40v2 smart pump. I have the V2 and I know that he installed a cheaper Garmin and his works great. When I bought mine the Garmin rep said I could go with the cheaper. I didn’t But could have and my system is probably larger than yours. For what it’s worth
Click to expand...
Thanks. I wonder what the benefit is with the Smart pump. Is it really worth the $1700 difference. Garmin told me it regulates the pressure when needed. Would that make it for smoother turns? I'll have to compare the differences. I am almost sure the 2L will work. I'll call Garmin with my steering cylinder specs to make sure.
 
So it looks like my steering ram is less volume than I thought. It's listed at 7.2ci. I wonder if the 1.2L pump will work also. Question...I noticed there is no return line. Is this something in the system I have to add? I noticed on the help there is another inlet that has a plug on it. I assume that is where the return goes?

https://www.seatechmarineproducts.c...25-7atm-hydraulic-boat-steering-cylinder.html

thumbnail.jpg
 
mnm99 said:
So it looks like my steering ram is less volume than I thought. It's listed at 7.2ci. I wonder if the 1.2L pump will work also. Question...I noticed there is no return line. Is this something in the system I have to add? I noticed on the help there is another inlet that has a plug on it. I assume that is where the return goes?

https://www.seatechmarineproducts.c...25-7atm-hydraulic-boat-steering-cylinder.html

View attachment 96787
Click to expand...
Short answer. No. The rams have a shuttle valve in them. Pressure on one side turns one way pressure on the other turns the other way. I recommend mounting the pump up by the helm behind your fire extinguisher panel on the starboard side. If I remember that boat correctly. There are three fittings in your helm. Two of them have lines coming out. Those are the lines that go down to the ram. The third fitting has a plug in it. You will have to remove that plug and install a line from it to the pump. My friends boat is in storage an hour away. If you decide to install the system. I can try to get to his boat and take pictures of his install if you get to that point.
 
Riptide III said:
Short answer. No. The rams have a shuttle valve in them. Pressure on one side turns one way pressure on the other turns the other way. I recommend mounting the pump up by the helm behind your fire extinguisher panel on the starboard side. If I remember that boat correctly. There are three fittings in your helm. Two of them have lines coming out. Those are the lines that go down to the ram. The third fitting has a plug in it. You will have to remove that plug and install a line from it to the pump. My friends boat is in storage an hour away. If you decide to install the system. I can try to get to his boat and take pictures of his install if you get to that point.
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Yea I thought that 3rd line was a return because of the pump looking at the diagram. I have no room at the helm, so it's going to have to go in the engine department. I'll just have to get an additional line. If I buy another factory one it will be the perfect length.
On another note, I'm not liking the reviews on the Garmin Autopilot. Maybe there older ones, but I here a lot about the brain/CCU going bad only after a couple years...??? HUH.. I'll have to keep researching.
Untitled.jpg
 
Am I wrong or is there a screw in panel on the starboard side next to your leg? At the helm.
 
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A screw? Do you mean a third port on the helm? Yes if so. No screws I can see. The panel near my starboard leg comes off, yes. Why u ask?
 
mnm99 said:
A screw? Do you mean a third port on the helm? Yes if so. No screws I can see. The panel near my starboard leg comes off, yes. Why u ask?
Click to expand...

I think he is referring to the panel that houses the drink holders and speaker. I have seen several installs on 340's that locate the pump in the space behind it. More than enough room back there. Would be easier than engine compartment imo. Keep us posted.
 
mnm99 said:
A screw? Do you mean a third port on the helm? Yes if so. No screws I can see. The panel near my starboard leg comes off, yes. Why u ask?
Click to expand...
Because, behind that is room and that is where the autopilot pump can be mounted (to the right of your leg when seated at the helm). It is a dry area. Everything close by. Short run to the helm for third hose and wire run etc. The control unit can be mounted under the companion seat. The companion seat is centerline of the boat. Close enough for the wires to reach and far enough from he pump and mechanicals. I understand a picture is worth a thousand words. I am working on my friend to get them.
 
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