Garmin Reactor Autopilot w/Smart Pump

I spent three days on the St. John’s River last week finding out what the autopilot would do.

I started by running in fairly calm conditions at normal cruise speed (about 6 mph) and ran as slow as 2.2 mph both up and down river. It held heading unbelievably well. We did the same with the Yamaha 9.9 hi thrust and outcome was the same. The autopilot worked flawlessly at 15 to 35 mph.

The next day we had 1 1/2 to 2 footers on Lake Monroe. No surprise the only challenge we had was with the kicker going into the waves at very slow speed. Just not enough power however at 4 to 5mph it did a good job. Down wind no problems at all. Top speed was limited to about 16 to 20 by the waves. We programmed different headings on the Garmin chart plotter and the Reactor held true every time.

My wife went along with the purchase but questioned it at first but after taking the helm she was completely sold. Does every C-Dory need an autopilot....No!
But for fishing, long distance cruising and thick fog it sure is a handy tool.

Jody....I love the controller bracket holder idea that You had. It keeps the unit handy at all times....Thanks.

Colby....see you at Hontoon. If you don’t get yours calibrated by then I’ll give you a hand 🖐.

Tom
 
Thanks Tom. Sounds like it's a great autopilot. It should be for the price! :) Got everything finished up on my boat yesterday, as we had some nice 33 degree clear weather. Today, rain, freezing rain and later snow... I'm pretty much done with boat projects until spring! See you in March. Colby
 
I have been watching this thread because I have friends who just purchased a CD-25 and are having Auto Pilot installed. I am interested in how it works as I am not using a Garmin AP on my boat. Thanks to all for the participation.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Hi Harvey,
I for one am hoping my new Garmin Autopilot works better than my old Ray Marine did, as I have Garmin Electronics in the Chartplotter category. Just some observations. Garmin uses standard Network 2000 data cables, where Ray Marine uses their SeaTalk NG. This is a pain with the RayMarine when connecting to other products, in that STNG has different connectors than the "standard" Network 2000 that most other manufacturers use. RayMarine and Garmin don't communicate well together either. The RayMarine AP could only follow "routes" from my Garmin Chartplotter. It would not link to "tracks" or "autoguidance". As for the actual installation, some tips I learned over my initial installation of the RayMarine and my recent upgrade to the Garmin.
- Have everything available before you start the install. Ie. Hydraulic hoses, fittings, Network cables and connections, Hydraulic fluid, etc.
-Identify and mark the original hoses before you unhook them. Too easy to get them reversed at the helm when you hook them back up.
- Be careful not to kink or damage hoses as you remove, replace and install them.
- Plan location of everything, and then install all the components, then plumb, then connect the electronics/electricity.

There are two main hose types you'll likely be working with in regards to SeaStar systems. Their 5/16" ID hose kits rated at 1000psi, with connection nuts on the ends, or 3/8" OD Nylon tubing #502 that uses 3/8" compression nuts. My steering system, being an outboard, had the 5/16" hose. Now this is where some question comes in. I, as many from what I've seen in various blogs, have used the 502 Nylon Steering Tube to run from Tees in the original steering line, to the auto pilot pump, and for the return line. The 502 is not as flexible as the 5/16, however has the advantage of being cheaper and able to cut to any length. I ran the 502 with my old RayMarine AP system with no issues. I have turned the steering wheel past the Outboard's ram travel, so as to open the helm's internal relief valve, and have not seen any leaks anywhere in the system. Seastar says to use the 5/16" line on Outboards, yet allows use of the 502 on Inboards, so I assume a lot of that deals with movement of the hose / tube due to the set up of the Outboard's ram. I guess I'll see over time if using the 502 tube is detrimental to running the more expensive 5/16" hose. Lastly, the helm and autopilot pumps require 1/4" MIP fittings. (Male Pipe Thread) The hoses are 3/8" compression or tube fittings. So you will require straight and Tee fittings at the helm of 1/4" MIP x 3/8" tube, or if you place tees somewhere other than at the helm or AP pump, you'll need tees that have 3/8" tube fittings on all 3 ends. I have the old style helm while the new helms have ORB fittings. Those would be much nicer in that you can properly align tees in any direction, whereas with the old helms, while all instructions say not to use tefflon tape, you may very well need to in order to properly orientate your fitting without it leaking. Colby
 
Also, I forgot to mention. While Seastar apparently doesn't list alternative fluids anymore, at one time they listed several aviation mineral oil based fluids of Mil Spec H5606. I have been using one without issue, Aeroshell 41. If you have a local aviation supplier with some of it on hand, it's around $30/gallon. Comes in a can. But once I opened it, I store it in a plastic gallon jug I had. Compare that to SeaStar's $32/qt steering fluid, for quite a steal. If you don't have an aviation supplier nearby with any on hand, you can order it off Amazon for $43 with free shipping. Still a deal! And an advantage, it's dyed red, so easy to notice any leaks.
 
Shell- Aero Shell Fluid #41
Esso - Univis N15 or J13
Texaco - HO15
Chevron - Aviation Hydraulic Fluid A
Mobil - Aero HFA
Petro Canada - Harmony HV1
Phillips 66 X/C 5606A Aviation Hydaulic Fluid

Are all substitutes. I have picked up a gallon for as little as $10 at local fixed base operators from their 50 gallon drum, supplying my own gallon can.
 
I suspect you can get any of those for a lot cheaper than the $30 / gal I quoted, if the FBO has it in bulk. Unfortunately, the FBO at Madison doesn't always stock it, and when they do, it's just gallon cans. Colby
 
Thank you for the detailed install guide and the info on the substitution fluids.

Fortunately for my friends, the installation is being done by the pros at Rodgers Marine in Portland. For my part I will be doing the "us of" help on the water. Looking forward to that part.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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