Garmin Reactor Autopilot w/Smart Pump

Avidmagnum12

Avidmagnum12

Active member
Joined
Mar 23, 2013
Messages
756
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C Dory Year
2011
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Vessel Name
C-Otter
I’m looking to add an autopilot on my CD-25 with a Yamaha 200. I have all Garmin electronics so am looking at the Garmin GHP 20 Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot Corepack W/Smartpump. May install everything but the hydraulic connections myself. Too many times redoing things that are done at the shop. What I am wondering is where others with this system have located the SmartPump? Photo? Any information would be helpful.

Thanks Tom
 
Hi Tom, Thanks for starting this thread. I have friend who just got a 25 with Garmin suite, and no AP so they are looking at available options. I cant help them much as I have all Raymarine but will be watching here and following the discussion.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

HH_Cal_09_07_Jul.thumb.jpg
 
My pump is under my helm seat and the course computer is under the v birth. Pictures in my album under upgrades.
 
I've got the 22, but my pump and computer are under the helm seat. Smart move going with the Garmin auto pilot. I went cheap with the RayMarine, and it doesn't communicate well with my Garmin electronics, nor does it do a great job tracking when trolling, or in choppy water. I've even thought a few times about pulling the Ray Marine out and replacing it with the Garmin. But even many of the Garmin units say they are not intended for slow speed. I think it has a lot to do with how fast and how far they can throw your outboard into a turn at the slow trolling speeds. I think Joyce will appreciate being able to have someone else drive the boat for you while trolling! :D Colby
 
Jody...I looked through your album. Lots of help with the autopilot and other great ideas. Thanks

Colby.....I've talked with Water Bill and he's very happy with the slow speed performance of his Garmin reactor with the Smart Pump on his Ranger 23. I've checked with Garmin and they say the Smart Pump is the only way to go for trolling. Joyce likes driving the boat but there are times that I need help netting lake trout! 😇

Tom
 
Avidmagnum12":2pvjcnxy said:
Jody...I looked through your album. Lots of help with the autopilot and other great ideas. Thanks

Colby.....I've talked with Water Bill and he's very happy with the slow speed performance of his Garmin reactor with the Smart Pump on his Ranger 23. I've checked with Garmin and they say the Smart Pump is the only way to go for trolling. Joyce likes driving the boat but there are times that I need help netting lake trout! 😇

Tom
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Tom, take heart, Joyce is going to learn to love Charlie (the guy in the little box with all the wires), that drives when you let him.

Worth the investment in sanity, especially if you do any fog transiting.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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Harvey....I’ve been caught in the fog a few times. The radar and AIS give me great comfort but it can be hard to hold course with all the crab pots to dodge. The autopilot should be a help....I think it will keep my head out of the boat more.
I “bit the bullet” this morning and ordered a reconditioned unit. Actually, everything is new other than the smart pump.The warranty is only year but I saved a bunch. Of course if it goes out the second year.....I mite be thinking different.

They have one more reconditioned unit at Max Marine Electronics in Pompano Beach, FL Phone 754-220-6565 if anyone is interested...out of state no sales tax. I was close so he gave me a little better price than on the web site. (Shipping)

Product Quantity Price
Garmin GHP 20 Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot Corepack W/Smartpump Factory Reman 1 $3,499.99
Subtotal: $3,499.99
Discount: -$270.00
FL Sales Tax: $193.80
Payment method: Credit Card
Total: $3,423.79

A new one is $4,099

Can’t wait to start the project. I’ll probably take it up to Marine Metals in Williston Florida for the hydraulic work.

Tom
 
Colby.....I've talked with Water Bill and he's very happy with the slow speed performance of his Garmin reactor with the Smart Pump on his Ranger 23. I've checked with Garmin and they say the Smart Pump is the only way to go for trolling. Joyce likes driving the boat but there are times that I need help netting lake trout!
Click to expand...

Hey Tom, good to know about the Smart Pump. If I had the cash laying around, I'd jump on that other system now. But for now, the Ray Marine is borderline acceptable. If I hang with Bill and Becky on the Inside Passage this coming spring/summer, I may have a different priority for replacing my A/P when I get back. Or I may decide to change it out right after Hontoon. Just a lot of money to put down on something that I'm not really using all that often now. Once you get your's up and going, and have used it some, I'll have to hear your reviews. Colby
 
My new autopilot should be arriving today. I don’t have room under my helm seat for the smart pump unless I want to remove my drawers. So it looks like I’ll have to locate it under the galley cabinet. I found a photo of one in that area but could not see a hydraulic return line that returns to the helm. Humm?

Anyone know of a good source of marine hydraulic fittings and tubing? I want to add shut offs to the system so if the pump ever needs service it can be removed without disabling the steering.

The project grows.......Thanks Tom
 
When I did mine I took my hoses to a local hose shop and was told that they can't get the fitting and are made special for Sea Star. I ended up replacing my hoses and bleeding the system. The hoses are sold in pairs. I used a coupler in one side so I didn't have to another pair of hoses. With the pump in the cabinets I can't hear any noises from it. You can just buy longer hoses and run them from the helm back to the cabinet I didn't want to double up the hoses. You are going to have to bleed the system there is no way around it.
 
I went to my local True Value Hardware store to find some 45 degree elbow fittings, where I was connecting the lines at the back of the helm. I think any good hardware store would have fittings that work. If I remember, the additional hydraulic lines that came with my system had pressed fittings on one end, but the other end just involved the ferrets and nutcaps. I know for smaller hydraulic lines on my little tractor, there is a implement store in my area that can make those lines. (Most only have the larger hydraulic lines.) But I imagine if you check around, you can find some automotive or farm store that can make the smaller hydraulic lines. Otherwise, perhaps Garmin can supply additional length hydraulic lines. Colby
 
Jody and Colby
I talked with my “boat guy “ Troy from Marine Metals in Williston Florida. I’m going to do most everything other than the hydraulics and he will have his crew do that. They do about anything on a boat other than motors. He has always done great work for me at a fair price. It’s a couple other shops that were less than competent.

So I ran the wire today for the Smart Pump and am starting to work on a mount for the pump. I hope mine is half as good as yours Jody. I’m also going to make a mount for the helm control rather than drill a hole for it. I’ll take photos when I get that far.

Thanks for the help and encouragement....Tom
 
I have not commented since my pilot is a RayMarine--and perhaps the pump is slightly smaller. However it does fit nicely on the inboard end of the bulkhead under the helm on the inside of the V Bert. Then the return line is only a few inches long..

I have had NAPA make up some hydraulic hoses for me--there is one in the waterfront area of Pensacola --most agricultural areas have NAPA or other shops which can make up any of these lines.

SeaStar/Teleflex also has adaptors and fittings available--as well as auto pilot installment kits. They would be more likely to have that than Garmin--I believe.
 
Tom (AvidMagnum): Congrats on the new unit. I have a question though. You mentioned that, "running the AP in fog should help with your course steering". I'm paraphrasing there...But I would never consider running my AP in fog (and I also have radar, AP and a AIS transceiver). Can you elaborate on that?

I was caught in thick fog last year AT NIGHT in my boat and visibility was probably 0-15 feet at BEST). I hand steered for 3 miles to get back to my port. I had a lookout forward and our best SOG was like 5 knots. Most of the time we were doing like 1 or 2 knots. AWESOME LEARNING experience!!! There's nothing like hearing fog horns from other traffic and you never actually see them. Radar saved my bacon. AP???

Here's the thread that I posted last year after my emergency fog situation. Sorry if I'm derailing the thread Tom. I hope you like your new AP! It's always a great feeling getting new electronics installed!

https://www.thehulltruth.com/northeast/ ... night.html
 
Hi Bob
I do not think it will fit in that location. It would be a nice short run. Garmin says it’s 7 3/4 x 7 1/2 x 9 5/8 inches. It was supposed to come yesterday but UPS says today now. When it arrives I look to see for sure.

Hi Jason
I’ve read your account. Definitely not a fun situation. It seems like sometime in our boating life the limits will be pushed no mater how well we prepare. I’ve had a couple “a ha” moments with my C-Dory. Once when the bilge pump was syphoning water into the cockpit because the outlet was underwater and last year on Lake Superior with 4 foot followings seas that were closely spaced.

I chose the Garmin Reactor w SmartPump because it’s supposed to hold heading at slow speeds. This is important to me as most of my fishing is slow trolling. There is light fog and there is Dense FOG at night with lots of conditions in between. When I’ve been caught in the fog I travel at hull speed or slower. My crew and I maintain a careful watch. The radar and AIS on the chart plotter are used to stay away from other craft and other hazards. I have never had a marine autopilot before but I feel it can take away some of the workload. Coupled to the Chart Plotter with a programmed route it’s one less thing to consider. If one sees a hazard they can turn away using the wheel and then allow the autopilot to get you back on course. I’ll let you know more after I use it😇.

I’ve used autopilots in aircraft in IFR conditions . Anything that reduces your workload under stress is a good thing!
 
As mentioned, There is light fog and there is dense fog and then there is fog in the dark. All affect our ability to see what is around us. Fog is defined by the Canadian version of NOAA as visibility decreased to 1 mile or less. For me, anything less than a half mile is foggy enough to have the fog horn on, and the windows open to listen and I won't be hearing any bow wave because my speed will be under 4 knots. (I didn't mention the radar or AIS because they are always on if the boat is moving.) My crew, (ME) is intent on watching the water and listening to the sounds. The Auto pilot relieves me of having to keep a steady watch on the compass, and allows me to keep that steady watch on what is directly in front of my boat. On one occasion, I came to within 50 feet (2 boat lengths)of the first of 20 kayaks in a pod, in fog where 50 foot visibility was good vis. I had seen the blips on the radar (set at 1/2 mile) and knew something was there (?) and I was going full speed slow. On the hailer, I heard voices between the fog horn. At 5 knots and watching the compass, I hate to think what could have happened.

Now back to the regular programming. My pump for the AP is under the sink on the aft bulkhead. I do hear it occasionally, more so at really slow speeds, under 3 knots, and when there are wave conditions.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

JC_Lately_SleepyC_Flat_Blue_055.highlight.jpg
 
Avidmagnum12":d78byhq7 said:
Harvey....I’ve been caught in the fog a few times. The radar and AIS give me great comfort but it can be hard to hold course with all the crab pots to dodge. The autopilot should be a help....I think it will keep my head out of the boat more.

Tom
Click to expand...

Last December I got caught in the fog. It was bad and I didn't realize how hard steering is when you don't have a focal point. Autopilot and radar made live much much nicer. It was worth the investment for the peace of mind it gave me in that moment alone.
 
Well Tom, you tickled my fancy and I thought maybe I'd just go window shop for that same A/P, you know, maybe just drool over my laptop for a while and see if I could find a way to justify doing the change out.

Saved by the big red letters that stated THIS ITEM IS CURRENTLY SOLD OUT.
:mrgreen: Still just a little too rich for my blood at the current new price. So guess I'll just wait to hear about how much you are liking yours... :lol:

Colby
 
Colby
I’ll keep everyone informed. These come up from time to time. I saw a similar price on one a year ago but did not have the spare cash. Sold the airplane a few weeks ago and had some cash burning a hole in my pocket and so it goes. I wonder if some other brat bought it? I’ll start posting photos in a few days. Went to the boat show in St. Petersburg yesterday and found some other neat ideas for the C-Otter. Today I’ll start on the pump mount.

Later....Tom
 
I have started the autopilot installation. Only hydraulic system work and calibration need to be done. I did not have a good spot in the dash for the GHC 20 so I used Jody's idea and made a bracket that works with a ram mount. My reactor 40 CCU is mounted higher than I would like and I may have to move it. Where Jody's was I store tools and the spare prop. Made my test compass spin. So I am on hold till January when the shop has time to do the hydraulic work.


http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php

Link to photos....I will add more latter

Thanks Tom
 
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