March 12, 2026

There are many ways to improve control at the helm. For many boaters, adding an autopilot system is one of them. A Garmin autopilot system helps boaters and operators to navigate with precision and ease on long voyages or shorthanded trips.

Whether you have a saltwater cruiser, center console fishing boat or sailing yacht, there’s a Garmin marine autopilot system for you. Here’s a breakdown of autopilots that Garmin offers.

What do Reactor™ autopilot systems offer?

No matter the vessel you have, every Reactor 40 autopilot is easy to calibrate and set up. Plus, they offer a lineup of essential features to help ensure smooth sailing.

With its built-in, solid-state 9-axis attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), your marine autopilot system will gather precise orientation and course guidance, while also conserving power. So when you’re pitching and rolling, your autopilot will be able to help react to varying water conditions and help stay the course.

Pair your Garmin chartplotter or GHC™ 50 autopilot instrument for advanced control at the helm. You have the option to add additional Garmin devices, such as a Reactor autopilot remote or a quatix® smartwatch, for wireless control from any spot on your vessel.

All our autopilot systems include additional powerboat and sailing features when connected to a compatible Garmin chartplotter. These features include heading hold and step turns as well as wind hold and tack/jibe (for sailing only) when paired with a wind sensor. For route planning, use our Auto Guidance+™ technology¹.  

 For sailboats or powerboats

Reactor 40 hydraulic: You own a high-performance powerboat or sailboat that has a hydraulic steering system and want a premium autopilot. If that’s the case, then let this Reactor 40 corepack be your companion.

Among standard Garmin autopilot features, the Reactor 40 hydraulic system has Shadow Drive™ technology so you can take control by disengaging the autopilot when you turn your wheel. 

The Reactor 40 hydraulic corepack is compatible with other pumps in various sizes, including 1.2-liter and 2-liter, suited for smaller vessels with a hydraulic steering system.

Reactor 40 steer-by-wire standard corepack: Perfect for large center console vessels or yachts, this system is designed for boats with steer-by-wire steering, including SeaStar Optimus systems, YANMAR Marine ZT370 sterndrive electronic power steering systems and ZF 2800 pod drives. If you have a Viking yacht or a yacht with a Yamaha® Helm Master® system or Volvo Penta® inboard performance system, we have a pack for that too.

Reactor 40 mechanical/retrofit/solenoid corepack: Built for large vessels or sailboats with mechanical steering systems, this autopilot corepack supports heading hold, wind hold, step turns and tack/jibe modes.

Depending on the size and operational functions of your sailboat, choose between Class A, Class B compact or Class B drive units. To prevent rudder stops while sailing and receive rudder feedback position information, add the GRF™ 10 rudder feedback sensor. 

For small motorboats

Compact Reactor 40: Small boats need autopilot systems too. Feature-heavy like bigger autopilot systems, the compact reactor 40 helps ensure excellent navigation on single-engine outboard boats less than 25’. You’ll also have the option of disengaging your autopilot with Shadow Drive™ technology.

Reactor 40 kicker autopilot: If you have a boat with a small gasoline outboard motor with up to 25 horsepower, this kicker autopilot is built for your vessel. With an easy-to-read handheld remote for user control, control throttle settings when you’re changing speeds or coming up on fish and moorings.

Take boating to the next level and let Garmin lend you an extra hand. Find your companion by exploring our lineup of autopilot systems or checking out the Garmin autopilot guide to find the right set up for your boat.

_{¹Auto Guidance is for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations}