Garmin Reactor 40 Steer-by-Wire Course Computer Unit, NMEA 2000

Overview

The Garmin 010-11052-65 is a course computer unit (CCU) for the Reactor 40 Steer-by-Wire autopilot system. It houses the core sensors and processing that the autopilot uses to calculate heading and rate of turn, then passes that information across your onboard network for steering control and autopilot features.

It connects to your boat’s steer-by-wire steering system and it must be connected to a NMEA 2000 network along with a helm control or a compatible Garmin chartplotter for configuration and control. If you are building a dedicated NMEA 2000 backbone for the autopilot, the network power feed is connected to a 9 to 16 Vdc source through a switch.

Plan the mounting location early: the CCU can be mounted in any orientation, but it should be installed in a non-submerged area and within reach of the steering-system connection. The CCU cable that links to the steering system is 3 m (9 ft) long and it must not be cut.

Key features

• Primary sensor and processing module for the Reactor 40 Steer-by-Wire autopilot system, supplying heading and rate-of-turn data used for steering control
• NMEA 2000 network connection for communication with a helm control or a compatible Garmin chartplotter, plus support for adding other NMEA 2000 devices
• NMEA 2000 network power feed is connected to a 9 to 16 Vdc source when building a dedicated network for the autopilot
• CCU-to-steering-system cable length is 3 m (9 ft) and the cable must not be cut, which drives mounting distance and routing decisions
• Flexible mounting: install in any orientation in a non-submerged area, with best results on a rigid surface near the center of the boat
• Clear placement guidance to reduce magnetic interference, including keeping at least 60 cm (2 ft) away from iron, magnets, high-current wiring, and intermittently running pumps, and keeping large magnets 1.5 m (5 ft) away
• Practical corrosion prevention: applying dielectric grease to the connector pin holes helps protect the connection in saltwater environments
• Supports advanced autopilot features when optional NMEA 2000 sources like wind, water-speed, or GPS are available on the network

Installation and setup

For consistent steering and clean heading data, mount the CCU as close as practical to the boat’s center of rotation, close to the centerline, low in the boat, and slightly forward when you have multiple good options. Before drilling, use a handheld compass at the proposed location and move it a small distance side-to-side and above and below the spot; if the needle swings more than a few degrees, relocate the CCU away from that interference.

The CCU ties into the steering system through the steering-controller CAN bus connection. Keep that steering-controller connection separate from your NMEA 2000 backbone, and confirm that the steering-controller CAN bus is properly powered and terminated. After wiring, autopilot setup is completed through the Dockside Wizard and Sea Trial Wizard so the system can be tuned to your boat’s handling.

Compatibility and fit

This CCU is intended for Reactor 40 Steer-by-Wire installations, where the autopilot communicates with a steer-by-wire steering controller rather than driving a hydraulic pump or mechanical drive unit. If your steering system requires an adapter between the CCU and the engine control, confirm you have the correct adapter for your boat’s steering electronics before installation.

It is a good match for owners who already have a Reactor 40 Steer-by-Wire system and need a replacement CCU, or for a build where a dedicated autopilot network and steering-controller integration are being planned from the start.

Safety notice

Autopilot systems are an assist tool and do not replace safe navigation practices. Always stay aware of traffic, hazards, and changing conditions, and be ready to take manual control at any time.

This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

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