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Post by chrissyt on May 6, 2021 6:24:39 GMT -5
I would like to install autopilot on my 270cc sailfish. Looking for recommendations from people who have autopilot now.I have a Garmin 8612 which I will be using so I would like to use Garmin autopilot .Thanks for any suggestions, Rob
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Post by finatic on May 6, 2021 7:31:27 GMT -5
There's a few members who recently installed AP. Similar to your boat and situation I'm sure they'll jump in.
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Post by hookedup on May 6, 2021 7:49:04 GMT -5
I installed a Raymarine on previous boat and Simrad on the Sailfish. Not thrilled with the Simrad. The Raymarine was a lot easier to set up and use. But, both worked fine. Haven't done a Garmin, one of the Garmin AP users will have to chime in. All of them support NMEA 2000.
Using a non-Garmin AP means to set up a path takes one more button push. So choosing which vendor AP isn't really an issue. I don't have any problems setting a path up via the chartplotter and it provides me time of arrival and puts me exactly where I want to go.
If you are planning to do the install, one possible warning: Most, if not all APs use 3/8 hose. If you have Uflex steering like my Sailfish does, it uses 5/16 hose. Spent more time than expected finding the correct 5/16 to 3/8 hydraulic connectors.
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Post by fishnfool on May 6, 2021 8:10:36 GMT -5
I installed a Garmin GHP Reactor 40 AP (non Smartpump) on my 2660 2 summer's ago. I have a complete Garmin suite. It's fantastic.
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Post by chrissyt on May 6, 2021 14:44:06 GMT -5
Thank you for the responses. I think one question I have does the pump install in the console behind the gauges? I will look at the garmin reactor 40. Don't want to make a mistake on something I would not be happy with that's why I like the suggestions on this site, Rob
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Post by fishnfool on May 6, 2021 15:32:06 GMT -5
Thank you for the responses. I think one question I have does the pump install in the console behind the gauges? I will look at the garmin reactor 40. Don't want to make a mistake on something I would not be happy with that's why I like the suggestions on this site, Rob If you don't want to make a mistake, stay away from the the more basic and economical Reactor "Compact" system. The better more capable system is the Reactor 40 with or w/o the Smart Pump. As to whether you want to go with the "Smart Pump" or not is up to you. I chose not too for two reasons - 1st being the pump and the control unit are a single unit. If the pump or conversely the controller fails you need to buy a whole new unit. 2nd being that it was Garmins latest iteration, it came at a premium and it really didnt offer me any benefits other than I had to figure out the proper size pump for my steering system on my own which included having a quick discussion with Garmins technical support to confirm everything. The Reactor 40 has been around for a while. As to your first question, my pump is mounted in my footlocker so it's out of the way making for a clean install. I dont think I couldve done that with the Smart Pump. All of the other components are in the console and my heading sensor is installed my forward floor locker. I hope that helps.
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Post by chrissyt on May 7, 2021 6:51:17 GMT -5
Thanks Fishnfool, that is good to know the info I need not to be unhappy after putting unit in. What benefit is the smart pump,like power steering?Thanks again to all, Rob
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Post by fishnfool on May 7, 2021 8:43:27 GMT -5
Thanks Fishnfool, that is good to know the info I need not to be unhappy after putting unit in. What benefit is the smart pump,like power steering?Thanks again to all, Rob As mentioned the only benefit the smart pump provides is it takes the guess work out of determing what size pump you need. There's only one size Smart Pump and it can be installed in any application regardless of the steering system size. As for determining the pump size of the standard Reactor 40, it's really not guess work. Garmin states what size pump you'll need based on the size of your SeaStar hydraulic system capacity. The steering system capacity can be gleaned off of SeaStars website. It's really not that much more work. I called Garmin tech support just to confirm size so I wouldn't have any problems.
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autopilot
May 7, 2021 9:50:40 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by chrissyt on May 7, 2021 9:50:40 GMT -5
Thanks again.will consult with garmin. Would like to go without smart pump More parts more problems. Rob
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Post by fishnfool on May 7, 2021 10:23:00 GMT -5
Well technically the smart pump might be considered as having 'less parts' since the pump and Ecu are all-in-one. But as said, if one or the other fails, there's no way to separate them to just replace the part that's needed. And yes, ive read reports of failures and the customer being shocked that they had to buy a whole new unit.
If my pump fails I can order just the pump. Dealers seem to push the smart pump, as does Garmin, not sure why other than it's their latest tech. As mentioned I also dont think the smart pump would fit in my foot locker since it has the ecu box sticking up on one end.
The pump size you would need will be the same size I have.
I bought my stuff from BOE Marine
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Post by Dirty D on May 7, 2021 11:16:32 GMT -5
I also have the reactor 40 with the GHC20 and the Garmin 2L pump. Twin 150's and the 2L pump will probably be what you need for your size ram. Had mine for three years now and it's been flawless. Got mine from an outfit out of Florida. WJM marine. My pump is located in the area where the batteries are just behind the foot locker. Had mine installed by a certified Garmin Installer in Morehead City, NC.
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Post by fishnfool on May 7, 2021 11:30:17 GMT -5
For the record I purchased the 1.2L pump kit. It was what Garmin spec'd based on the size of my hydraulic steering capacity and what I confirmed with both Garmin technical support and BOE Marine, 1.2L was actually more expensive than the 2L pump at the time. Go figure it's cheaper now than when I bought it... www.boemarine.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Garmin+1.2+Liter+Pump+Kit
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Post by gatorman on May 7, 2021 18:32:26 GMT -5
I had the 1.2 or 1.5L smartpump I believe installed in 2014 and it was toast last year before I sold the boat. Replacement was around 900.00 if I remember correctly.
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Post by chrissyt on May 10, 2021 7:05:21 GMT -5
Thank you again for everyone's suggestions.I have some research to do before installing but at least now I know what to look for.Thanks for steering me in the right direction, Rob
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Post by Mark on Sept 2, 2023 5:21:52 GMT -5
I also have the reactor 40 with the GHC20 and the Garmin 2L pump. Twin 150's and the 2L pump will probably be what you need for your size ram. Had mine for three years now and it's been flawless. Got mine from an outfit out of Florida. WJM marine. My pump is located in the area where the batteries are just behind the foot locker. Had mine installed by a certified Garmin Installer in Morehead City, NC. Do you have a picture of where you installed the pump and head unit? Please
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