Garmin 010-00705-95 Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot Without GHC 20 Control/Display
Quick take
The Garmin Reactor 40 kicker autopilot is designed to help small boats with heading hold and route keeping, even when wind, waves, or current are pushing you off course. Because this version does not include the GHC 20 control/display, buyers should be ready to use a compatible Garmin display or an ANT technology-capable setup for control and guidance. If your navigation hardware is not compatible, you may need to add the right control/display layer before it becomes truly usable.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built for boats with small gasoline outboard motors up to 20 horsepower (kicker use).
- Designed for heading hold and route guidance to stay on course against wind, waves, and heavy current.
- Includes an autopilot remote with a bright, sunlight-readable display.
- Allows quick fine-tuning of the autopilot throttle setting, including a touch-to-idle drop useful for fishing.
Cons
- No GHC 20 control/display included, so you must plan your system around compatible displays or an ANT-capable MFD/GPS setup.
- Works through integration, so installation effort can be meaningful even for capable DIY buyers.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is limited but consistently highlights two decision drivers: the install experience and the importance of getting compatibility right. Several buyers describe it as a worthwhile upgrade or a strong investment for improving autopilot control on a kicker setup, and they note that installation can take time when done independently, though it can still be manageable. The clearest theme around caution is system pairing, where users emphasize verifying that their existing navigation unit or control/display option will work with the Reactor 40 package.
What this autopilot is for
The Reactor 40 kicker autopilot is intended for small outboard-powered boats, specifically those using gasoline outboards up to 20 hp. It targets common live-and-fish or low-speed cruising needs where you want less constant steering and more time focused on the task at hand, while still staying on a desired heading or following a planned route.
Key features that affect day-to-day use
Heading hold and route keeping
Designed to help maintain your course and follow a route, the system is meant to compensate for real-world forces like wind, waves, and heavy current. That combination matters if you are trolling, drifting between waypoints, or trying to stay locked onto a track without constant steering corrections.
Remote control with a readable display
This kit includes a floating handheld remote with a bright, sunlight-readable display. Using a physical remote can be helpful on the water, especially when you want quick access to autopilot behavior without always reaching for the main chartplotter.
Throttle fine-tuning, including a quick idle drop
The system supports fine-tuning the autopilot throttle with a button press. One practical feature buyers tend to appreciate for fishing situations is the ability to quickly drop to idle speed when netting.
Integration approach, not standalone control
This Reactor 40 version is explicitly “without GHC 20 control/display.” In practice, that means you are relying on integration with compatible Garmin chartplotters or an NMEA 2000 network-compatible GPS setup, and you will need an ANT technology-capable MFD or autopilot display if you plan to use the remote control steering/aim approach referenced by users.
Compatibility and installation considerations
Before you buy, treat compatibility as the main checklist item. The kit is designed to integrate with a range of Garmin chartplotters listed as compatible devices, including multiple ECHOMAP Plus, ECHOMAP UHD, ECHOMAP Ultra, and GPSMAP series units, and it can also work through integration with an NMEA 2000-compatible GPS system.
One review theme specifically calls out that you should not assume existing hardware will pair correctly even if it appears “system compatible.” If you are unsure, it is worth verifying the control/display path (what will show guidance and what will drive the autopilot commands) so you do not end up with a setup that cannot fully function as intended.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Helps maintain heading and route, useful for both open-water keeping and waypoint-based travel.
- Remote includes a sunlight-readable display for practical, on-deck operation.
- Kicker-specific fit, targeting up to 20 hp gasoline outboards.
- Throttle adjustment is designed around fishing moments, including a fast idle drop behavior.
Cons
- The “without GHC 20” setup adds a compatibility requirement, especially if you do not already have a compatible control/display device or ANT-capable setup.
- Expect meaningful installation time, particularly if you are doing the job yourself.
Who should buy (and who should skip)
Best for
- Owners of small boats using a gasoline kicker outboard (up to 20 hp) who want less manual steering and better course consistency.
- Buyers who already own compatible Garmin chartplotters and want an autopilot solution that integrates with their existing electronics.
- Fishermen who value quick throttle changes, especially dropping to idle while preparing nets or landing fish.
Better to think twice if
- You want a simple, standalone autopilot control experience without planning for compatible displays or ANT/MFD pairing.
- Your current navigation and display hardware is older or uncertain in compatibility, and you do not want to add extra components to make the system work.
How it compares in this category
Without naming direct competitors, the key comparison factors in the marine autopilot category are (1) motor and installation fit, (2) how you control and view guidance, and (3) whether your current electronics can integrate cleanly. The Reactor 40 stands out as a kicker-focused system aimed at helping keep course and follow routes, but the biggest tradeoff versus kits that include all core control/display components is the added planning required here because the GHC 20 control/display is not included.
Verdict
The Garmin Reactor 40 kicker autopilot is a compelling choice for boats that fit its up-to-20 hp outboard target and for buyers who already have, or plan to add, compatible Garmin displays or an appropriate ANT-capable control path. If you confirm compatibility upfront and you want practical heading hold, route keeping, and remote throttle control geared toward fishing moments, this can be a strong way to upgrade your kicker experience. If you need a fully standalone setup, you may find the “without GHC 20” approach more limiting than you want.
Interested in current availability and price? Buy on Amazon.
FAQ
Is the Garmin Reactor 40 kicker autopilot usable without the GHC 20 control/display?
This kit is sold without the GHC 20. You will need to run the system through compatible Garmin displays and/or an appropriate control path (including ANT technology-capable MFD or autopilot display) so guidance and commands can reach the autopilot.
What size outboard motor is it designed for?
It is designed for boats with small gasoline outboard motors up to 20 horsepower, specifically for kicker autopilot applications.
Does it include a remote control?
Yes. It includes a convenient floating handheld remote with a bright, sunlight-readable display.
Can it help with both heading hold and route guidance?
Yes. The system is built to maintain heading hold and help keep you on course along a route, including when wind, waves, or heavy current are affecting the boat.
Will I be able to install it myself?
Installation can be time-consuming. Some buyers report installing it themselves and finding it doable, but plan for a serious installation session and confirm compatibility before you start.
Specifications
| Product Title | Garmin 010-00705-95 Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot Without GHC 20 Control/Display |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Car & Vehicle Electronics > Marine Electronics > Marine Autopilots |
| Brand | Garmin |
| Manufacturer | Garmin |
| Model Name | Garmin |
| Model Number | 010-00705-95 |
| Item Weight | 14.4 Pounds |
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Boat |
| Screen Size | 5.9 Inches |
| Additional Features | Bluetooth |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Map Types | Worldwide |
| Mounting Type | Panel Mount |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Touch Screen Type | Capacitive |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Human-Interface Input | Buttons |
| Compatible Devices | ECHOMAP Plus 72cv, ECHOMAP Plus 72sv, ECHOMAP Plus 73cv, ECHOMAP Plus 73sv, ECHOMAP Plus 74cv, ECHOMAP Plus 74sv, ECHOMAP Plus 75cv, ECHOMAP Plus 75sv, ECHOMAP Plus 77cv, ECHOMAP Plus 77sv, ECHOMAP Plus 92sv, ECHOMAP Plus 93sv, ECHOMAP Plus 94sv, ECHOMAP Plus 95sv, ECHOMAP Plus 97sv, ECHOMAP UHD 72cv, ECHOMAP UHD 72sv, ECHOMAP UHD 73cv, ECHOMAP UHD 73sv, ECHOMAP UHD 74cv, ECHOMAP UHD 74sv, ECHOMAP UHD 75cv, ECHOMAP UHD 75sv, ECHOMAP UHD 92sv, ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, ECHOMAP UHD 94sv, ECHOMAP UHD 95sv, ECHOMAP Ultra 102sv, ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv, ECHOMAP Ultra 122sv, ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv, GPSMAP 1022, GPSMAP 1022xsv, GPSMAP 1042xsv, GPSMAP 1222, GPSMAP 1222 Plus, GPSMAP 1222 Touch, GPSMAP 1222xsv, GPSMAP 1222xsv Plus, GPSMAP 1222xsv Plus Bundle, GPSMAP 1222xsv Touch, GPSMAP 1242 Plus, GPSMAP 1242 Touch, GPSMAP 1242xsv, GPSMAP 1242xsv Plus, GPSMAP 1242xsv Plus Bundle, GPSMAP 1242xsv Touch, GPSMAP 722, GPSMAP 722 Plus, GPSMAP 722xs, GPSMAP 722xs Plus, GPSMAP 722xs Plus Bundle, GPSMAP 7407, GPSMAP 7 |
| Control Method | Remote |
| Are Batteries Included | No |
| Supported Satellite Navigation System | GPS |
| Connectivity Protocol | Bluetooth |
| Sport Type | Boating |
| Built-In Media | CCU (Course computer unit), ECU (Electronic control unit), ECU power cable, ECU to CCU interconnect cable, Steering actuator, Throttle actuator, Autopilot Remote, Documentation |
| UPC | 753759221713 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00753759221713 |
| Mfr Part Number | 010-00705-95 |
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