Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot l Installation Tips with Jimmy Dz

It was difficult to find any visual representation for the installation that i could of used with this project so i thought I could make a video that might be able to help whoever is looking.

[briantaylor]

Just ordered mine today!! Very little info on the internet as far as installing, so thank you for this video 👍 UPDATE**.... the Garmin Reactor Kicker is the best investment I’ve ever made for my boat!! What a game changer ...

[cebeers]

Thank you Jimmy, good information. I'm having one installed on my Raider Explorer 210, can't wait to engage it on a route so I can fish.

[allenhugh]

Good timing on your excellent video. I had a call with Garmin the other day to get parts for my old TR-1 gold. They are no longer supporting it. Next time something breaks I will be watching this video to install the Reactor 40.

[johnoliverio]

Great video Jim, nice to help others as your have. I only wish Garmin offered 1.) on/off/start for the kicker 2.) Power tilt Then I would not have to run back and do that everytime I want to jet back upriver when trolling a strecth. Can always hope!

[DavidLucas-fggo]

Really appreciate the install tips. Helped me tremendously. 3rd day out today had the same problem as you with the steering connector falling apart. Rebuilt with loctite and locking nuts which i assume you had to do also. Thanks again!

[davidgriffith]

Thanks for this! Picking one up from Stevens on Monday.

[Dawg]

Thanks to this video we installed this unit pretty easy which was in March of 2020 purchased new for my Yamaha 9.9 high output 4 stroke which pushes a Sportscraft 252 .. All was good until a week ago May 7th 2023 .. My Garmin 93 Sv and autopilot component started beeping and engine went to idle I looked at both screens and it said ECU temperature.. I shut everything down and rebutted and it still gave warning .. So we pulled all poles in and headed to the dock .. Tried it there and same .. I called Garmin and told them what happened and they said did you reboot and let cool down and I said yes .. They had me take the cap off Garmin motor to see if wires were burnt or got rubbed down to wire and Eve looked good .. The wanted the serial number and said send it in and we will give you a new motor .. Well my warranty expired by 2 months so I paid $400 for a new one but get half back after old one is received by them .. Installed new one and ran good for about a half hour and SAME thing happened ECU temperature warning .. Now my 9.9 moves back and forth with ease and it was a very calm evening on the lake smooth as can be .. We pulled poles in went to the dock tried it again and beeping same .. Now waiting to call Garmin in the morning..

[matbob]

Just received one, installing this weekend, scared. Watching your video 14th time😀. Tired running ulterra and kicker together. Hope install will go well. Also put dolphin fin from uncle norms marine, more rudder for 8hp honda to steer. Will update and thanks you!

[dagsamp]

I didnt even know this was a thing. Now I want one

[teamsomegirlsdo]

Great video! Thank you. I’ll be installing my own reactor 40 on my new Seahawk HT in a couple months.

[stevecarmer]

Thank you Jimmy I'm installing one right now this will help.

[Askeyb]

I could not figure out what was wrong with my TR-1 system. Spent money on replacement power button didn't resolve. I decided and worked out getting the Reactor 40. Shop I think is putting the GHC 50 in back of boat. not sure if that is best location. I have someone that knows how to work on their TR-1 make me an offer on parts when I get my boat back. Shop told me they will remove all of the TR-1. The shop I don't think will connect the NMEA 2000 for me. I told them I do have it connected to the TR-1. I replaced my fish finder with a new Humminbird and never programed it. Does connecting that to your fish finder really do much? With the TR-1 I didn't think it worked all that great.

[kennyhettrich]

Hi Jimmy
Enjoyed you video.
What were the steps to connect your Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker Autopilot to your Lowrance Sounder?
My guess is you entered the Trolling Motor Autopilot section on your Lowrance?
Any help will be much appreciated.
Thanks, Kenny

[Bing]

Can it work with Tohatsu outboard with tiller steering system ?

[luislopez]

Hey Jim awesome video thanks. Get mine Wednesday and just trying to figure out install. You seem to explain it where it’s easy to do. Have same type of boat, main motor and kicker so should be easy. Only question I have is where or how did you install the CCU. Any more pics you have of that. I’m going to basically mimic everything you did on your boat.

[MattMcleod]

Great video! I know it’s been a while, but where did you end up relocating the throttle actuator pack? I can’t figure out where else to put it other than the location in your video. Thanks!!

[ralmckillip]

Any chance you can do a video on the lowrance communication with setting up routes and trails for the Garmin

[MrTk]

Are you still able to manually steer the kicker with the steering linear actuator attached?

[jamielew]

Thanks for putting this out there...Quick question?? The video is not too clear as to the location of the CCU (centerline/waterline)...it appears that you put it in the storage area in the bow, but where did you affix it? Thanks in advance

[dustinmillett]

Thank you for the video. From what I can find online the cruise control is not an option on the kicker version. Have you figured out how to use cruise control? If so how?