Garmin Reactor 40 Review

I take a few minutes to talk about my Garmin Reactor 40 auto pilot. First off I love it! It is a total game changer when it comes to trolling. Wireless remote and the ability to control your speed and direction make such a huge difference. Check out my video and if you have any questions leave a comment.

#garminreactor40, #garminautopilot,

[Torenhg]

Ran a new setup on my brother's boat last year, yep, allot of learning kinda like a new software program... He and I worked it and shared discoveries... fast forward, garmin reactor hydraulic, coupled to mains and kicker, remote in hand... game changer

[SteelKill]

I was going to get one also but after hearing so much hassle and problem I decided to go with a bow mount minn kota. Use my kicker as propulsion and steer with it. It also fit my application better with it able to spot lock.

I'm glad you eventually figured things out with it. Good luck!

Can you list the different settings that you adjusted I have a 40 kicker autopilot also and I'm struggling with it very much

[Askeyb]

Our TR-1 quit working. Checked everything I could and also confirmed getting 12v to main system. Had Steven's Marine install the Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker. Have used it three times and seems that it was calibrated good. I have to get use to the point and click because sometimes I point to far right or left and turns too much. Maybe that is something to adjust. I read that the Steering for the kicker needs to be serviced once or twice a year. Removing the spline and clean it and the tube. Then use White Lithium Grease to it and the rod. I can not find a video or instructions to do that and no way I'm going to just start disconnecting things. Shops charge $145 to $200 an hour so it is something I should learn to do myself. I just need a good DIY video or instructions.

[MikeAlberton]

I do have a question....I'm interested in one and these videos are great! My question has to do with speed...can you choose for example 2.5mph and it will maintain that speed and the heading you're currently on? When salmon fishing in great lakes, alone, with rollers, setting up riggers, fighting a fish, it can become a handful and my current old unit failed which was essentially just remote steer and a pot for speed adjust so I was always tinkering with heading and speed. Thank you.

[fishmojo]

Glad I got my Minnkota Ulterra. 3 years, no problems.

[Kinghunter]

There is Something wrong on actuator. Mine doesn't make sound like that.

[NorthwestCatch]

Just installed mine. Yes game changer is right. I am kicking myself I did not buy this sooner. That said. The only issue I have so far is the throttle works perfect from the remote for about 5 minutes then shuts off. No throttle response from the remote. Any ideas. I was thinking the rpm reader wire around the spark plug maybe. Or something in the settings I’m missing. Thanks

[brandonvandehey]

I just installed mine today and having issues with heading and doesn't want to throttle at all. I haven't looked into dealing settings you mentioned but I do say, it's been a pita. I may have portland marine look at it if I can't get help from garmin about it

[daniellubinski]

hey dan, question for you. i installed my own unit and seem to be working through the issues like you. once a week it seems like i have to call garmin with issues, they have been great also! one of the biggys now is when trolling on the gsc20 speed alert warning keeps coming on across the screen. when it does this it disables the remote speed control, also the pairing of the remote and gsc20, then it takes time to get it all back. do you have any advise on this? thanks dan

[plem]

I will reply to people that just found this video. It is a Safety item. All the remote throttle setups. Take multiple pushs of the button to start the throttle up. It is because When you hit idle. Or shut the motor off. They want to make sure that your built in outboard engine throttle goes all the way to idle. Not that you try starting up the motor the next time. And it is at a higher rev Setting. The trollmasters and other remote throttles that use braided fishing line. to adjust the throttle in the engine. Always have somewhat slack in the line to start. Because of that also. I did not have any trouble installing or setting mine up. But I had the previous tr1 gold. That I also installed. You do have to be carefull about where you mount the compass module in the boat. It is more sensitive to magnetic interference. i found that out when a put some metal tools by it. It started not working crazy. I moved the compass module farther forward. Away from any Magnetic stuff. Have not had an issue since then. The only thing i do not like. Is the throttle control moves the throttle at to big of increments. I ended up buying a trollsmarter remote throttle. it has a very small remote. I normally did not carry the big Garmin remote around my neck anyways. I am normally using it on the great lakes or other big open water. i do allot of steering with the small multipurpose screen. Unless you have an ulterra. It is a pain messing around deploying and storing the electric in bigger waves. if you are trying to precision troll around a reef or other land structure. The kicker motor locked in. Steering with the electric motor. May Work better for you. Otherwise you would have to have the big remote on you all the time. Since most of the trolling motor remotes are smaller. More people with smaller boats. Are going to 36 volt electric motors. With three 100 amp lithium batterys. Not buying a kicker at all. but that depends on how many hours you fish. At what speed you troll. if you have access to plug in power at the end of the day.