Overview

The Garmin 010-12826-03 is a stainless steel outboard tilt tube that replaces the factory mild steel tube on Yamaha and Honda outboards.

The tilt tube is the passage the steering rod or an autopilot steering actuator runs through at the outboard bracket. In saltwater and brackish water, mild steel tubes can rust inside the bore and start to make steering stiff. Swapping to stainless helps keep corrosion down and cuts back on the cycle of pulling the actuator or steering hardware apart for cleanup and regreasing.

This tilt tube is commonly used with Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker autopilot steering actuator installations on Yamaha and Honda applications, and it also serves as a corrosion-resistance upgrade anywhere the same style tilt tube is used.

Key features

• Stainless steel tube for the outboard steering tilt tube location to resist rust in saltwater and brackish water
• Replaces the mild steel tilt tube used on Yamaha and Honda outboards
• Helps reduce corrosion in the steering bore that can lead to binding as the steering rod or actuator passes through the tube
• Used as an accessory part for Garmin Reactor 40 Kicker autopilot steering actuator setups on Yamaha and Honda outboards
• Practical upgrade for boats that see frequent washdowns, mooring in salt air, or longer gaps between steering service intervals

Compatibility and fit

This part is intended for Yamaha and Honda outboards that use the standard tilt tube running through the swivel bracket. It is not a universal fit across all outboards, so match the application to your specific engine and steering arrangement.

On Yamaha and Honda installations that still have a mild steel tilt tube, moving to stainless can be especially helpful when a steering actuator is installed and lives in the steering bore full-time.

Installation and setup

Replacement is a mechanical swap: remove the existing tilt tube, clean the steering bore, then install the stainless tube before reinstalling the steering rod or autopilot steering actuator. While you are in the area, it is worth inspecting the steering hardware for salt buildup and applying fresh marine grease during reassembly.

Use cases on board

This is a good match for boats running Yamaha or Honda outboards in saltwater or brackish water where steering parts tend to corrode between services. It also fits well with Reactor 40 Kicker autopilot installations where keeping the steering bore clean matters for smooth actuator movement.

Maintenance and care

Stainless steel slows rusting, but the steering area still benefits from rinsing after saltwater runs and keeping the steering rod lightly greased. Periodic checks for stiffness or play help catch salt buildup early, before it turns into a steering issue.