Overview

The Garmin 010-11573-00 is a Class B hydraulic linear drive unit that links a Garmin autopilot to a sailboat steering quadrant or tiller arm on boats up to 79,000 lb of displacement.

It produces up to 2,380 lb (1,080 kg) of thrust with a 12 in (303 mm) stroke and runs on 10 to 30 V DC, so it fits both 12 V and 24 V onboard systems. The drive is a self-contained hydraulic setup with pump, reservoir, and cylinder already plumbed, so you are not building a separate hydraulic circuit just to move the rudder.

A rudder feedback sensor kit is included to give the autopilot accurate rudder position during setup and while steering.

Key features

• Hydraulic linear drive unit sized for sailboats up to 79,000 lb of displacement
• 12 in (303 mm) stroke with up to 2,380 lb (1,080 kg) maximum thrust
• 10 to 30 V DC supply range for 12 V and 24 V systems
• Average clutch current at 12 V: 1 A; average motor current at 12 V: 3 to 4 A
• Self-contained pump, reservoir, and cylinder with pre-connected hoses
• Rudder feedback sensor kit included for autopilot rudder position input
• Space-planning dimensions: motor 8.8 in x 3 in x 3.5 in; cylinder (centered) 32.7 in x 4.1 in x 6.3 in; reservoir 7.9 in x 6.1 in x 3.3 in

Compatibility and fit

This drive unit is used with Garmin mechanical autopilot systems that support a Class B drive, including the GHP 12 Marine Autopilot System and Reactor 40 Mechanical/Retrofit/Solenoid corepacks. It is intended for sailboat steering linkages where the drive rod connects to a quadrant or a properly sized tiller arm.

Fit comes down to two things: having room under deck near the steering gear for the cylinder, pump, and reservoir, and matching the drive travel to your rudder stop-to-stop movement. On larger sailboats where loads on the rudder climb quickly as speed and sea state pick up, a Class B drive is typically used because it brings higher thrust and a longer stroke than smaller drives.

Installation and setup

Plan on an under-deck installation in a dry area that stays clear of washdowns, bilge water, and standing moisture. The cylinder must be mounted to structure that can take the steering loads, and the full sweep of the rod needs clear space so it cannot contact the hull, quadrant, or surrounding hardware at any point in the travel.

Mechanical end stops are required so the cylinder does not become the travel limiter. The supplied tiller bolt hardware is sized for a quadrant or tiller arm thickness of 20 to 25 mm (0.79 in to 0.98 in). Cylinder mounting hardware is provided for mounting surfaces from 12 to 24 mm (0.47 in to 0.95 in) thick.

The reservoir mounts on a bulkhead and is typically placed above the pump and cylinder. The hydraulic side is pre-plumbed, so the normal approach is to mount components and route lines as supplied rather than opening the system.

Electrical and system integration

The unit accepts 10 to 30 V DC and is built for typical 12 V and 24 V battery systems. Wiring and protection should follow the requirements of the Garmin autopilot system you are connecting to, and cable routing should avoid heat, sharp edges, and moving steering linkages.

For serviceability, leave access to the pump area and mounting hardware, and avoid burying the drive where routine checks would require disassembling steering components.

Maintenance and care

Keep the cylinder rod clean and free from nicks, and periodically inspect mounting fasteners and linkage hardware for looseness after the first sea trials and as part of regular maintenance. If the area sees salt air, keeping the drive protected from direct spray and rinse water helps reduce corrosion and extends service life.

What’s included

• Reservoir
• Pump
• Cylinder/ram
• Tiller bolt and fittings
• Rudder feedback sensor kit
• Cylinder mounting fasteners (M8 bolts, washers, and nuts)
• Pump mounting fasteners (M8 bolts, washers, and nuts)
• Hydraulic oil