Overview

The Garmin 010-12029-01 is a Class B Compact v2 drive unit that supplies the push pull force an autopilot needs to move a sailboat’s steering linkage. It uses an integrated hydraulic linear actuator with a 254 mm (10 in) stroke and up to 6900 N (1551 lbf) of intermittent operating thrust, and it is rated IP67 for water ingress protection.

It works with the Reactor 40 Mechanical Retrofit Solenoid Corepack and is intended for sailboats up to 24 tons (48,400 lb) of displacement. Power is provided by the autopilot as 12 Vdc (regulated by the autopilot). This is a below deck component and it needs a dry mounting location that is not subject to flooding or washdowns.

Key features

• Integrated hydraulic linear drive with 254 mm (10 in) stroke for mechanical steering actuation
• Intermittent operating thrust up to 6900 N (1551 lbf) for moving a quadrant or tiller arm under load
• 12 Vdc input from the autopilot (regulated), with current ratings up to 12.5 A continuous and 25 A peak at max load
• IP67 water ingress protection for real engine room and under cockpit environments (when mounted in a dry, protected space)
• Operating temperature limits from -15 to 50 C (5 to 122 F) for seasonal cruising and cold weather sailing
• Installation safeguards: physical rudder end stops are required, and tilt at stroke extremes must stay within 10 degrees

Compatibility and fit

This drive unit is meant to be linked to an existing quadrant or to a tiller arm. A tiller arm may be required depending on your steering layout, and it is not included. The drive must never be used as the rudder travel limiter, so physical end stops need to be in place on the boat.

Space planning matters. From the center of the mount to the tiller bolt, the linkage distance is 446.5 mm (17.58 in) fully retracted, 574.8 mm (22.63 in) at rudder amidships, and 700.5 mm (27.58 in) fully extended. Check that the drive body and the rod have clearance through the full sweep so nothing contacts the hull, quadrant, or nearby structure.

Installation and setup

Mount the unit on a surface that can take the thrust loads without flexing. The four mounting holes are set 76.2 mm (3 in) apart, and the recommended mounting bolt torque is 17 Nm (12.5 ft lbf). Keep the drive aligned so it does not exceed a 10 degree tilt at the extremes of the stroke.

The drive unit is intended for installation under deck, away from direct saltwater exposure. Mounting it where it can be sprayed or submerged shortens service life and can lead to failure.

Electrical and system integration

The unit is powered from the autopilot as a regulated 12 Vdc feed. Allow for the electrical demand of the drive when you size wiring and protection, especially for peak loads that can reach 25 A at maximum load. The connected cables should not be cut, so route and secure the harness with proper chafe protection from the start.

Maintenance and care

Keep the cylinder rod free from nicks and corrosion and avoid exposing the unit to salt water. Inspect mounting hardware and tiller bolt hardware regularly and re tighten as needed. Keep the rod end and the tiller bolt lubricated with a marine grease that is compatible with nitrile seals.

Use cases on board

This drive unit is a practical match for sailors building or servicing a Reactor 40 mechanical style autopilot on a boat that displaces up to 24 tons and has room below deck near the quadrant or tiller arm for a 10 in stroke actuator. It is commonly installed under the cockpit or in an aft locker where the steering linkage is accessible and can be kept dry.