Overview

The Garmin 010-11053-02 is the ECU 10 electronic control unit that links the Reactor 40 Course Computer Unit (CCU) to the hydraulic pump and drives the pump based on steering commands.

It accepts 11.5 to 30 Vdc for 12 V or 24 V boats and uses a 40 A blade-type fuse on the ECU power feed. The fully gasketed housing is rated IPX7 for incidental water exposure, and the enclosure measures 168 x 117 x 51 mm (6.6 x 4.6 x 2 in.) with a listed weight of 680 g (24 oz.).

Key features

• ECU 10 controller for Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot systems, managing the hydraulic pump from CCU steering commands
• 11.5 to 30 Vdc input range for 12 V and 24 V DC systems
• 40 A blade-type fuse specification for the ECU main power feed
• Main power usage listed at 1 A (not including the hydraulic pump load)
• Fully gasketed, high-impact aluminum alloy housing with IPX7 water resistance
• Compact size: 168 x 117 x 51 mm (6.6 x 4.6 x 2 in.)
• 9 ft (2.7 m) ECU power cable length and -15°C to 60°C (5°F to 140°F) operating temperature range

Compatibility and fit

This ECU is part of a Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot setup and is not a stand-alone steering controller. It is used alongside the CCU and a compatible hydraulic pump, with autopilot control handled through a dedicated helm control or a compatible chartplotter on the NMEA 2000 network.

Before ordering, confirm your system calls for an ECU 10 and that you have a mounting location that keeps the unit accessible for service while staying out of continuously wet or submerged areas.

Installation and setup

Plan the ECU mounting so wiring can be routed cleanly to the pump and to the CCU without sharp bends, chafe points, or unsupported spans. A typical Reactor 40 installation uses a 5 m (16 ft.) CCU-to-ECU cable that is not meant to be cut, so the ECU location is usually chosen with that run in mind.

Use proper strain relief at the unit and at bulkhead pass-throughs, and keep the ECU where it will not be exposed to direct spray, standing water, or constant engine-room heat soak.

Electrical and system integration

The ECU supply feed should be protected with the specified 40 A fuse and wired with conductor sizing appropriate for the pump current and cable length. On 24 V boats, the ECU can be supplied from 24 V DC within its 11.5 to 30 Vdc input range, but the NMEA 2000 network power for the autopilot side of the system is typically in the 9 to 16 Vdc range, so plan the network power source accordingly.

Good grounding, sealed terminations, and tidy cable routing make a noticeable difference on boats that see washdowns, vibration, and long runs.

Use cases on board

This is a good fit for boats with hydraulic steering that rely on a Reactor 40 autopilot for long coastal runs, offshore transits, and hands-on fishing where consistent course control matters. It also makes sense as a replacement ECU when the rest of the Reactor 40 components remain in place and the system wiring already supports an ECU 10.

Maintenance and care

Periodically check the power connections for corrosion, verify the fuse condition, and confirm the unit remains securely mounted with no cable chafe. If the ECU is installed in a damp machinery space, routine inspection after washdowns and seasonal layup helps prevent intermittent power or pump-control issues later.