Overview

The Garmin 010-11203-10 is an autopilot check valve kit used with 1.2L and 2.0L hydraulic autopilot pumps to keep the pump isolated from the steering system when the autopilot is not active.

In practical terms, it helps stop slow pressure bleed-down through the pump while the autopilot is disengaged, so the helm feel stays more consistent during manual steering. It is commonly used on boats that do not have rudder trim tabs, or where trim tabs are not keeping the boat properly balanced.

Key features

• For hydraulic autopilot installations using 1.2L and 2.0L autopilot pumps
• Adds check valves to isolate the autopilot pump from the steering system when the autopilot is off
• Helps prevent slow pressure leak-down through the pump while disengaged
• Intended for Garmin Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot systems
• Often unnecessary on boats with properly adjusted rudder trim tabs

Compatibility and fit

This kit is meant for Garmin hydraulic autopilot systems that use the 1.2L or 2.0L pump, including Reactor 40 Hydraulic Autopilot installations. If your setup matches those pump sizes, it addresses the common issue of steering pressure relaxing through the pump when the autopilot is not engaged.

If the boat already holds course cleanly under manual steering and the helm does not slowly "creep" with the autopilot off, you may not see a benefit. When the symptom is slow pressure leak-down through the pump, check valves are the typical fix.

Installation and setup

The check valves are installed in the hydraulic plumbing so flow behaves normally while you steer, while blocking backflow through the autopilot pump when it is disengaged. Any work that opens the steering circuit should be followed by a careful bleed and a lock-to-lock steering check at the dock.

After installation and the first sea trial, inspect all connections again for seepage and confirm the steering feel is smooth and predictable with the autopilot both engaged and disengaged.

Use notes on board

With the kit in place, the autopilot can engage as usual, and when you disengage it the steering system is less likely to slowly equalize through the pump. This is most noticeable on longer runs where the autopilot cycles on and off, or when holding a heading matters while you are setting lines, docking, or navigating tight channels.

This is a good match for hydraulic-steered boats that want the helm feel to stay consistent between manual driving and autopilot use, without needing constant trim adjustments.