Garmin SmartDrive™ Sailboat Autopilot Actuator

Upgrade your compatible sailboat autopilot installation with the Garmin SmartDrive brushless linear actuator. Featuring an integrated electronic control unit and contactless rudder position sensing, SmartDrive delivers precise steering with reduced mechanical wear.

Designed for use within a compatible Garmin Reactor 40 sail autopilot system, its form factor makes it suitable for selected linear-drive retrofit installations.

Actuator only. Reactor 40 course computer, autopilot display and other system components are sold separately.

Key Features

• Brushless DC motor with linear drive mechanism.
• Integrated Garmin electronic control unit.
• Contactless rudder position sensor.
• Maximum thrust of up to 1,050 lbf.
• User-adjustable maximum force output.
• Supports 12/24 V DC operation.
• Suitable for compatible sailboats and catamarans.

Integrated Drive Control

SmartDrive combines the actuator and ECU in one assembly, simplifying the system layout. Contactless position sensing provides rudder feedback with fewer moving sensor components.

Adjustable Steering Force

Adjust the maximum force output to suit your vessel’s steering requirements. SmartDrive is designed for compatible vessels up to 45 feet, with a maximum displacement of 33,000 lb.

Technical Specifications

What’s Included

• SmartDrive actuator
• Mounting hardware
• Documentation

Installation and Compatibility

SmartDrive requires a compatible Garmin autopilot system to operate. Confirm course computer compatibility, steering loads, rudder geometry and mounting space before ordering.

Vessel-specific mounting adaptations and additional system components may be required.