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Post by autobahn on Mar 6, 2021 22:31:53 GMT -5
Hello:
Does anyone know how hard it is to add the Garmin Reactor 40 autopilot to a Regal with twin Yamaha 425's with digital electronic steering? From what I've researched it "seems" to be very simple but maybe I'm missing a lot. Seems like there are two key components the Garmin Course Control Unit and the Yamaha Gateway. Looks like these devices "simply" plug into the NMEA 2000 bus. Since steering is electronic there are no hydraulics to worry about. From a diagram I found the Yamaha gateway should just plug into the NMEA bus behind the Garmin chart plotter. I'm not sure exactly where Regal would mount the CCU so maybe that's a little hard.
Questions:
1) any experience in installing a similar setup?
2) any know locations for the course control unit? (instructions say away from magnets, above the waterline, etc)
3) is it plug and play or is there any complicated set-up and calibration required
Thanks in advance for any information or ideas . . .
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Post by tc33obx on Mar 7, 2021 13:05:02 GMT -5
autobahn, I'm not sure I have an answer for you, but I'm assuming you have a Yamaha Helm Master System and Joystick right? I know the 425s have the steering built into the motor and either require the Helm Master or at least has the electronic steering control. Perhaps searching Helm Master and Garmin Reactor 40 Autopilot might help find something. I found this product package out there that seems to tie the two together, it looks like this package is the full deal to do what you are looking to do. buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/599795 |
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Post by autobahn on Mar 7, 2021 23:10:22 GMT -5
tc33obx:
Thanks for responding. Yes that is the exact package I'm thinking I will have to install. It's about $3200 for the retail package vs $6000+ installed from Regal. I'm trying to figure out is it an easy job or more challenging. I'm usually pretty good with computer and network hardware so plugging in a few wires and boxes doesn't scare me but I'm unfamiliar with a MNEA 2000 network and was just trying to see if anyone had experience with it.
BTW how do you like your 33 OBX? That was the boat that got us interested in Regal in the first place.
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Post by tc33obx on Mar 8, 2021 11:16:51 GMT -5
autobahn,
I would think the install shouldn't be too difficult. It should be just plugging connectors together under the dash. Not sure how easy the under-dash access is on the 36 XO which by the way is an awesome boat. I got to see one that AM/PM marine has last fall at Atlantic Marina when I dropped my 33 off for the winter. Might that have been your boat? Love the size and look of those 425s, I was thrown back at how much bigger they are than the 300s I have on my 33. I would love to put a pair of them on the 33, but I think we'll wait and see what Regal does with that 36 hull outside of the XO. My fingers are cross that they come out with a 36 SAV, or better yet a 36 OBX with a bigger cabin that I have on my boat. Something akin to the Galeon 325 would be nice. The 33OBX/3300 platform is getting a bit old. Would be nice to see what their next step would be.
On the 33 OBX she's the perfect boat now for me for about 90% of the boating we do. Cabin is big enough for a couple of grandkids to sleep while we are out at the sandbar down here at the shore. My boating transformed from Chesapeake Bay crusing, visiting Annapolis, St. Michaels for the weekend or staying on the hook overnight at Still pond, to day boating here at the Jersey shore. We have a place down here now, since I needed more room for my kids and grandkids when they come with us for the weekend than what I had on my 4460 for the 6 or 7 years we had that boat on the bay. The 33 is great for here, but for me I'd like a bit bigger cabin and a real stand up head with a shower. I do want to do some runs back to the bay with the wife and maybe another couple to visit those places and catch up with friends down there problem 3 or 4 times a year and for that we need that bigger cabin.
The 38 SAV is nice, although for down here I prefer the bow rider and OBX layouts due to the amount of seating you get. The 38 is a bit big for down here as well with the skinny water in the back bays. A 36 either in SAV or OBX form, with twin 425s would be perfect. Fingers crossed!
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