Garmin Remote Throttle for kicker?

[brofish17]

Is there a Garmin expert out there that knows if the Garmin kicker throttle control can be added to an existing Garmin auto pilot set up?

My Ranger Tug 27OB has a Suzuki 300hp main and 9.9 kicker with steering tied together, and a circa 2018 Garmin auto pilot (details below.) The kicker start/stop & throttle are controlled at the tiller, which is difficult to reach from the cockpit. Before I go to the trouble and expense of adding a separate remote throttle control and maybe steering to the kicker (Trollmaster, itroll, panther, etc.), I'm wondering if there is a Garmin solution since I already have their autopilot. The parts seem to exist, but there's not much clarity on compatibility. My dream solution would be to keep the steering tied together so I can use my existing autopilot, add the Garmin throttle actuator (010-12827-00 + plus Suzuki kit) to the kicker, and control it all with a new Reactor Autopilot Remote Control (010-12833-10). I like the idea of just 1 remote for both throttle and steering, and only having 1 steering system.

The current auto pilot consists of an ECU 10, GHP 20, and a 1.2L pump. (The CCU is well hidden, so I don't know the model.) The missing element is that the ECU 10 does not have a port labeled "Throttle" for connecting the Throttle Actuator.

Thanks!

 

[Bruce Moore]

I’ve referred this to the factory. Have you checked with Garmin?

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[brofish17]

Here's an update after some chat with Garmin...

The Reactor 40 Kicker Auto Pilot is a stand alone system meant strictly for small motors. It has a unique ECU (ECU14) that connects to the throttle actuator and a steering ram that you mount on the tilt tube. No, you cannot upgrade to the ECU 14 and update your existing AP system that steers your main engine. It seems to me this system is designed for inboards or I/Os that can't tie their steering together.

Does any outboard owner really want 2 separate Garmin autopilots at about $4BU each? Rather than wait for Garmin to come up with a better solution, I'll be ordering the TrollMaster and settle for 2 remotes.

 

[Mike and Sarah]

I had the trollmaster throttle on 9.9 Yamaha with the wireless remote on our 27 outboard. The autopilot worked great with a tie bar to the 300 main engine for salmon trolling with downriggers. We didn’t have to use the Garmin remote much as most of our salmon fishing is straight line then turn and go back the other way. But I did like the S pattern option on the garmin remote at times.
I also have the troll master wireless throttle on my Alumaweld. The Alumaweld has a tie bar from the 115 to 9.9 but no autopilot.
I’m guessing once you start using it you won’t mind 2 remotes.