Electronics: Garmin SmartDrive with brushless motor

Garmin is expanding its autopilot range to include the SmartDrive drive. The system combines a brushless linear drive, the ECU control unit and a contactless rudder position sensor. This is intended to reduce the number of cables and external components required.

The manufacturer is currently marketing SmartDrive primarily for sailing yachts and catamarans up to 45 feet, or around 13.7 metres. The propulsion system is said to deliver up to 477 kilograms of thrust. The technology is nevertheless relevant for motorboat owners, as a linear drive essentially acts directly on the mechanical steering system, rather than on the boat’s propulsion system. (garmin.com)

Prerequisite: Access to the rowing quadrant

In order for SmartDrive to be used in a motorboat, the steering system must allow for its mechanical installation. The drive requires an accessible steering quadrant or a suitable linkage on the steering shaft. There, the actuator transmits its force directly to the steering mechanism.

This applies in particular to motorboats with a shaft drive, conventional rudder blades and a mechanical steering system. Many displacement boats, motor yachts and some semi-planing boats feature this type of configuration. Installation is, however, more difficult or impossible on outboard motors without a separate rudder blade, on many Z-drives or on fully enclosed steer-by-wire systems.

For comparable Garmin linear actuators, the manufacturer specifies that there must be sufficient space below deck, a load-bearing mounting surface, mechanical end stops and collision-free movement across the full range of rudder travel. The actuator is mounted either on the rudder quadrant or on a rudder lever. (static.garmin.com)

Fewer individual components on board

What sets SmartDrive apart is its compact design. The brushless motor is said to be less prone to wear and tear than traditional solutions. As the ECU and rudder position sensor are already integrated, this reduces the number of individual components that would otherwise need to be installed and wired separately.

This can be particularly useful when retrofitting. Space is often at a premium, especially in the aft peak or around the steering gear. Fewer separate boxes and sensors simplify the planning process, but do not solve every installation problem. Before purchasing, the stroke length, required thrust, linkage angle and the forces acting on the rudder quadrant must be professionally assessed.

Not every motorboat is suitable for a linear drive

SmartDrive is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every motorboat steering system. For hydraulic systems, an autopilot with a pump is often the more obvious choice. There are specialised ‘kicker’ autopilots available for outboard motors, whilst certain electronic steering systems can be integrated via steer-by-wire systems.

Within the Reactor 40 family, Garmin already offers a range of solutions for hydraulic steering systems, outboard motors and steer-by-wire systems. The most suitable propulsion system depends on the type of steering, displacement, rudder system and installation conditions. Garmin recommends consulting a specialist company to check the boat’s specifications and existing steering system before making a selection. (garmin.com)

Operation and connectivity remain familiar

SmartDrive can be integrated into compatible Garmin chartplotters and autopilot displays via NMEA 2000. It can also be operated using the Garmin autopilot remote control, the APK-10 keypad or selected quatix smartwatches. (garmin.com)

For many motorboat owners, it is precisely this flexibility of operation that is a practical advantage. Just how useful a remote control can be when manoeuvring or fishing is demonstrated by the Raymarine RCU-1 Autopilot Remote Control. That, too, Nauti-Control Gateway for operation via an app shows how existing self-service systems can be expanded using mobile devices.

Conclusion: Suitable for motorboats with a conventional steering system

Although the current product launch of the Garmin SmartDrive is primarily aimed at sailing yachts and catamarans, from a technical point of view, the linear drive may also be of interest to motorboats with an accessible rudder quadrant or rudder shaft.

Owners of sailing boats and motor yachts with conventional mechanical steering systems should therefore not limit themselves to hydraulic autopilots. Provided there is sufficient space, the rudder linkage is suitable and the system can withstand the required loads, a compact linear actuator such as SmartDrive may be a suitable retrofit option. Before installation, a Garmin specialist dealer or boat builder should check whether the specific combination is approved and correctly sized.

Does your motorboat have an accessible rudder quadrant, and would an autopilot that acts directly on the steering gear be an attractive retrofit option for you?

Updated CMS elements