Garmin Volvo Penta IPS Autopilot Gateway v3, Reactor 40
This is version 3 of Garmin's Volvo Penta IPS Autopilot Gateway, a dedicated interface module that lets a Garmin Reactor 40 autopilot system communicate with and control a boat's Volvo Penta IPS pod-drive propulsion system. Volvo Penta's IPS (Inboard Performance System) steers by independently vectoring its forward-facing pod drives rather than turning a conventional rudder, which means a standard autopilot drive unit can't be bolted directly onto the steering — it needs a gateway like this one to translate autopilot heading/course commands into the specific electronic protocol IPS pods understand.
Because IPS is a proprietary Volvo Penta drivetrain found on a wide range of larger cruisers, sportfishing boats and yachts, this gateway is the piece that makes those boats compatible with Garmin's Reactor 40 autopilot line at all — without it, a Reactor 40 system has no way to talk to the IPS pods' own steering controller. Being on its third hardware/firmware revision (v3) suggests Garmin has iterated this integration over several product cycles as Volvo Penta's own IPS control systems have evolved, so buyers with an IPS-equipped boat should confirm this version matches their vessel's specific IPS generation before installation. Volvo Penta's IPS system is common on larger flybridge cruisers and sportfishing yachts in the 40-to-70-foot range, where its independently vectoring pods already provide fine low-speed manoeuvring even before an autopilot gateway like this one is added.
Online price incl. VAT
Availability: Stock available — ships within 1-3 business days
Compatibility
- Autopilot: Garmin Reactor 40
- Drive system: Volvo Penta IPS pod drives
- Version: v3