A brushless motor is the core element of the new GHP 20. Thanks to this drive, the SmartPump can be precisely controlled over a very wide range and the electronics automatically adjust the correct flow rate for each boat. Thanks to the Garmin "Intelligent Rudder Rate Technology" (IRRT), the autopilot is also able to automatically adapt the speed at which the rudder is moved to weather and sea conditions.
Thanks to the new technology, one pump size is sufficient for most boat sizes and applications. Advantage: The previously difficult dimensioning of the pumping unit is no longer necessary, both for new equipment by shipyards and for retrofitting by the customer. Above all, it is now impossible for a pump that is inadvertently too small to have a negative impact on the control characteristics.
According to the manufacturer, the drive is characterised by lower power consumption, quieter operation and improved efficiency. There is no doubt that the brushless motor does away with a typical wear part by eliminating the carbon brushes.
As with the previous models, the Garmin GHP 20 with SmartPump offers the patented Shadow Drive technology. This automatically deactivates the autopilot as soon as the helmsman engages the wheel - without having to press the stand-by button. This allows the skipper to intervene immediately at any time. If he then steers a straight course again, the autopilot automatically reports back to the watch.
The GHP 20 autopilot is operated using the familiar GHC 10 colour display that matches the Garmin sailing instruments and communicates with the autopilot system via NMEA 2000.
The GHP 20 Autopilot with SmartPump is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2012.
Further information can be found at www.garmin.com/marine
