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auto pilot


gjb
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Can anyone give me some pros and cons about autopilots i am looking at a RAYMARINE SPX5 SPORT PILOT SYSTEM this fits under the steering wheel and i am told to be very good and made to be used with out board motors so please any advise would be great

cheers

graham

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Have used standalone autopilots for years.

 

Good Points:

- They can hold a better course than I can, and don't wander.

- Superb for long trips, so long as there's no headlands etc in the way.

- Great for a couple of minutes free from the helm at low speed in more crowded waters to do something essential.

 

Bad Points:

- They can't see other boats, rocks, pot markers or buoys.

- They're less effective in heavier seas than an experienced helmsman, and can get confused by being thrown off course, and then over-steer.

- An interfaced system can "go to" a waypoint - but standalone ones just hold a course, and do not allow for tide or leeway.

 

Ours is called "Uncle George". They have to be named. It's in the unwritten rules somewhere.

 

Good luck !

 

Mike

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