Autopilots

An autopilot, more than any other electronic device, will add to your boating pleasure. Its high-tech capabilities and natural controls give you the freedom to read charts and instruments, plot courses, or just enjoy lunch! Once considered a luxury, the autopilot has slowly become a staple of electronic gear. (Of course, the convenience of an autopilot doesn't relieve the skipper of the responsibility for keeping a proper lookout.)

Recent technological advances have made autopilots more practical and more affordable. Plus, with modern circuitry and electronic wizardry, their power drain is minimal-many autopilots can be powered with a simple solar panel/battery system.

Autopilot manufacturers publish tables to help you select the right type and size unit for your boat. Remember, these are general guidelines-problems arise when a boater purchases a unit that is inadequate for anything but calm, friendly conditions. You'll really appreciate your autopilot when everything's breaking loose and you need another pair of hands to steer the boat. The following questions will help to determine the autopilot for your boat:

1. What type of vessel do you have? Sail or power? Planing or displacement hull?

2. What is the size of your vessel or its displacement?

3. Do you have hydraulic or mechanical steering?

4. If hydraulic, what is your RAM size? This is the hydraulic device that actually does the pushing and pulling.

Sometimes more complicated information, such as helm resistance, is needed in order to select an autopilot for mechanical steering. But equipped with the above information, you are more than likely to select the correct autopilot for your boat. Autopilot manufacturers are your best source for verification, however.

Options

A windvane mounted atop the mast or on the transom allows sailboats to follow a course based on wind direction. Positioning interfaces connect the autopilot to a Loran or GPS so it can follow a course to a waypoint, or correct for set and drift. Systems like Autohelm's SeaTalk(r) and Navico's Corus components allow you to integrate the autopilot with other electronic instruments. A handheld remote control allows you to control the helm and make course changes from anywhere in the cockpit. Dodge capability allows you to make quick, temporary course changes to avoid a floating object or another boat. A man overboard function lets you push a button for an accurate range and bearing back to the victim. An off-course alarm does what the name says, and is also used under wind vane control, or to alert you to a swing at anchor. A watch alarm prevents dozing by making you push a button every few minutes to prevent the alarm from sounding. A joystick available with some models acts as a power-assisted manual steering control for fast rudder response.