I'm new to autopilots, having cruised 25 years without one. I use mine only to steer a straight line for me. Really don't want it to make turns following a route on the chartplotter.
For me, taking away the requirement for me to have my hands on the wheel all the time is by far the biggest benefit - and it's BIG. In our smaller non-auto boats, sightseeing would quickly cause me to steer off to one side or another. Now, when we're in clear and safe water with no challenges in or near our course, the autopilot allows me to spend more time gawking (with frequent glances back to the water ahead).
We have a remote too, and can sit back in the pilothouse and make turns with the remote without leaning forward enough to reach the wheel, but often it's not worth the trouble.
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Richard Cook
Dream Catcher (Nordic Tug 37-065) Poulsbo WA
Previously: New Moon (Bounty 257), Cindy Sea (C-Dory 22 Cruiser)
"Cruising in a Big Way"
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