Sailboat Autopilot Operation
WARNING
You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your vessel. The autopilot is a tool that enhances your
capability to operate your boat. It does not relieve you of the responsibility of safely operating your boat. Avoid
navigational hazards and never leave the helm unattended
CAUTION
When engaged, the autopilot controls only the rudder. You and your crew remain responsible for the sails while
the autopilot is engaged.
In addition to heading hold, you can use the autopilot to maintain a wind hold. You can also use the autopilot to
control the rudder while tacking and gybing.
Wind Hold
You can set the autopilot to maintain a specific bearing relative to the current wind angle. Your device must be
connected to a NMEA 2000 or NMEA 0183 compatible wind sensor to perform a wind hold or a wind-based tack
or gybe.
Setting the Wind Hold Type
Before you can enable the wind hold type, you must connect a wind sensor to the autopilot.
For advanced autopilot configuration, see the installation instructions included with your autopilot.
1 From the autopilot screen, select Menu > Autopilot Setup > Sailing Setup > Wind Hold Type.
2 Select Apparent or True.
Engaging Wind Hold
Before you can enable the wind hold, you must connect a wind sensor to the autopilot.
From the autopilot screen, select Menu > Engage Apparent Wind Hold or Engage True Wind Hold.
Engaging Wind Hold from Heading Hold
Before you can engage wind hold, you must connect a NMEA 2000 wind sensor to the autopilot.
Although a NMEA 2000 wind sensor is preferred, you can connect a NMEA 0183 wind sensor to the autopilot to
use wind hold.
1 With heading hold engaged, select Menu.
2 Select an option:
• To change from heading hold to apparent wind hold, select Engage Apparent Wind Hold.
• To change from heading hold to true wind hold, select Engage True Wind Hold.
Adjusting the Wind Hold Angle
You can adjust the wind hold angle on the autopilot when wind hold is engaged.
• To adjust the wind hold angle in increments of 1°, select <1° or 1°>.
• To adjust the wind hold angle in increments of 10°, select <<10° or 10°>>.
Tack and Gybe
You can set the autopilot to perform a tack or gybe while heading hold or wind hold is engaged.
Tacking and Gybing from Heading Hold
1 Engage a heading hold (
Engaging the Autopilot, page 75
).
2 Select Menu.
3 Select an option.
The autopilot steers your boat through a tack or gybe.
Sailing Features
45
