Chapter 2: Basic Operation 9
2 Basic Operation
1. Note the required new heading.
2. Select standby for manual steering, so you can bring the boat to
the new heading MANUALLY.
3. Select auto: allow the boat to settle onto course, then bring the
boat to the final course in 1° steps using the -1 or +1 keys
Gusting conditions
In gusting conditions, the course may tend to wander slightly,
particularly if the sails are badly balanced. If you take the following
precautions, the autopilot will be able to maintain competent control
even in gale force conditions:
• You can significantly improve course keeping by improving the
sail balance:
• do not allow the boat to heel over excessively
• ease the mainsheet traveller to leeward to reduce heeling and
weather helm
• if necessary, reef the mainsail a little early
• In very strong winds and large seas, you should avoid sailing with
the wind dead astern:
• ideally, bring the wind at least 30° away from a dead run
• in severe conditions, you may also need to remove the
mainsail and sail under headsail only
2.3 Adjusting autopilot performance
During normal autopilot operation in any mode you can make
temporary adjustments to the response level and rudder gain
Note: You will lose these temporary changes to response level and
rudder gain whenever the system is powered off then on again. You
can make permanent adjustments in Dealer setup (see page 94).
Changing the response level (AutoSeastate)
The response level controls the relationship between the autopilot’s
course keeping accuracy and the amount of helm/drive activity.
• Response Level 1: AutoSeastate on (Automatic deadband)
This setting causes the autopilot to gradually ignore repetitive
boat movements and only react to true variations in course. This
81131_7.book Page 9 Wednesday, March 17, 2004 3:59 PM
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