T&T: autopilot

[Rudy and Jill]

> I'm wondering
> if I need an autopilot and what your recommendations would
> be. 


Autopilot"? No question Lorenzo, if you are planning to make passages offshore of more than one day, and even less, an autopilot will be a great advantage. With a crew of one, two, or three, it keeps the level of tiredness down. Can be done without it, but it is much less enjoyable.

In the Intercoastal Waterway, an autopilot is usually not important, as you will be anchoring daily, but there are still areas where one can be an advantage.

Jill and I have not had one for the past twelve years, although, not only do we wish that we had one, we do plan on adding one before we make our next offshore passage. I used one on a trip to Bermuda and noticed that the level of tiredness that I experienced, was significantly less.

As far as which make, I think that it is important to contact the various manufacturers (there are at least six), and get their imput. I think the biggest mistake that you can make, other than to install one that is incapatible with your equipment, is to install a unit that is too small. (These manufacturers can be found if you Google autopilots.) Best of luck to you.

Rudy
Briney Bug, Panama City, Fl