2020-02-04, 11:18 PM
I have exactly the same question. In the cockpit I need direct control of the autopilot via the buttons +-10 +-1 standby and auto. In addition would be nice to have a green light when autopilot is running and red blink when it s in standby. A beep for each step (+-10 +-1)When the boat is on open sea it should be possible to use the main plotter (opencpn) to control the helm. This means both controls should work. I don´t want to fiddle with a mobile phone or tablet when I am sailing with limited space or bad weather.
Sometimes as you know you have to be quick ( e.g. boje ahead). Autopilots have the tendency to change course when they see the buoy. I have on port and starboard a red and a green stripe already from one of the small buoys.(hit them during night just touched them)
I sail now for 40 years......
The control needs to be simple.....
I can fiddle with all the computer stuff when I am tied up in port, but not when I am sailing.
Sometimes as you know you have to be quick ( e.g. boje ahead). Autopilots have the tendency to change course when they see the buoy. I have on port and starboard a red and a green stripe already from one of the small buoys.(hit them during night just touched them)
I sail now for 40 years......
The control needs to be simple.....
I can fiddle with all the computer stuff when I am tied up in port, but not when I am sailing.