1.PRINCIPLE OF THE AUTOPILOT
1.1Principle of Autopilot
An autopilot is an automatic device for steering a vessel and maintaining its heading in an intended direction. Boat and ship operators can really appreciate the advantages of the autopilot – It steers the boat for you so that you are free to carry out navigational checks, trim adjustments, etc. or to simply relax and enjoy the ride.
The
Dead band is the area (in degrees) that an autopilot is allowed to drift before correcting the vessel’s course. Since your
Because wandering is eliminated, the proportional rate autopilot uses less power and lowers wear and tear on the steering system. Course correction is smooth, and consistent, and the boat will not jerk back and forth at any speed.