Advanced Navigator Functions

Calibrating to Ensure Data Accuracy

The accuracy of the data generated by your instruments and performance evaluation systems depends on accurate calibration. While the following subsection presents an introductory explanation of instrument calibration, you must refer to the manuals that came with your instrumentation systems for the specific calibration procedures.

The subsections that follow explain the calibration methodologies for the following variables:

Boat speed

Compass

Apparent wind angle

True wind angle

True wind speed

Boat Speed Calibration

Boat speed calibrations are entered directly into your instrumentation system (refer to your system’s manual for the procedure). While it may not be practical to check boat speed calibration on a daily basis, we encourage you to check this variable on a measured mile as often as possible, as the paddle-wheel impellers that generate boat speed data can change their physical characteristics markedly over their lifespan due to the environment in which they operate. When making a measured mile calibration, perform three consecutive runs over the known distance, to eliminate any tidal current effects.

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Raymarine Marine GPS System manual Calibrating to Ensure Data Accuracy, Boat Speed Calibration