Maybe on a motorboat, a straight line course is desirable but,
on a sailboat, it is often better to not overcorrect or try to
maintain a straight course as the excessive rudder movement
results in slower overall speeds. Using an autopilot and setting
the mainsail to luff before the headsail does allows the autopilot
to not strain and the boat to wander a bit but the speed stays
up better than trying to fight with the rudder to keep on a
straight line.

You should really try sailing sometime. It might open your eyes
and make being on the water enjoyable instead of a chore.

CN


"otnmbrd" wrote in message ink.net...
G Think I've run across one or two vessel's with autopilot.
Problem is, an autopilot can only react, it can't anticipate.
Only a good helmsman can anticipate what a boat is going to do and react first.
I've seen very few autopilots that can maintain a straight line on a course recorder, for any length of time, whereas I 've seen a
few helmsmen who could.

otn

"Capt. Neal®" wrote in message ...


Ever hear of an autopilot? I rarely waste my time steering my boat.
The autopilot does it almost as well.
CN

"otnmbrd" wrote in message ink.net...

Interesting post.
There's an old adage ..... the best helmsman is the laziest guy on the boat.
Reason?
Generally he will figure out how to do the least amount of work to keep the boat on course, realizing that if he keeps the boat
on course, he doesn't have to work ...... BG

otn