"Richard Malcolm" wrote in message
om...
Am I nuts?

depends on why you want an autopilot

On a trawler or similar boat that chugs along at about 8 knots you can take
a look around, set the autopilot and know you are safe for a few minutes.
Time enough to go get a cup of coffee or use the head.

If you are fishing, and moving along at a dead slow speed, you can set the
autopilot and let it deal with keeping you going in a straight line. An
occasional look forward while you are tending your lines will keep you safe
enough.

I wouldn't recommend leaving the helm if you intend to zip along at 20
knots. The situation can change too fast, and the possibility of hitting an
odd wave or another boat's wake can make relying on the autopilot a bit
risky.

Rod