Autopilot

A Marine Autopilot is a navigational device used on ships and boats to automatically steer the vessel along a predetermined course without the need for constant manual control by the helmsman. It utilizes a combination of sensors, such as gyroscopes, compasses, and GPS receivers, to determine the vessel’s heading, position, and motion. The autopilot system receives input from these sensors and compares it to the desired course set by the navigator or captain. It then adjusts the vessel’s steering mechanism, typically the rudder, to maintain the desired course and heading. Marine autopilots are essential for long voyages, allowing the crew to focus on other tasks while ensuring precise and stable navigation. They can be integrated with other onboard systems, such as chartplotters and radar, to provide enhanced navigational capabilities and safety features.