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How autopilots work and what bells and whistles are available. 5 pages
[PassageMaker, November 2000]
A brief tour of the different types of autopilots, their components, and how they work, with some advice on how to choose one suitable for your boat.
[SailNet, 9 June 2003]
Read this if you are trying to decide between autopilot and windvane self-steering. The author has both on his 42-ft steel sloop and measured their comparative performances on a six-month circumnavigation. He found a surprising difference in overall performance!
[Cruising World, January 2004]
Autopilots that act directly on the boat′s wheel use only about an amp of power when actively working. They cost one-fourth of a below-decks unit. Systems from Raymarine and Simrad are examined. 2 pages with photos.
[Blue Water Sailing, November 2004]
Pros and cons for both windvane steering systems and electric autopilots.
[SailNet, 18 June 2002]
What guides an autopilot: the old reliable fluxgate compasses, the newer rate gyros which can measure directional acceleration, and the inertial guidance systems and sophisticated software that are in the future. Tips and discussion.
[Ocean Navigator, March 2002]
Short primer on tiller pilots, wheel pilots, and rudder pilots.
[BoatUS]
Run-down of autopilot options available, including tiller pilots, wheel pilots, under-deck units and their components.
[SailNet, 23 March 2002]
An update on cordless tools for your boat - like handheld controls for your autopilot or anchor windlass Also wireless GPS chartplotters, anchor monitors, and Man-overboard alarm and recovery aids.
[Practical Sailor, 1 November 2004]
Grab bag of facts and commentary to help choose and maintain an autopilot. Contains excerpts from hard-to-find bulletin board and newsgroup postings, as well as links to useful sites and vendor pages.
[Bill Dietrich, USA]The modern generation of wheel pilots . . . Require very little electricity to steer even a fairly heavy boat.
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