Autopilots Have No Eyes

Our autopilot article beginning on page 15 brings you up to speed on the advances in autopilot technology over the past 10 years. As we point out, today’s autopilots are being installed not only on sportfishing boats, but on center consoles with triple 250-hp outboards capable of 50 knots. Therefore, safe autopilot operation is more important than ever. PBR’s primary tester for this report was Dave Laska, who has 24 years of experience installing high-end marine electronics on megayachts and commercial vessels. So when Dave writes that an autopilot’s performance “blew him away,” you know that you’re dealing with impressive, cutting-edge navigational aids. …