Adjusting Autopilot Gain - Raymarine SportPilot Owner's Handbook Manual

81057_6.book Page 9 Tuesday, February 21, 2006 2:21 PM
Chapter 2: Operating the SportPilot

Adjusting autopilot gain

The autopilot gain setting determines the amount of rudder the pilot applies
during course change. Autopilot gain is relative to the speed of your boat.There
are five available gain settings on the SportPilot:
• LO : lowest gain setting
• three mid-range positions
• HI : highest gain setting
Setting the gain for your boat
WARNING:
It is vital that the autopilot gain control is set correctly – an
incorrect setting will lead to poor steering performance and can
produce violent course changes at high speed.
The ideal gain setting for one boat may not be ideal for another, so finding the
correct setting for your boat will be down to experimentation and experience. The
following HI and LO setting details are general guidelines only.
HI gains
Generally, low boat speeds require a medium to HI setting to provide better
course keeping.
WARNING:
This setting is not recommended for high speeds as it may cause
some instability and, therefore, could be dangerous.
LO gains
Most high speed boats will require a medium to LO setting. This provides the
greatest stability.
LO gain
Mid-range gain
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HI gain
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