Position Confirmation At The Start Of A Passage; Verifying Computed Positions; Plot Frequency; Setting Waypoints - Raymarine ST5000+ Owner's Handbook Manual

Chapter 3: Advanced Operation

3.2 Operation in Vane mode (WindTrim)

Position confirmation at the start of a passage

At the start of a passage you must always confirm the fix given by the
position transducer, using an easily identifiable fixed object. Check for
fixed positional errors and compensate for them.

Verifying computed positions

• Verify the computed position with a dead reckoned position,
calculated from the average course steered and the distance logged.

Plot frequency

• In open water, plots should be at least hourly.
• In confined waters, or when potential hazards are near, plots should
be more frequent.
• Local variations in radio signal quality, and changes in the tidal
stream, will produce deviations from the desired track.

Setting waypoints

• When setting waypoints, remember that deviations will occur.
• Thoroughly check along each track.
• Check up to 0.5 nm each side of the track to ensure that there are no
hazards within the zone.
Note: In order for the waypoint advance function to work successfully,
the last four characters of adjacent waypoint names must be different.

General

The use of Track mode will enable accurate track keeping even in
complex navigational situations. However, it cannot remove the
responsibility of the skipper to ensure the safety of his vessel at all times
by careful navigation and frequent position checks.
Vane mode, also known as WindTrim, allows the ST5000 Plus to
maintain a course relative to an apparent wind angle. It uses wind trim
to eliminate the effects of turbulence and short term wind variations,
and provides smooth precise performance under Vane mode operation
with minimal power consumption.
Vane mode uses the fluxgate compass as the primary heading reference
and, as changes in the apparent wind angle occur, the locked compass
heading is adjusted to maintain the original apparent wind angle.
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