Garmin ECHOMAP PLUS 40 Series Owner's Manual page 32

Autopilot
You can use the autopilot feature only at a station installed next
to a helm, throttle, and helm control device.
You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your
vessel. The autopilot is a tool that enhances your capability to
operate your boat. It does not relieve you of the responsibility of
safely operating your boat. Avoid navigational hazards and
never leave the helm unattended.
Always be prepared to promptly regain manual control of your
boat.
Learn to operate the autopilot on calm and hazard-free open
water.
Use caution when operating the autopilot near hazards in the
water, such as docks, pilings, and other boats.
NOTE: This feature is only available on models with NMEA
2000 network capabilities.
The autopilot system continuously adjusts the steering of your
boat to maintain a constant heading (heading hold). The system
also allows manual steering and several modes of automatic-
steering functions and patterns.
When the compatible chartplotter is connected to a compatible
Garmin autopilot system, you can engage and control the
autopilot from the chartplotter.
For information about compatible Garmin autopilot systems, go
to garmin.com.
Autopilot Screen
Actual heading
Intended heading (heading the autopilot is steering toward)
Actual heading (when in standby mode)
Intended heading (when engaged)
Rudder position indicator (This functionality is available only when a
rudder sensor is connected.)
Adjusting the Step Steering Increment
1
From the Autopilot screen, select MENU > Autopilot Setup >
Step Turn Size.
2
Select an increment.
Setting the Power Saver
You can adjust the level of rudder activity.
1
From the autopilot screen, select MENU > Autopilot Setup >
Power Mode Setup > Power Saver.
2
Select a percentage.
Selecting a higher percentage reduces rudder activity and
heading performance. The higher the percentage, the more
the course deviates before the autopilot corrects it.
TIP: In choppy conditions at low speeds, increasing the
Power Saver percentage reduces rudder activity.
Engaging the Autopilot
When you engage the autopilot, the autopilot takes control of the
helm and steers the boat to maintain your heading.
26
WARNING
From any screen, select Engage.
Your intended heading shows in the center of the Autopilot
screen.
Steering Patterns
You are responsible for the safe operation of your boat. Do not
begin a pattern until you are certain that the water is clear of
obstacles.
The autopilot can steer the boat in preset patterns for fishing,
and it can also perform other specialty maneuvers such as U-
turns and Williamson turns.
Following the U-Turn Pattern
You can use the u-turn pattern to turn the boat around 180
degrees and maintain the new heading.
1
From the autopilot screen, select MENU > Pattern Steering
> U-Turn.
2
Select Engage Port or Engage Starboard.
Setting Up and Following the Circles Pattern
You can use the circles pattern to steer the boat in a continuous
circle, in a specified direction, and at a specified time interval.
1
From the autopilot screen, select MENU > Pattern Steering
> Circles.
2
If necessary, select Time, and select a time for the autopilot
to steer one complete circle.
3
Select Engage Port or Engage Starboard.
Setting Up and Following the Zigzag Pattern
You can use the zigzag pattern to steer the boat from port to
starboard and back, over a specified time and angle, across
your present heading.
1
From the autopilot screen, select MENU > Pattern Steering
> Zigzag.
2
If necessary, select Amplitude, and select a degree.
3
If necessary, select Period, and select a length of time.
4
Select Engage Zigzag.
Following the Williamson Turn Pattern
You can use the Williamson turn pattern to steer the boat
around with the intent of running alongside the location where
the Williamson turn pattern was initiated. The Williamson turn
pattern can be used in man overboard situations.
1
From the autopilot screen, select MENU > Pattern Steering
> Williamson Turn.
2
Select Engage Port or Engage Starboard.
Sailing Features
Setting the Vessel Type
You can select your boat type to configure the chartplotter
settings and to use features customized for your boat type.
1
Select Settings > My Vessel > Vessel Type.
2
Select an option.
Sail Racing
You can use the device to increase the likelihood that your boat
will cross the start line of a race exactly when the race begins.
When you synchronize the race timer with the official race
countdown timer, you are alerted at one-minute intervals as the
race start approaches. When you combine the race timer with
the virtual start line, the device measures your speed, bearing,
and remaining time on the countdown timer. The device uses
WARNING
Autopilot