Autopilot; Autopilot Configuration And Commissioning; Setting The Power Saver; Engaging The Autopilot - Garmin Volvo Penta Owner's Manual

Autopilot

You are responsible for the safe and prudent operation of your
vessel. The autopilot is a tool that will enhance your capability to
operate your boat. It does not relieve you from 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.
The autopilot system continuously adjusts the steering of your
boat to maintain a constant heading (heading hold). In addition
to the basic heading-hold functionality, the system allows
manual steering and several modes of automatic-steering
functions and patterns.

Autopilot Configuration and Commissioning

You can use the autopilot feature only at a station installed next
to a helm and throttle.
Your autopilot and chartplotter must be installed and configured
by a Volvo Penta dealer.

Setting the Power Saver

You can adjust the level of rudder activity.
1
From the Autopilot screen, select Menu > Autopilot Menu >
Autopilot Setup > Power Saver.
2
Select a percentage.
Selecting a higher percentage reduces rudder activity at the
expense of 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.
From any screen, select Engage.
Your intended heading shows in the center of the Autopilot
screen.

Enabling Shadow Drive™

From the Autopilot screen, select Menu > Autopilot Menu >
Autopilot Setup > Shadow Drive > Enabled.

Adjusting the Heading with the Helm

NOTE: You must enable the Shadow Drive feature before you
can adjust the heading using the helm
With the autopilot engaged, manually steer the boat.
The autopilot activates Shadow Drive mode.
When you release the helm and manually maintain a specific
heading for a few seconds, the autopilot resumes a heading
hold at the new heading.

Adjusting the Step Steering Increment

1
From the Autopilot screen, select Menu > Autopilot Setup >
Steering Mode > Step Turn Size.
2
Select an increment.
16
WARNING
NOTICE
(page 16).

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.)

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° and
maintain the new heading.
1 Select Menu > Pattern Steering > U-Turn > Engage.
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 > Autopilot 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 > Autopilot 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 > Autopilot Menu >
Pattern Steering > Williamson Turn.
2
Select Engage Port or Engage Starboard.

Following an Orbit Pattern

You can use the orbit pattern to steer the boat in a continuous
circle around the active waypoint. The size of the circle is
WARNING
Autopilot