Gusty Conditions; Returning To Hand Steering - Raymarine SmartPilot X-5 Operating Manual

Chapter 1: Basic operation

Gusty conditions

In gusty conditions, the course may tend to wander slightly, particularly if the sails are
badly balanced. However, the SPX-5 Tiller system will maintain competent control
even in gale force conditions, if you take the following measures:
• Improve course keeping by optimizing the sail balance:
• Do not allow the boat to heel over excessively.
• Ease the mainsheet traveler to leeward to reduce heeling and weather helm.
• if necessary, reef the mainsail a little early.
• In very strong winds and large seas, avoid sailing with the wind dead astern:
• Ideally, bring the wind at least 30° away from a dead run.
• In severe conditions, you may also need to remove the mainsail and sail under
headsail only.

Returning to hand steering

To return to hand steering:
1. Press standby to disengage the SPX-5 Tiller system and return to Standby mode.
In Standby mode:
• You have manual control of the boat.
• The display shows STANDBY and the boat's current compass heading.
2. Physically disengage the autopilot by removing the drive unit from the tiller pin. If
necessary, retract the push rod using -1, +1, -10 and +10 keys
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