On Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:49:18 -0400, Larry wrote:

The autopilot I had used a fluxgate compass. The trolling problem was
the result of incorrect response. It would overcompensate at low speeds
because of the amount of time it took between issuing a command (it
turned the wheel which directed the jet) and the boat moving. There was
no rudder feedback nor could it have been added easily. While there
were multiple levels of sensitivity which could be set, none of them
worked at low speed with the result that the craft overcompensated. I
think the unit was a Raymarine Sportpilot.

Normally, one mounts the fluxgate compass as close to the bow as
possible, but (naturally) away from anything ferrous like an anchor.
The only purpose of a GPS might be to plot a long course, but, as I
said, the main reason for adding an autopilot would be for trolling
single-handed.

I've been boating for over 50 years, and have sailed all around the
Carribean, so I'm not a novice. I've owned boats from 14 to 38 ft.
and am an EE so don't be afraid to get technical.

Give it a rudder so it can become the happy little second-order system
it was born to be.