iv ST8001+ Smartpilot Controller Operating Guide
Your Raymarine SmartPilot will add a new dimension to your boating
enjoyment. However, it is the skipper’s responsibility to ensure the safety of
the boat at all times by following these basic rules:
• Ensure that someone is present at the helm AT ALL TIMES, to take man-
ual control in an emergency.
• Make sure that all members of crew know how to disengage the autopilot.
• Regularly check for other boats and any obstacles to navigation – no mat-
ter how clear the sea appears, a dangerous situation can develop rapidly.
• Maintain an accurate record of the boat’s position by using either a navi-
gation aid or visual bearings.
• Maintain a continuous plot of your boat’s position on a current chart.
Ensure that the locked autopilot heading will steer the boat clear of all
obstacles. Make proper allowance for tidal set – the autopilot cannot.
• Even when your autopilot is locked onto the desired track using a naviga-
tion aid, always maintain a log and make regular positional plots. Naviga-
tion signals can produce significant errors under some circumstances and
the autopilot will not be able to detect these errors.
EMC Conformance
All Raymarine equipment and accessories are designed to the best industry
standards for use in the recreational marine environment. Their design and
manufacture conforms to the appropriate Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMC) standards, but correct installation is required to ensure that
performance is not compromised.
Handbook information
To the best of our knowledge, the information in this handbook was correct
when it went to press. However, Raymarine cannot accept liability for any
inaccuracies or omissions it may contain. In addition, our policy of
continuous product improvement may change specifications without notice.
As a result, Raymarine cannot accept liability for any differences between
the product and the handbook.