Autopilot Steering Modes: Compass, Track, Wind

What autopilot steering modes are

An autopilot steering mode is a way of telling the autopilot what to steer by. The most basic mode is compass hold, where the autopilot keeps the boat on a heading you set with a compass sensor. More advanced modes use data from other instruments, like a GPS or a wind sensor, to steer toward a waypoint or hold a wind angle.

The modes available on a marine autopilot depend on the model line and the sensors connected to it. For example, Raymarine's Evolution series offers different packs for sail and power boats, and the modes you can use depend on the control head and sensors in the pack. Furuno's NavPilot 300 includes modes like Auto and Advanced Auto, plus special fishing modes like Fish Hunter and Sabiki mode, which are described on the maker's page.

When you compare autopilots, look at the steering modes each model supports. The maker's product page is the source for what a mode does and what sensors it needs. This article explains the common modes in general terms so you can ask the right questions before you buy. For a broad overview of autopilot options, see the best marine autopilot guide.

Compass hold mode

Compass hold, sometimes called auto mode, is the simplest steering mode. You set a desired magnetic heading, and the autopilot uses its heading sensor to keep the boat on that heading. It corrects for small deviations caused by wind, waves, or current, but it does not follow a route or account for leeway.

This mode is useful for most powerboats and for sailboats on a steady point of sail. It is the baseline mode that every autopilot with a heading sensor should offer. On Furuno's NavPilot 300, the Auto mode is described as a standard steering mode, while Advanced Auto mode adjusts the steering parameters dynamically based on vessel speed, trim, draft, tide, and wind effects, as stated on the product page.

For a powerboat with hydraulic steering, compass hold is often all you need for day cruising or fishing. For a sailboat, you might want wind mode as well, which we cover below. If you are choosing a powerboat autopilot, the best powerboat autopilot guide can help you compare options.

Track mode (route following)

Track mode, also called route following or nav mode, steers the boat along a route defined by waypoints on a chartplotter. The autopilot receives GPS position data, usually over NMEA 2000, and adjusts the heading to keep the boat on the track. This is useful for long passages, where you want the boat to follow a planned route without constant manual heading changes.

The NMEA 2000 standard, described on the NMEA page, allows marine electronics to share data, including navigation data, over a single network. An autopilot that supports track mode can receive waypoint information from a compatible chartplotter. The maker's page for your autopilot will state which chartplotters are compatible and what network is required.

Track mode is common on cruising sailboats and powerboats that travel long distances. It is not a substitute for a lookout; the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety page reminds boaters to stay aware of their surroundings. You still need to monitor the autopilot and the environment. For a complete autopilot pack that includes track mode, see the best complete autopilot packs guide.

Wind mode for sailboats

Wind mode is a steering mode that holds a constant angle to the wind, rather than a fixed compass heading. The autopilot uses data from a wind sensor to adjust the boat's heading so that the apparent wind angle stays the same. This is valuable for sailboats because it lets the boat maintain a consistent point of sail even if the wind shifts.

Wind mode is typically found on sailboat autopilots, like Raymarine's EV-200 Sail Pilot or the tiller pilots for small sailboats. The Raymarine autopilot packs page lists sail-specific packs, such as the EV-100 Tiller Autopilot and the EV-200 Sail Pilot, which are designed for sailboats with mechanical steering. These packs may include wind mode as a feature, but the exact modes depend on the control head and sensors.

If you sail, wind mode helps you keep the sails trimmed correctly without constantly adjusting the helm. It is especially useful when the wind is variable, as the autopilot will follow the shifts instead of fighting them. For a selection of sailboat autopilots, check the best sailboat autopilots guide.

Nav mode and other advanced modes

Nav mode is a broader term that can combine GPS and compass data to steer toward a waypoint or along a route. Some autopilots call this 'track' or 'route following.' It is similar to track mode but may include additional logic to handle cross-track error or to make smoother turns at waypoints.

Furuno's NavPilot 300 includes several advanced modes, such as Fish Hunter mode, which performs maneuvers like zig-zag, orbit, figure-eight, or spiral around a target, and Sabiki mode, which lets the autopilot control while drifting astern for fishing. These modes are specific to fishing applications and require certain sensors, like a rudder reference unit, as noted on the product page.

Other modes you might see include 'Auto Trim' or 'Weather Helm Compensation,' which adjust the autopilot's response based on conditions. These are not steering modes per se, but they affect how the autopilot steers. The maker's page is the best source for what each mode does and what sensors it needs. If you are interested in Furuno autopilots, the best Furuno autopilots guide compares the available listings.

How to choose the modes you need

Start by thinking about how you use your boat. If you have a powerboat and mostly cruise in open water, compass hold may be sufficient. If you fish, you might want modes like Sabiki or Fish Hunter, which are available on Furuno's NavPilot series. If you sail, wind mode is a priority, and track mode is useful for longer passages.

Check the autopilot pack's description to see which control head and sensors are included. Some packs come with a control head that supports all modes, while others may require additional sensors, like a wind sensor or a rudder reference unit, to enable certain modes. The Raymarine autopilot packs page lists the packs by boat type, so you can see which one matches your steering system.

Also consider the network. To use track mode, your autopilot needs to receive GPS data, usually over NMEA 2000. The NMEA page explains that NMEA 2000 is a standard for interconnecting marine electronics, allowing data sharing. Make sure your chartplotter and autopilot are compatible, which the maker's page will state. For more on network connectivity, see the autopilot NMEA 2000 connectivity article.

What to ask the seller or dealer

Before you buy, ask the seller or dealer these questions:

Which steering modes does this autopilot support?

What sensors are required for each mode, and are they included in the pack?

Is the control head compatible with my chartplotter for track mode?

Does the autopilot have a wind mode, and does it need a wind sensor?

What is the installation process, and who should install it?

The answers will help you compare packs on stated details, not on performance claims. The maker's manual and a qualified installer handle the installation, as this site does not provide installation instructions. If you are considering a core pack to keep your existing drive, the best autopilot core packs guide can help you compare options.

• Compass hold: basic heading keeping, available on all autopilots.
• Track mode: follows a route from a chartplotter, needs GPS data.
• Wind mode: holds a wind angle, needs a wind sensor, for sailboats.
• Nav mode: combines GPS and compass data for waypoint steering.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is the difference between compass hold and track mode?

Compass hold keeps a fixed magnetic heading, while track mode follows a route from a chartplotter, adjusting the heading to stay on the track.

Do all autopilots have wind mode?

No, wind mode is typically found on sailboat autopilots and requires a wind sensor. Powerboat autopilots may not offer it.

Can I use track mode without a chartplotter?

No, track mode requires GPS data, usually from a chartplotter or GPS receiver, sent over a network like NMEA 2000.

What sensors do I need for advanced modes?

Advanced modes like Fish Hunter may require a rudder reference unit, and wind mode requires a wind sensor. Check the maker's page for specifics.

Is an autopilot a substitute for a lookout?

No, an autopilot does not replace a lookout. The U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety page emphasizes staying aware of your surroundings while boating.