I want to thank the makers of
OpenCPN, Before I left the
Salt Ponds I plotted the entire course to
Jacksonville on the computer. I knew, however, that I would not be able to consult the computer every time I had a question. Then I noticed that my Lowrance
Chart Plotter accepted .gpx files, and that is the native export file type for
OpenCPN. I was able to copy the complete
route into my
chart plotter. This
route, while not a set'em & forget'em, no need to watch, the plotter will take it from here, system, it does show me the way. On turns you have to be careful to stay in the channel, but on long straight courses you can set it on the line and Otto will just go. The auto pilot is not connected to it so you have to watch it, but as long as you stay on the line and you know the
water is safe, it works like a charm. I haven't made a miss-turn yet. I know I would have never made it through the A&P
Canal without it. It is only a directional aid, like the
gps in your car, without the nagging voice. It tells you which way to go, not which side of the street to drive on.