I find both a GPS/chartplotter and an autopilot to be very useful.
GPS -- As an example, one time we were headed to Scrub Island Marina. We had been to Marina Cay and Trellis Bay multiple times before, so I should have been familiar with the area. But my eye/brain system got fooled, and I was somehow seeing Marina Cay as part of the Scrub Island shore line. So here I am believing my eyes and pointing the boat to the left of Marina Cay, and the GPS is telling me I need to turn to starboard. After puzzling over this I finally recognized Marina Cay for what it was, said "Oh #%*@", and got back on course.
Autopilot -- I love being able to take my hands off the wheel for multiple reasons. I can tack the boat without asking for help, read a chart, or just relax my hands and arms. I never leave the helm station for more than a few seconds, but I do find it helpful when I don't have to hold the wheel continuously.
Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
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