Unlike many of you, I use the NAV function on my autopilot, linked to my Raymarine chart plotter. But we have a few rules. First and most importantly, we insist on AIS - Ass In Seat. Somebody MUST be in the helm chair on watch at all times. Second, don't place waypoints directly on ATONs. Offset the darn things so you don't accidentally hit a mark! Plus, you can avoid being waked by getting farther away from the magenta line. Third, we never use the A-pilot going under bridges, through locks or other tight, restricted spaces. Over the years of cruising the ICW I have built many routes that we repeat sometimes twice annually. It's great to be able to punch up a tried and true route and let the electronics do the heavy lifting. Regards, Randy Pickelmann Morning Star lying Calvert Marina, Solomons, MD Sent from my iPad