I like to steer boats by the compass. That is to say, I read the course off the GPS and then swing the wheel until the compass card and lubber line match what the screen says. (I’ve worked up a deviation table for my boat’s compass and pretty much have it committed to memory.) That done, I look ahead for a handy water tower, lighthouse, cliff or cloud and head for it. If it’s a long leg, I’ll mentally adjust for wind and current. Periodically, I check the GPS and correct the course, if needed. I find this procedure lets me, personally, keep a straighter wake than when I steer by looking at the boat-shaped icon on the screen and trying to keep it as close as possible to the…
