I couldn't pretend that it's essential, but I like it enough that it would be replaced if it broke. The one I have is the smallest in the range, but I forget whether it's Raytheon or Navico. I never used it on the Montgomery, but on the Vancouver 25 (about 7-8000 pounds, long keel) it works well enough. Guidance on mine is from a fluxgate compass, although more expensive versions can be hooked up to a GPS or a windvane. Actually, I very seldom use it under sail because Dolphin can be balanced pretty well and (yes, I know this is silly...) the sound of it annoys me when the engine isn't running, but it's wonderful under power. This device was a replacement for one that came with Umiaq, my M-15, which I used on Dolphin for long enough to convince me it was a good idea before it went incurably nuts. Giles Morris -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com]On Behalf Of MC Carpenter Sent: Friday, October 24, 2003 2:54 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: electronic tiller controls any one have experience with these electronic tiller auto pilots I heard there are a few different kinds on the market now _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats