Brunswick Corporation
System and method for controlling course of a marine vessel

Abstract:

A method for controlling a course of a marine vessel powered by a marine engine as it moves in a body of water includes determining a current global position and a current heading of the vessel and initiating an auto-waypoint mode of a vessel course control system. In response to initiation of the auto-waypoint mode, the method includes setting a course for the vessel based on a current position of a steering wheel of the system and the vessel's current global position. The method thereafter includes automatically rotating a steerable component coupled to the vessel and rotatable to affect a direction of movement of the vessel so as to counteract external forces on the vessel and thereby to maintain the vessel's set course.