Autopilot's are definitely helpful.
When I used to captain a 60 footer, making long 225-300 mile runs in one day takes a lot out of you. With an autopilot, you can set your heading and go and reserve your energy to focus on the ocean in front of you and your engine instruments, etc.
My 27 Seacraft came with an old Simrad Robertson autopilot. I don't think it is connected to the GPS, but it still comes in handy when plotting a long course.
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