No the boat was a very deep v and pretty heavy. The auto pilot was connected to the hydraulic steering and held course pretty good even in rough water. I really like the raymarine I have now. The boat is a multi species boat so I use it on the Finger Lakes, Onieda and a few smaller lakes as well as Ontario occasionally. I'm 77 so I like to fish different places so it suits me fine. If I'm by myself it's necessary so I can set the riggers and rods or net a fish. The Raymarine does have to work hard on windy days but I've used it for several years now without a problem.