To the editor: Thank you for the excellent recent article about autopilots ("The inner life of an autopilot," Issue 120, March/April 2002). I was a bit surprised to note that reference to autopilot products from Tecnautic was omitted from the list of sources for autopilots. I believe other readers will find their products of interest.

In my experience, their products are in the forefront of capability in all areas, especially in their very economic incorporation of a solid-state gyro in the fluxgate-based heading reference system. The gyro has a major positive impact on autopilot performance, especially in difficult situations, such as running narrow channels and in following-sea conditions. I found the products to be very well designed and built and, thanks to the extensive use of RJ-45-style connectors, outstandingly easy to install. The company is a bit unusual in that they market their products only via the Internet (http://www.tecnautic.com/), but perhaps this marketing means is as advanced as their design, performance and value.

Chuck Husick is an Ocean Navigator contributing editor. He has a Tecnautic unit aboard his 46-foot ketch Bonne Étoile but has no connection to the Tecnautic autopilot company.