Older autopilots

[rbrentp]

I have an Autohelm 4000 and a 3000. Seem to be very much the same other than the 4000 ties into the nav system. Sadly I have the Autohelm "lets turn sharply for no reason" problem in the 4000. I saw in threads others with this issue and it may be a soldering fix. However as Murphy lives on my boat I will assume it has gone south.
Unless one has plotted a course with turn legs. etc., why would you not just set a heading on the 3000 and let it hold the heading?

I am sure I am missing something here but the only time I could see doing the course change on auto would be long crossings with a tack every few hours. Since I have a cat, the odds on it crossing over without "help" seem low.
Thoughts, please.

[chris95040]

I've never used anything other than a set-your-heading-and-go autopilot, but my guess is the useful bit of the navigation-capable ones is maintaining a course.

Subtly tweaking direction to get back on course despite currents, leeway, etc.

[rbrentp]

Fair enough. It would be nice for the boat to guide itself to a specific point regardless of current, etc. I am not in sailing zones that require that much refinement so I will broaden my perspective.