I've chartered boats with and without GPS receivers. I've also had a couple without autopilot. I always bring and use my own GPS as I'm the one who put in the waypoints and am familiar with it's operation.

The autopilot is no big deal, but it sure is nice on the run from Anegada to Jost!

Man...I still have marks on my back from the beating I took on this board a few years ago when I suggested I even looked at my waypoints for the trip into Anegada...I guess the times they are a changing.