Whatever...if someone is going out for the first time I'd strongly suggest looking at the knot meter approaching a ball. You are not navigating into skerry shoals for gosh sakes. for the novice seeing boat speed drop to near zero approaching is crucial. "Slow" is not sufficient as many spouse over boards, lost boat hooks, rope burns and embarrassed crew and marital strife will attest. For a novice..gawking at the bank or boat next door while steering won't likely give as good a quick read of speed as the screen...is it necessary? Nope..is it helpful first few pickups? Absolutely. . There's a reason my buddy down there working for moor secure replaces so many pennants...not because they were going too slow in approach. I suggest they check speed on gauge if available..you tell em to tape over it. Now they have a choice.