Using autoroute

I trust autorouting for planning and to do an initial route. I don't blindly follow it though. I make adjustments as I see fit. The typical adjustment I find myself making is to take wider paths, go further offshore. As long as you use it as a tool, not as the final answer, it is very useful.

That's true with all your instruments. If you run directly into a cargo ship because your radar malfunctions you're in trouble. They are tools.

You might find though that autorouting suggests some routes that you might not have taken and when you look closely, you realize are pretty good. We sometimes lie about draft simply because we know not to trust certain areas.

Yes, the routing doesn't know about all the crab pots and lobster pots either.

I've seen the Garmin route go through or route through inlets/passes I would never use. I have also seen it route to close too shore and personally would not use it.

That's why I say never use it as gospel, but can still be a starting place, but not a final route. I've found by telling it my draft is 8' I get routes closer to ones I'd use. We mainly use it now when cruising but just when looking far ahead and estimating mileages.

The other routing we've used is Transas. It's route planning is used heavily by commercial vessels and is far more sophisticated than Garmin. It does take more time as you set up route planning rules. It can also be used to check routes you plan for potential issues. Obviously more expensive and not needed for most recreational boating, but a good tool for long runs offshore and in areas you're not familiar with. Garmin is a simple system, not meant to determine your final route.