We usually set the destination the night before but that's always subject to change -- just as likely to plan before breakfast after looking up the day's forecast updates. I set my routes on the PC, not on the CP. Then underway I track our progress on the PC below while keeping updates at the helm by "mark 1 eyeball", and CP/Radar/AIS. If I set the AP it's usually to apparent wind angle unless precision is important due to hazards or restricted navigable channel. In that case I usually will just press the AUTO button or if I track to the CP I'll navigate to a curser position rather than a route or permanent mark.