T&T: Autopilots on Auto..Auto..Auto

[Mike Maurice]

I have been meaning to write something about using the GPS to drive the 
autopilot. You may recall that I don't like this mode of operation and 
herewith are some more of my reasons.

This mode only lends itself to conditions where frequent course changes 
don't have to be made. As when dodging fishing boats, crab/lobster pot 
buoys and other obstacles resetting the autopilot is a nuisance. Now I 
just know someone is going to jump and and holler, but it's not a 
nuisance and I do it all the time. Fine, sit down and don't interrupt.

If this is what you do, then you have committed the sin of the one man 
boat. In other words, your operation is dependent on you, since I can 
guarantee you that only a small percentage of any given crew can make 
such changes without your help. How do you like being up 24 hours a day?

It's not that others can't make course changes or even put the unit on 
standby. But, it is more difficult to reset the electronics after such a 
dodge maneuver because the crew has to be trained to do the resetting 
and it is a little bit different on every boat.

Now, somebody is going to jump and point out that the autopilot will 
return to course, automatically. Of, course it will. And that's the 
problem. The method of returning to the original track is preset and 
often times, dependent on how far off track you are, the return course 
may be very uncomfortable and undesirable for some reason. In which case 
you will have to intervene manually anyway.

Far all we know, the Nordhavn that went aground at Mag Bay last year was 
on autopilot and being driven by the GPS. Since the particulars of that 
accident are being withheld, the rest of us are entitled to speculate to 
our heart's content.

One thing you can be absolutely sure of: GPS controlled autopilot 
assisted accidents have happened and will happen. If you are going to 
use sophisticated equipment to lighten your workload, it is essential 
that you know and take into account their limitations.

Frankly, in my opinion, the GPS assisted autopilot is trouble looking 
for a place.



Regards,
Mike

_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)