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

[Mike Maurice]

A side issue which I did not go into before is that if the GPS is NOT 
driving the autopilot, I can very quickly tell if the person on watch 
understands what they are doing, by simple examination of the track they 
have created.

In other words, I give them a waypoint on the chart to steer too, with 
the track being recorded. An examination of the resulting track record 
will tell me if they understand the process necessary to keep us on/near 
the track. This process is a "mind" process and the sooner someone 
learns the process the safer the boat is.

This business of only one person on board being skilled at conning the 
boat is really dangerous. For instance, you are in dense fog at night. A 
large ship is approaching on a collision course. Setting waypoints for 
the autopilot to steer too is not a safe system under such 
circumstances. Hand steering is not a good idea as it generally results 
in too much yawing which will confuse the other vessel(I am not 
suggesting using the autopilot when you get down to a few hundred yards 
apart).

In order to con your boat safely, you need all the practice you can get 
and letting the GPS drive the boat is not getting that practice.

To be brutal about it, even using the autopilot has some downside in 
terms of failing to develop one's skills at steering. However, since 
pitifully few recreational vessels have a stable enough compass to hand 
steer by under low visibility and especially rough conditions and are 
too short handed to hand steer for any length of time in any event; 
there is little choice except to use the autopilot, since in practical 
terms it is safer with, than without.

In summary, it's not that the equipment can't do almost everything for 
you. But, the lack of practice at each of the skill sets involved, just 
compromises your skill level. Lack of practice at hand steering won't 
make you an idiot. But, the lack of it may be the underlying cause of 
some anxious moments if you ever get into bad conditions.

The sea doesn't care if you are smart, financially sound, read all the 
best magazines or have insurance. You can't fool the sea with brave talk 
or arrogance. The sea is merciless and you can't substitute your 
inexperience for the real stuff. And, absolutely no one is immune.

Regards,
Mike

_____________________________________
Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)