T&T: GPS Error

[Bob Peterson]

Does anyone know how this thread came to be entitled "GPS Error"?  There was
no indication that the AP was slaved to the GPS.  Nor that there was any GPS
"error"!!  I too would never leave the helm unattended while operating under
AP, regardless of whether the AP was getting its heading info from the GPS
or otherwise.

Bob Peterson
"Lopaka Nane"
47' Lien Hwa CPMY
San Francisco 

-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of Jim
Ague
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 10:48 AM
To: Trawlers & Trawlering
Subject: Re: T&T: GPS Error

> Though I've never had an AP make an uncommanded turn I simply can't 
> envision ever using an autopilot in a channel or fairway of any sort. 
> Open water it's great....
~~~~~

I concur with your rule of thumb. I would add another, never leave the helm
when the AP is engaged, although I admit having sprinted to/from the transom
for a "bio-break".

I don't know if you're trying to make a call on Gil who had the AP problem,
but I consider most of the Potomac River to be "open water" and AP usuable.

-- Jim Ague