Value of an Autopilot

tpbrady · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 7:45 pm Post subject: Value of an Autopilot

After reading comments on the thread about hydraulic steering, I started wondering what value people are getting out of their autopilots. I've had one on Bidardka II for 2 years and can honestly say I wish I had put one on the first Bidarka on day one. The value I get out of it ranges from taking the work out of hull speed cruising, running a straight track on a long open water crossing, and improving the safety of traveling in low visibility. To some extent, I value the last one the most. The autopilot allows me to manage the sensors and monitor the track and maintain lookout without driving all over the place due to a lack of a visual reference. Without the autopilot you have to stay glued to the compass especially in windy conditions with rough seas pushing you around. It lowers the tension all around as you can see your track, look at the radar to confirm you location and warn of other vessels, and scan the water on both sides and ahead.

The only downside I have noticed is it is easier to go farther so the fuel bill has gone up.

REBEMUP · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 8:15 pm Post subject:

Steering is fine for...oh about 10 minutes, then it is tiring in anything but perfect conditions, at least compared to the autopilot. In fact after 10 minutes or so of steering my attention wanders and find myself drifting off course. Probably have ADD but then the autopilot is justified as an disability accommodation.

Oh the other hand there is a time to turn them off. I did broach once running on autopilot and not playing the throttle properly. Fortunately, Sea Cruz popped up on the wave if just fell down and shook it off. A little throttle and I was right back on course. Of course it could have been much worse but it acted very much the cork. I was a little non-pulsed however.

I would not buy any boat without an autopilot unless it was kayak sized.
Or, can you get an autopilot for a kayak?

Ron.

BRAZO · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 8:23 pm Post subject:

I agree with Ron - I would not buy any boat without an autopilot.

DaveS · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:00 pm Post subject:

Autopilot for me.....wouldn't leave home without one. Sure it costs a bit, but I like to think that it saves me money spent on fuel from going around in zigzag and circle patterns when I'm trying to go straight. In the fog, you know that you are maintaining course and you can concentrate on looking for logs in the water and anything else that might appear in front of you. (Logs don't show up real well on the radar... Rolling Eyes

)

Hunkydory · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:16 pm Post subject:

Yes, love the auto pilot. Along with all the other advantages mentioned I have 15 power stabilized binoculars that I really enjoy using. With the auto pilot & good seas they are seldom not in my hands.

Jay

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:30 pm Post subject:

Yep, two thumbs up for the autopilot. I prefer to use it on heading as opposed to waypoint, so I have a feel of what the drift is. We generally don't use it when we are running at speeds above displacement, but have it on frequently at slower speeds. For all the reasons mentioned above.

When I was young and learning to fly, I thought, "Why would I want an autopilot? I want to FLY this thing." Later, when flying high and fast, the autopilot took much of the drudgery out of long stretches. Same thing applies to boats. It lessens your workload and allows you to keep a better watch. Plus, I like to stand up once in a while; with the autopilot on, I can stand at the center window and still be inches from the helm.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

Socrateur · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:47 pm Post subject:

How do you people set the auto pilot sensitivity? In other words, more sensitivity keeps a straighter line and less sensitivity requires less frequent motor adjustment but more course variation.

jkidd · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:56 pm Post subject:

DaveS · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:14 pm Post subject:

REBEMUP · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:28 pm Post subject:

Wow! Ask and you shall receive. Now that is pretty amazing Kayak and autopilot combination.

Ron

JamesTXSD · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 10:57 pm Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2012 11:31 pm Post subject:

Well, SleepyC does have an Auto pilot, but I do like to steer too, and stand up quit often when I am running. The AP has not been used nearly as much as it could have been, but I am learning to use it and to appreciate it's pluses, like straight line running and the "OK, go to there" function. I have done a few routes and used it on them, but my preference is straight from here to there uses. It is generally used at slow speeds, 6-7 knots or slower, but I have used it crossing the Strait on a flat day at planing cruise speeds. ONLY if I can see flat water way out. I'm not much into using it if things get choppy. Kind of like to have that control in my own hands then.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

breausaw · Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 12:08 am Post subject:

I had considered purchasing and installing an Auto Pilot this year, but can only afford one new toy and her name is Bonnie.

I like to steer the boat anyways.

1212 Triumph Bonneville T100

breausaw · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:28 am Post subject:

Our new to use 25 came with a TR-1 Gladiator Gold autopilot; I would have to say I could not live without it. Don’t what I was missing, it is the bomb! This autopilot will work at trolling speed, follows the GoTo thing on the GPS and does way more than I could ever hope for. It is the most valuable attribute on the boat next to the Wallas, soon to add Wallas 30TD diesel furnace.

BTW
Love the Bonneville

C-Nile · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2012 9:38 am Post subject: