Autopilot

[Hunkydory]

Only videos of about a max minute in length can be posted to our albums, so I broke down the video of how to avoid objects dead ahead, while using a auto pilot into three short I minute videos starting here.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album3354&id=trim_3C55DBD6_57BA_4339_88AC_74A14B0A7BAC&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

I stated in the videos, the best way of several choices to make a quick turn, while on autopilot is to use the remote steering controller. The remote does steer the boat well, but the quickest way to avoid an object with the Raymarine EV 150 is to just quickly turn the helm by hand, which though shouldn’t be used often, in a an emergency it will override the autopilot allowing for a quick turn. As the video shows in a non emergency both the remote controller & controller knob works well for steering, while the autopilot is engaged.

For those interested, I also added to my 2018 SE Alaska album 4 short, one minute videos showing our entrance into Holkham bay & Endicott Arm on our way to Fords Terror starting here.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album2828&id=trim_BED84131_079D_4423_9434_25D75C1A60CA&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

Jay

[kennharriet]

Good info as always Jay. I’m in the early stages of shopping for an autopilot. We have the Garmin 740s chart plotter. The plotter may be old enough that it is not compatible it’s any of the new autopilots. Otherwise, I am content with the plotter. Is an autopilot functional without being tied to the chart plotter?

[colbysmith]

[Peter & Judy]

Good Auto Pilot videos. I am looking at upgrading my old Raymarine C80 system to the Raymarine Axiom system with the new auto pilot. My old Raymarine autopilot is button based and to do a 30 degree turn you need to press the button three times to do a quick turn. Boating in the PNW waters, floating logs and deadheads are really common, especially in the inside passage along Vancouver Island's east coast. You really need to keep your eyes open and if going fast, then you are better with two sets of eyes. The knob system looks really nice to use. I don't use the autopilot connected to the chart plotter as the 17 year old system is more difficult to use and a couple of times something went wrong and it would have me spinning donuts in the ocean. When this happens it, you need to act fast as it could be dangerous in a small bay or anchorage. I hope and expect that the new Axiom system will be much better and easier to use.

[jkidd]

Maggie's going to be in my lap.

[Hunkydory]

[kennharriet]

Jay, I do have NMEA 2000 networked between the motor and the plotter so maybe the auto pilot is compatible. However, the Reactor 40 I was looking at did not list my 740s as compatible. Sounds like some black magic involved🙂

[Hunkydory]

[Hunkydory]

[Peter & Judy]

[Hunkydory]

Peter & Judy, I agree avoiding deadheads or at least serious boat damage from a possible hit is a good reason among many to keep the speed down. I’ve seen very few deadheads & lots of horizontal logs, but probably have passed by many deadheads I didn’t see. Those & very small icebergs, that are still quite capable of doing serious damage are high on my to avoid list. Bill Roche of “Mystery Girl” sent me a link about a Ranger Tug 27 with OB making a cruise from Blaine, Washington to Glacier National Park & back in 17 days. They cruised at 28 mph unless sea conditions forced less. I suspect it’s just a matter of time until they have a serious collision with wood debri or ice if several of these type trips are made. Even when really paying attention in certain light & sea conditions, they can be very hard to see to avoid with slowing up if possible the best option.

Jay

[thataway]

Jay, nice illustrations! Thataway CD 25 had a RayMarine S 1000. It adapted well to the Axiom MDF. We would just punch a 10* change if we had an obstacle and Theon 10* back on the hand held. The Newer EVO 150 has a number of other features.

Thru the years the majority of the auto pilots I have owned were only on magnetic headings. One of the early ones, was just a compass, with two contacts and two parallel tungsten wires. It was make or break--always hunting--but actually an effective and accurate pilot. The one on the longest voyages was a commercial Bendix and long before any MFD or GPS chart plotters. It used a photo electric cell and variable amount of light as the sensor which was mounted on a magnetic compass card.

For many of the auto pilots I made a "dodge remote". Basically it was a small box with two contact buttons--one port and one starboard with a cord to the auto pilot selenoids. We would put the boat on a heading--and many times not change for days when crossing oceans. But we always had the "dodger" handy, which would power the boat port or starboard- to avoid any obstacles. As long as we punched the button, the boat would deviate to that side. Upon release, the boat would resume its magnetic compass course. We found that most obsticals only required the boat to move a few feet to one side or the other. The remote could be carried anywhere on the boat that the tether would reach.

We are old fashioned, but rarely put a "route" in the auto pilot. We prefer to punch in the headings as we come to the waypoint.

[hardee]

I have the EV-150 AP and love it, especially the tiny steering wheel. So much easier than the one or ten degree buttons. I don't use the route following, but do use the Go To This Heading function mostly. For emergency I use the AP Control "Standby" button and manually crank the wheel. AND mostly keep a good eye out front, those "Things" have a way of popping up if you aren't watching.

A good rule to know too, is : "If you see birds standing on the water, They are not."

Harvey
SleepyC

[colbysmith]

[thataway]

How about the Garmin wireless Remote Control for the autopilot? Only about $210.... Sure be handy--as are most remotes.