Is an auto helm essential?

[roaringgirl]

I've crossed the Atlantic twice and the Pacific once. I sailed from Gran Canaria to New Zealand on 9 different boats. Every single one had an autopilot, many had a spare as well. Sure, it is *possible* to sail these multi-week passages without one, but it's not ideal.

On our recent Atlantic crossing we were 4 adults and 3 kids. I found myself full-time busy as father and skipper, trimming, navigating, getting forecasts, fixing stuff, making water, sail changes, power management etc... we have an ancient AP and a Hydrovane. I try to use the Hydrovane as much as possible because I trust it more and it makes me a better sailor. If either system were to break, I would fix/replace them immediately.

 

[zulloboy]

It sounds like some posters have an almost ideological objection.

Even if you think AP's are for sissies (yes that's me!) the time will come when you're soloing or even crewed, and get a tangle during a squall, or you're all knackered and need a rest, or whatever. Having a Plan B will be worth every penny, and a vital element of your safety plan. At the risk of sounding inflammatory, I think it's plain silly to not avail yourself of such modern safety enhancements.

You can always stash it before you enter port, lest your mates think your testosterone level has suddenly dropped.

Cheers, Graeme

 

[KompetentKrew]

Would be interested to know if more of the people with below decks auto pilot think they are essential as its just easy to use v the ones that have a tiller pilot which for some boats is not such a great thing ?

The only thing that matters is that it works.

My boat came with the type of Raymarine tiller pilot with the separate, below-deck controller. I subsequently replaced the actuator arm with a Pelagic one, whilst keeping the Raymarine brains, and I've crossed Biscay with this in 20 - 30 knots. I'm not sure I'd trust the cheaper, plastic-cased all-in-one tiller pilots to do the same job, but if it works on your boat for the passages that you sail then fine.

I'd like to fit a below decks autopilot drive, but I don't believe it would be practicable on my boat. Nevertheless, the Pelagic arm seems string enough (and, also, spares are cheap).

 

[DeepKeel]

I consider some kind of self-steering to be highly desirable (I almost wrote essential, but that's obviously not literally true) for extended passages on a small boat unless you have enough crew to stand 4 watches. I once sailed for 10 days with no engine and no autopilot and only 2 people onboard capable of steering a course. Interestingly, when the autopilot failed, the 3rd person onboard became almost useless because he could not steer accurately and 'profitably' upwind, so could not stand a watch. That left 2 of us doing 4 hours on 4 hours off for 10 days in demanding conditions. We got into a kind of rhythm, but it was exhausting, difficult to keep up with all the small jobs that are required and get sufficient sleep.

 

[Neeves]

I have to wonder, considering the unanimity, well almost, of the replies why the question was asked. One restriction not mentioned is 'money' not everyone can put their hands in their pocket and rush off and buy a new autopilot. A decent MFD would be up there with the AP as essential - but you can manage navigation the old fashioned way as one can cope without an AP.

With bigger pockets - it would be top of our list (along with the MFD).

A more pertinent question might be

For a specific yacht - which is the best auto-pilot.

Jonathan

 

[duncan99210]

For extended passages, I consider an autopilot essential. On the odd occasions when ours had sulked and refused to play steering becomes a tedious occupation when you have no option but to steer for a few days. A few hours of a day sail isn’t a problem but keeping a watch routine going when you have to physically steer is less than ideal.

 

[MAGTRAD]

Complete a passage of a 1000 miles and I think you'll have your answer!

 

[Boathook]

If my autopilot packed up I would buy a new one straight away. I don't enjoy steering and the pilot is a another crew member which allows you to do other tasks whilst under way, especially single handed. If crew want to steer thy are more than welcome!
It does also allow you plus other human crew to go up to the bows and watch the dolphins swimming between the hulls.

I have had autopilots before GPS and the MFD is a recent acquisition by my standards.

 

[Praxinoscope]

I would not classify an AP as an essential, but it is certainly a great addition to the complement of equipment on board.
My previous boat had both an Autohelm and Wind Vane Self Stearing, both of which proved their value on fairly long passages ( the longest 16 days at sea with only two on board). Both made the watch periods more comfortable especially at night when the watch keeper was more able to do what the title suggest and keep a good watch.
My present boat only has an Autohelm as most of my sailing is now more restricted to perhaps 24-36 hour passages, it is also a great assistance when I go single handed.
So yes I agree with those that say they are not essential, but neither are a good pair of binoculars, a cooker, depth sounder, etc. But if available and have proved to be useful then why not use them.

 

[johnalison]

So far as I know, having an autopilot does not oblige you to use it all the time.

 

[awol]

I am lucky. My boat is a joy to helm to the extent that other skippers, who on their own boats habitually sail with Auto engaged, have to be almost prised from the tiller. Yes, I have an autotiller and a remote control but it is mostly used for motoring and this year it has been used a lot, but it's definitely in the nice-to-have category. And I do sail further than once round the bay - my last trip before tucking her away for the winter was to and from Belfast. Hand steered most of the way there, motored and auto'ed on the way back.
The toy I'd miss most would be the anchor winch. I could do without it but it would be a faff.

 

[Sailing steve]

I like helming when sailing - motoring, I'm happy with the tiller pilot.

Yup that's pretty much me.

I usually can do a better job of helming under sail then the autopilot can, but the autohelm can almost always do a better job of helming under power than I can.

 

[kalanka]

I estimate that on an Atlantic circuit in a 10m sloop, most of it single handed, my steering was done 90% or more of the time by the brilliant Aries, 5% by a tiller pilot and 5% or less by hand. I would not like to be without the tiller pilot, especially in coastal waters or light winds but I dislike the sawing noise it makes and hence prefer to use other methods...