Single-handed anchoring

[davidwf]

In order to be in two places at once, I fitted one of these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Winch-12v-Wir..._CarsParts_Vehicles_CommercialVehicleParts_SM

But make sure you have spare batteries

Brilliant idea, I bought one last week and fitted it in around 15 mins, works perfectly. Now I can motor forward whilst winching in from the helm.

John, Thanks for the idea, I always wanted a wireless remote but was reluctant to pay the price for a marine one. I can loose 10 or so of these for the price of a marine one.

 

[chrisclin]

How does the autopilot work going backwards?

All above good advice. The only thing I would add is I tend to go beyond where I want the anchor to lie then reverse strongly with auto pilot on (allowance made for prop walk) and then go to bow, let go so chain will not pile up on itself. When 75% approx of scope out snub the chain to get anchor to dig in, let out remainder, make fast then back to cockpit, more engine up to 75% revs to dig right in. Has worked fine most times.

Surely the autopilot only works going forward. Going backwards, doesn't it try to turn the boat the wrong way?