"Worried" of West Wittering

[steve_cronin]

\"Worried\" of West Wittering

I am really concerned about these wireless remote controls for autopilots.

Aren't they going to encourage the hapless navigator to command "Port 20" from down below at the chart table and run someone down?

At least having to return to the helm to alter course encourages you to have a look around first.

Apart from single-handing, I can't think of a sensible use for such a device.

Worried of West Wittering

aka Steve Cronin

 

[jimi]

Re: \"Worried\" of West Wittering

Well if you're in thck fog it gives you the option to go to the top of the mast and helm from there ?

 

[jamesjermain]

Re: \"Worried\" of West Wittering

Many boats already have remote autopilot control - wheelhouse cruisers chief among them. I agree, though, that its a toy for the skipper who has everytning rather than an essential piece of kit

 

[ChrisE]

Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

Well as the proud owner of such a widget (the Raytheon one), or I will be once the refit is done (no, don't ask), the reasons I went for it were 1. its a new toy, 2. the handset displays all of the Seatalk stuff on it as well so your ever efficient skipper can see the instruments from the comfort of his bunk whilst the crew get on with all the cold and wet stuff on deck. 3. I could imagine the odd time when single handing, which I do occasionally, when I might want to alter course when not in the cockpit.

From memory the Raytheon handset has a 20 ft range so no mast climbing for me, as I'd be out of range before I got to the spreaders, well that's my excuse for staying below.

 

[jimi]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

Aha, but there's a way round that, attach the remote to a long bit of string, enter course adjustment and then drop remote till when its within range retreive .. ad infinitum

 

[StugeronSteve]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

Relieved to hear about the 20' range. I've had visions of boats careering around, responding to other local controllers. Rather like radio controlled planes that get Hijacked by somebody on the same frequency.

 

[ChrisE]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

You'll be surprised to hear that I am quite happy not finding a solution to that particular problem. In a seaway in bunk=good, up mast=bad.

 

[StephenSails]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

I know the B&G controllers have a unique ID that means you cant interfere with other boats. I would have thought the others have done this as well.

 

[AlexL]

Re: \"Worried\" of West Wittering

I've just got one to go on my new boat (doesn't do much at the moment as the rest of the autopilot is on my lounge floor!). I can't see the concern, wired remotes have always been available, and this just removes the wire. The best thing about it is that it displays all the NMEA and Seatalk data, so it is a useful repeater which can go anywhere on the boat.

 

[stevebrassett]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

So, if you got 2 or 3 boats in tight formation, you could get a Red Arrows-type display working with one controller?

 

[StugeronSteve]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

Barrel roll will be really interesting.

 

[stevebrassett]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

You might be able to manage a massed broach.

 

[ChrisE]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

I'm not doing the RTIR this year but thought that there might be scope for some fun there.....

 

[StugeronSteve]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

Set the deck chair up at one of the Hurst Castle gun emplacements, with a variety of controllers and loads of batteries. What fun.

 

[StephenSails]

Re: Reply from lay-a-bed of Lymington

I am not sure I have heard of anyone using autohelm when doing rti race!?!?

 

[Peppermint]

Re: Could be fun...

first time you go for 20 of port wheel and the boat just of your bow does the same manouvre.

It's like these card keys that Mercedes use on the S Class. You just stick the card in your wallet and everytime you approach the car it unlocks, you get in, press starter button and away. When you get out and walk away it locks up again. Or does it? How would you know?