Just a question how many have their chartplotter hooked up to the autohelm to use waypoint navigation versa heading.
Chartplotter and Autohelm
- Thread starter LeoLambert310
- Start date
Published this article a few years ago about the Garmin 178C Sounder the fam got me for my birthday in 2005. https://hunter.sailboatowners.com/mods.php?task=article&mid=45&aid=6023&mn=42
This model has been manufacturer discontinued for several years, but it still works like a dream. I connected the device to our 1991 vintage Autohelm 7000 (6000 head). The older NMEA version (1.X) of the Autohelm differs from the newer version of the Garmin (3.X), but except for a small course change issue, it works slick.
Here is a photo of the unit.
This model has been manufacturer discontinued for several years, but it still works like a dream. I connected the device to our 1991 vintage Autohelm 7000 (6000 head). The older NMEA version (1.X) of the Autohelm differs from the newer version of the Garmin (3.X), but except for a small course change issue, it works slick.
Here is a photo of the unit.
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I use my obsolete Garmin 492 GPS and have it connected via NEMA to my Autohelm AP computer 300 Core with a ST7000 head. I use complete routes that I have stored. For cruises outside my usual area, I swap in a different set of routes. The Garmin holds 1000's of WPs so those are always stored and available.
I only use way points when coastal cruising in virtually open water. I always keep a watch and as such am never far from the helm even if I'm holding the AP remote. Usually, being unwilling to be under the yoke, I set the AP to wind vane mode and have her steer to the proper angle to which I have the sheets hauled. This eliminates sail work on all but the shifty days.
We do. Hit a spot, then go to. Follow the prompts and make sure to have plenty room as it searches for plot. Once on course I extend the route to more waypoints.
All U Get
I have used Routes when motor cruising. When sailing, I may use the waypoints on a Route as a guide to avoid shallow water "spits" on a key turn. I use "go to cursor" to set course and produce an ETA calculation.
Jim...
PS: Autopilot is the number one luxury on my boat.
I have read up on this mode but have not had the need for it, yet.
Jim...
PS: Autopilot is the number one luxury on my boat.
Pretty much a recipe for disaster when it comes to powerboats around here:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/massive-bc-ferry-runs-over-luxury-yacht/article4167437/
One of the final "theories" for this crash was having the boat directed by a GPS, according to the media. Another large powerboat ploughed into a bridge piling under full power a few summer ago with no explanation. Again, a GPS problem was mentioned. Pretty well guess what's happened there.
I prefer to get to my waypoints with my own manual steering and then do a change of course to the next one.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,139
So what are number 2 and 3.... This could be important info into your boat thinking......
It's not the autopilot going to a waypoint that is a problem. It's folks that don't maintain a good lookout. Locking your helm and walking away does the same thing much cheaper and easier. It doesn't take a GPS to be stupid
OK, Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Busy. Predictable ferry schedules. What could go wrong?
Dumb pleasure boat skipper. Dumb, dumb, dumb and now dead.
Little reason to cut so close to the ferry terminal either, Shute Passage much safer. less than 1/2 nm away, regardless of what direction one is coming from or going to. Not clear exactly where this bozo was when he initiated the disaster.
I've been living up here for all of 6 months. One of the first things I did was print out the blinkin' ferry schedules.
Always part of a discussion about integration and not, but as I looked into it, most knowledgeable skippers advised that even if integrated, a course change requires acknowledgement before the AP changes course. Makes the difference negligible.
Absolutely. See #1 above.
It is a matter of practice that I build my route plan in high elevation (two nautical miles) on the GPS the night before departure, then run the course through each waypoint at normal elevation (500 feet) to ensure a clear and unobstructed route. While underway motoring, if I need to go below decks for whatever reason, I will slow or stop the boat. Under sail, I'm always on deck doing periodic deck sweeps and trim adjustments. As I approach a waypoint I will disengage the autopilot making the change manually to the new waypoint setting.
Our autopilot has a tack change feature making solo sailing much easier and safer. Everything is ready before invoking the change, swinging the boat about 100 degrees onto the new tack. Most of the time while under sail my route differs from what I have programmed into the GPS. In those cases I will sail manually with the help of the wheel brake and always keeping my eye on the GPS.
Our autopilot has a tack change feature making solo sailing much easier and safer. Everything is ready before invoking the change, swinging the boat about 100 degrees onto the new tack. Most of the time while under sail my route differs from what I have programmed into the GPS. In those cases I will sail manually with the help of the wheel brake and always keeping my eye on the GPS.
I think you will settle in with what makes sense to you an allows you to feel comfortable. For sure you can activate a route (multiple waypoints) and let the AP do most of the steering.... but vigilant observation is still required. If you enjoy sail trimming while single handing, sailing point to point under AP is rewarding.
Like others, I'm more of a "goto" guy than a "route" or "heading" guy. I will pick a spot on the chart, or use an established waypoint... such as the harbor entrance, and hit "goto".... then I work the sails to get to that point.
My boat can also steer to wind.... which is cool if you don't want to trim sails... and you want to take a break.
The most important thing to remember when using your AP is to get your sail trim balanced so there will be no excessive stress on the unit..... and keep watch, of course.
Like others, I'm more of a "goto" guy than a "route" or "heading" guy. I will pick a spot on the chart, or use an established waypoint... such as the harbor entrance, and hit "goto".... then I work the sails to get to that point.
My boat can also steer to wind.... which is cool if you don't want to trim sails... and you want to take a break.
The most important thing to remember when using your AP is to get your sail trim balanced so there will be no excessive stress on the unit..... and keep watch, of course.
#2 is my genset
#3 Summertime A/C for hot nights sleeping at anchor on the Gulf.
_______
Autopilots are NOT fool proof and are at best a "steady on" course controller. They are very simplistic controller that has adjustments (tuning) to attempt to control course on a broad range of boats and their individual characteristics.
The tuning parameters change from calm to heavy seas, most would not know how to tune it for high seas where the rudder surface in the water may be changing, minute by minute.
The AP reduces helm fatigue at hull speed.
Jim...
Because if you up the response level to "5", the motor will make you a crazy person, but the AP will steer the boat far, far better than you while you are tending the trim. The only downside, at least in the Ray boxes, is that the offcourse alarm is not configurable to a reasonable number when using wind vane mode.
Since my wife and I usually sail our boat alone, I use the autopilot a lot. Sometimes with a route or go to "point" -- often with apparent wind if we're sailing close to the wind or with the chute up. I generally have a route "laid-in" for reference if I'm headed somewhere in particular.
When in waters with lobster pots (Maine, especially on the East Coast of the US) that's a recipe for severe trouble to leave the boat without really watching constantly were you are and what your going to "catch".
We have autopilot control heads at the helm and in the companionway at the forward end of the cockpit.
I wouldn't let the boat motor through a difficult series of maneuvers without keeping a watchful eye out -- even though the charts are pretty well vetted in the areas we sail in most. It's not because you couldn't, but because (as others have noted), you really could get into trouble.
In the fog (or heavy rain), setting a route which is "from-mark-to-mark" in busy areas will almost always guarantee that you'll be likely to meet someone coming directly at you or up your stern. Sometimes, I'll set the position on a route intentionally off the point-to-point line to lessen the possibility of a "close encounter of the fourth kind" :^)))
In the Chesapeake, some of the rivers and creeks have markers get "moved" because their shifting of channels. I think that you really need to understand your local conditions before you rely on a mark being where the chart says it is (or where it should be).
When in waters with lobster pots (Maine, especially on the East Coast of the US) that's a recipe for severe trouble to leave the boat without really watching constantly were you are and what your going to "catch".
We have autopilot control heads at the helm and in the companionway at the forward end of the cockpit.
I wouldn't let the boat motor through a difficult series of maneuvers without keeping a watchful eye out -- even though the charts are pretty well vetted in the areas we sail in most. It's not because you couldn't, but because (as others have noted), you really could get into trouble.
In the fog (or heavy rain), setting a route which is "from-mark-to-mark" in busy areas will almost always guarantee that you'll be likely to meet someone coming directly at you or up your stern. Sometimes, I'll set the position on a route intentionally off the point-to-point line to lessen the possibility of a "close encounter of the fourth kind" :^)))
In the Chesapeake, some of the rivers and creeks have markers get "moved" because their shifting of channels. I think that you really need to understand your local conditions before you rely on a mark being where the chart says it is (or where it should be).
Have the capability and lots of point set in the GPS but NEVER use it except in ocean waters. the bay requires course changes all the time and you can almost never go directly to the waypoint due to wind/current/traffic/depth. we decide where we want to end up for the night and then start. Get Bardi going in the general direction and set the AP on wind vane mode. Monitor and adjust course as needed to get to where we want.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,139
During Commercial crab season I'll have a friend helm the boat with plan to follow the laid out waypoints. That gives me a chance to trim sales and watch for pots laid in the channel.
Last year heading home to the marina in the twilight I had the binoculars out trying to pick up the pot floats against the shore lights, when a 50 ft cabin cruiser came up behind us and passed us. We altered course to follow I his wake. Looked like he had a gps course laid in and was not to concerned with crab pots. I let him plow the way to the outer channel marker. Not a crab pot in sight. Guess the stink potters can be useful at times using their autopilot.
Last year heading home to the marina in the twilight I had the binoculars out trying to pick up the pot floats against the shore lights, when a 50 ft cabin cruiser came up behind us and passed us. We altered course to follow I his wake. Looked like he had a gps course laid in and was not to concerned with crab pots. I let him plow the way to the outer channel marker. Not a crab pot in sight. Guess the stink potters can be useful at times using their autopilot.
My 6 year old Navico chartplotter has died on me three times (four if you count the one that came out of the box non-functional). My older (14 y.o.) Raymarine AutoHelm has never failed. So I keep them separate, set my go-to's,and manage my course via AutoHelm with a helmsman at watch. I am no fan of Raymarine plotters but their Auto/Wind/Tri have been very reliable.
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