[markw4321]

http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=28558.0

Link is forum disucussion on a 2320 parker pilothouse that was apparently "run over" by another sportfishing boat that was on autopilot.

The guy in the parker boat was in the stern area fishing or he would have likely been killed.

Good read with a safety message.

Mark

 

[Kenton]

Im getting a bad link.

 

[MrFish]

Link doesn't work.

 

[markw4321]

Try it now. In some of the pictures you can see the "scuff marks' where the props of the Albemarle boat hit the starboard side of the parker as it went up and over the parker boat.

 

[Kenton]

I love AP, but damn it can be dangerous. Not only do people get lazy and leave the helm, but if they do get into a last minute panic situation when they are about to hit something, they forget to take AP off and they cannot steer out of the way. Resulting in events like this.

 

[PaulBoydenCustoms]

WOW, lucky guy

 

[ABailey]

I dislike auto pilot unless I'm trolling. Could just be the way ours is set up, its on a welcraft 290 coastal, and at time when running ap at speed, it will loose control and turn hard to starboard. It has thrown me from the helm before.

 

[Burnt Drag]

Two sportfishing boats have hit oil platforms in the Gulf both causing injuries and extensive damage to the boats. Helluva way to wake up.

 

[dockmaster]

reeading the whole original thread, I dont see an official statement about AP. The AP idea comes from a poster as an opinion. Still obviously no lookout, on either boat. Not the first and not the last.....dont rely that the other vessel sees you! Parkers are great built boats!!

Billd

 

[markw4321]

reeading the whole original thread, I dont see an official statement about AP. The AP idea comes from a poster as an opinion. Still obviously no lookout, on either boat. Not the first and not the last.....dont rely that the other vessel sees you! Parkers are great built boats!!

Billd

Concur. blaming it on AP is an assumption.

 

[Breeze]

I used to use auto pilot on my sailboat quite a bit, always stayed topside though, unless I went down to the galley to get a quick cup of coffee. Either way, I tried to always keep an eye out ahead of me. Course I was only usually running bout 5 or 6 knots at the time.. after all, it was a sailboat...

 

[karma]

Auto Pilot is designed to ease fatigue and save money of constantly adjusting while cruising typically long trips..

I am never at ease when on a boat and I know they are using Auto Pilot.. Especially at night.. When you are in a couple ton vessel heading out at night to rips or whatever.. You gotta pay attention! Even if I am not driving I dont rely on them to save my life! haha.. I constantly scan the horizon! :thumbsup:

Some of things I have witnessed floating in the gulf would have anyone wise up real quick! Big steel drums floating, trees floating, etc.. you name it and it could very well be out there and potentially barely show on radar! Better safe then sorry.. Constantly be on the look out as a captain and have at least on co-pilot doing the same!

Thanks for sharing the article!