Todd320
Well-Known Member
- Jul 21, 2016
- 1,508
- Boat Info
- 2007 Sea Ray 320DA
- Engines
- Twin V-drive 5.7L 350 Horizon
I don’t have auto pilot, but at some point the boat I own will. In several conversations with people, they have mentioned just setting the course and then walking away from the helm. One was a captain that mentioned he would drive 3 miles off the coast of Tampa, then turn towards Key West, and go to sleep! Then wake up near key west (trawler speed). To me, this seems insane. Does everyone that uses auto pilot for open water cruises just set it and forget it, or do most set it, then watch it, albeit not as intently as you would in a typical situation? I’m sure the boats he had included an alarm system connected to radar to detect objects in the path, but still.