Autopilot advantages for workboats

摘要

It is surprising how few workboats fit an autopilot, writes Dag Pike. A quick survey suggests that very few do, based probably on tradition, but also on the belief that autopilots are only used for long passages. Fishing boats are an exception, probably because they will often have a long steam out to the fishing grounds, but also because the autopilot can be useful when laying or hauling gear. Pilot boats tend to run short trips so the feeling is that an autopilot is not required and the same goes for most harbour craft. Patrol boats could be engaged on longer passages, but then they are not usually short on crew, so there is always someone there to steer. Throughout the industry, the tradition is that the helmsman steers the boat and there is little need for an autopilot.