Is Autopilot Necessary In PNW?

[ranger58sb]

We were out trolling yesterday... with our AP controller out for repair... and I can say hand steering for 6 hours at 3 kts is a PITA.

-Chris

 

[Steve1.0]

Along the Fl. east coast, situational awareness is vital. There are guys fishing in kayaks 2 miles offshore, sea-turtles and the occasional partially submerged (poorly marked) dredge pipe. None of which show up on radar or AIS. IMHO a properly functioning AP (in heading hold) will steer right to whatever obstacle is just over the horizon. ;-)
As mentioned above, in fog or blinding rain you can't beat it.