Autopilot for an R-23?

[Champ]

We will be using this boat 95% of the time on the Hudson River. River can get crowded. Have to pay attention out there. Does it pay to get the autopilot option? No cruising the wide open seas. Expensive option if it can't get used. Thanks.

 

[stwendl]

I look at an auto pilot like a third hand detached from me. While never leaving it unattended as it should be, it allows to attend to chores neding your attention at less challenging times. Wind and WA Es can cause your boat to drift and the auto prevents this. I consider it a safety feature rather than a luxury item. You can always go slow but be on course with it.

 

[Scuffy]

For me I don't think I would have a boat without an auto pilot. I like them especially at 8 mph or even slower displacement speeds. It lets you keep a better eye out for floating objects in the water and other boat traffic. I myself do not use it to follow waypoints but more as a point and shoot type device. Usually if I'm following a straight course it's on and just engage or disengage with the remote control. They are especially nice when you encounter a sea bouncing off the front or rear quarter which calls a lot of steering adjustments. It can steer straighter than I can. I think we can travel further and arrive more relaxed using an autopilot. JMHO

 

[Irish Mist]

I agree the heading hold allows you to be more focused on your surroundings .. Great too if you need to take a nap.. Just kidding 🙂 .. I had never had it on other boats but now would never be with out it ..

 

[knotflying]

I like the fact that if the sun is beating down on me from starboard I can sit port and use the remote to steer.