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Wayne.B
 
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On 14 Mar 2005 22:13:35 -0800, wrote:

The skipper, sitting on the foredeck, was probably meeting the minimum
definition of keeping watch while underway. Remote controls for
autopilots are common, and remotes for throttles and shifters are
becoming so as well.


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I agree but the foredeck is not the ideal place to observe the track
of the boat, and it would take more than a few seconds to scramble
back to the helm in an emergency. I doubt that this particular boat
had full fly-by-wire controls but I know there are some very
sophisticated systems available nowadays. The most impressive I've
seen so far was on a LARGE boatyard travel lift. It was totally
operated by one guy on the ground with a remote control panel
suspended from shoulder straps. He said that they routinely haul and
launch large boats with just one person.