We are very often running on autopilot and the AP will not swing the
boat fast enough to make this kind of course correction.


Dave wrote:
I also often run on autopilot, but don't generally have a problem making a
substantial course change fairly quickly to avoid another vessel.

While our tugboat has a large rudder for a powerboat, it's still
smaller than a sailboat rudder. Meanwhile we are also going faster
than most sailboats ....although not by much....


.... It's all
relative, of course. If you wait until the moment before collision, then
yes, the autopilot isn't going to do the trick. But the give way vessel
shouldn't often have that problem.

Agreed.

.... It should change course in plenty of
time, and with a sufficient change, so there will be no mistake about its
intentions.

Therein lies the rub. Our autopilot won't put the helm over fast
enough for a dramatic alteration of course, one that the other skipper
can't help but notice.

... And yes, sometimes you may even decide to disconnect the
autopilot if things are going to get sticky. I often do that if I'm in an
area where there isn't room to make a big course change early.

Our autopilot's only control is a wired remote. My policy is that when
AP is engaged, the helmsperson must hold the remote in his/her hand at
all times. Not much of a hardship since the cord is long enough to
reach anywhere in reason, but we can make helm corrections or cut out
the AP instantly if needed... for example, when an upbound towboat
captain pushing a 6x8 has just told us to pass on two whistles. Even
here on the lazy inland rivers, you have to keep on your toes!

Fresh Breezes- Doug King