Device that initiates an autopilot goto for singlehanded man overboard?

[Alaris]

I have no idea what to search for either here or on google. The device I have imagined is like an ais beacon but also when activated the autopilot initiates a goto to the beacon. OR it just drops the MOB waypoint and initiates a goto to that point.

Does this exist? Should it?

Obviously a short tether and harness would negate the need but belt and suspenders.

B&G H5000 autopilot if it matters.

 

[El Borracho]

While sailing?

 

[Alaris]

While sailing?

Whenever the AP is on really. Maybe have it point head to wind while sailing in wind mode.

 

[DDW]

The Raymarine man overboard tags will do some of that. Sets a MOB waypoint, makes it the current go to, and puts the autopilot on standby. The NKE version also set the AP on head to wind I think. I have the Raymarine version. There are some third party devices that will shift the motor to neutral (mostly a powerboat thing that has power shift). I doubt it will make any difference in the outcome in the real world though, single handed.

In crowded waters I think the best tool is an AIS MOB beacon. Your best chance of rescue is either the crew remaining on the boat being immediately notified and having a way to find you, or lacking that other boats in the area. In remote waters the best thing is to practice doubling over and kissing your ass goodbye.

 

[Zonker]

I'd argue that a good waterproof VHF clipped to your body is maybe better at getting rescue to you on the Chesapeake. He's singlehanding.

 

[DDW]

The AIS MOB like the RescueMe MOB1 kinda does that. It gives an AIS target that will appear on everyone's MFD that drifts with you, and sends a mayday type DCS call that will alarm everybody within VHF range. Very small, can be wrapped up in your inflatable PFD without bulk. In crowded water, much better than a PLB in my opinion. Probably better than a VHF, which requires you calling boats you can no longer see, and describing to them your position which you do not know.

 

[solosailor]

AP remote around your neck and wear a harness. Unlikely you're be able to "catch" the boat even if the AP went head to wind.

 

[DDW]

Or, do what we used to do before harnesses, beacons, wireless AP, PLBs: don't fall off the boat. It's actually a pretty good strategy with the right mindset.

 

[slug zitski]

Yah

don’t fall over

set your boat up to prevent going over the side in the first place

I can’t believe how many , probably most , boats sail with out foredeck lifeline nets

these nets get used every day…preventing fenders, sun awning, sail bag, sails from going overboard and they will save your life by preventing you from slipping between the lifelines

 

[thinwater]

Yah

don’t fall over

set your boat up to prevent going over the side in the first place

I can’t believe how many , probably most , boats sail with out foredeck lifeline nets

these nets get used every day…preventing fenders, sun awning, sail bag, sails from going overboard and they will save your life by preventing you from slipping between the lifelines

View attachment 557806

 

[thinwater]

Or just stop the boat. Scaleable to fit any boat, sails up or motor.
(I was bored and decided to try something. Another test was performed at 12 knots with the chute up. Worked fine. the boat slows to 1-2 knots and you just pull yourself to it. The nylon rope is vital to a controlled stop. The floating line must be really long so that you can catch it and trigger the chute.)

Chute test

It is much simpler to stay on the boat. The tether is the suspenders--holding on is the belt.

 

[slug zitski]

Difficult to understand

in the ocean , sharks will strike anything behind the boat

a towable rescue sling, to retrieve a MOB , is very desirable

 

[Alaris]

Sounds like an AIS personal beacon and hoping the boat doesn’t hit anything is the best I can hope for.

 

[slug zitski]

When in the water, with a PFD, you can’t swim ..you just float around for a short time before hypothermia shuts you down

it’s even difficult to look to windward and not drink a lot of sea water

dont fall over …

 

[thinwater]

Difficult to understand

in the ocean , sharks will strike anything behind the boat

a towable rescue sling, to retrieve a MOB , is very desirable

Really, it was just for fun. All stuff I had in the basement.

A Lifesling is not very useful for a singlehander.

 

[Alaris]

A Lifesling is not very useful for a singlehander.

This is a key point. I’m mostly going to be singlehanding.

 

[slug zitski]

The only way a singlehander could miraculously survive is if he somehow got back to the boat and was able to deploy the swim ladder while in the water and climb aboard

make sure your swim ladder is up to the task
people die every year falling off the boat ..at anchor

 

[Alaris]

The only way a singlehander could miraculously survive is if he somehow got back to the boat and was able to deploy the swim ladder while in the water and climb aboard

make sure your swim ladder is up to the task
people die every year falling off the boat ..at anchor

View attachment 557815

My boat’s swim ladder is hung from the toe rail…

 

[slug zitski]

There is a reason why ladders must be designed correctly ….it’s the law

 

[Alaris]

There is a reason why ladders must be designed correctly ….it’s the law

View attachment 557819

And was that rule in place in 1983?