Our dock neighbor has a 47' Jeaneau with one that still doesn't work. They've just disabled it. It's locked in position with the bow thrusters on independant control.

(Our neeighbor also has a 50' motor yacht which has installed a wireless control so he can dock the boat without being at the helm. I asked: "What happens if it fails while your hi-ho [halfway in - halfway out]?" He said its "very reliable"........)

My theory is never automat anything critical unless you have to. AND never leave yourself in a situation where you can't back-out.

As for the accident on "French Kiss" -- WHY would they have set the dock & go before they were in the harbor on "final approach"?