I have a ~1990 Alpha Spectra autopilot which has performed beautifully. For our last major cruise I added a Monitor wind vane as backup but we hardly used it. For the next cruise I have decided to ditch the Monitor and carry a backup autopilot. My initial thought was to get a simple wheel pilot like the Ray Smart Pilot that could be quickly changed over should the Alpha fail. But rather than put $ into that less robust system, I think it makes more sense simply to carry spares for my existing system. They're pricey though, for example a new Alpha drive unit alone costs more than the entire Smart Pilot.

A friend who recently circumnavigated said there are all kinds of 'used' Alpha systems and parts around that people didn't use or like for one reason or another. I've searched the usual consignment shops and haven't seen much. Curious if other folks have seen this or know of any places to look.

I could just get an entire new Alpha Spectra system, and save my existing one as backup, but it's a lot of boat units to spend when the existing system may well work just fine for another decade. Yet I hesitate to cross an ocean without a backup autopilot, it's a key system.

Thanks,
Max