The major change in AP's over the past 10 years has been incorporation of multi-axis rate gyros, faster computational power, evolved software algorithms and inputs for true wind, high frequency compasses and GPS's. These units are computing and adjusting 10-50 times per second and have incredible predictive abilities. Unless you are in the top of the racing helmsmen with a laser-focused mind, these pilots steer better than any human. NKE, B&G, new Simrad are of this type (these are examples - I'm not purposefully leaving anyone out).

Earlier than this, there were very solid and reliable AP's that steered better than most humans in most conditions, but had problems with large yawing seas and did not have some of the integration features that newer ones have. Most of them still steered more precisely than windvanes. Alpha and WH are of this type (again, just examples). They still exist and work just fine. Most others have evolved toward the above category with more or less performance and success.

I have no idea if Alpha are cruising owners - I simply suggested the possibility because several good companies are run by cruising sailors who give excellent support on good products, but do not have staffed customer service centers and are sometimes slower with response. KISS, IslandtimePC, FourWinds, Brookhouse, and several more are of this type. I certainly wouldn't discount these vendors because they misplaced an email or were a bit slow on response. Even with the big companies, you may get fast responses from sales and marketing, but slow service response.

I'm not defending Alpha in any way. They would not be my choice for an autopilot by a long shot.

A good autopilot system of the first category above will cost around $4,000. Higher end ones will be double that. AP's in the second category will be a bit less. I don't know what windvanes cost, but suspect they are in that ballpark.

There are AP's that should be considered a "toy" (well, at least should not be considered for any open water or long term work). Wheelpilots and tillerpilots are made solely for smaller boats in benign conditions. Installing one on a larger boat is OK for occasionally motoring in calms, but one should not be relying on it as a backup autopilot. The manufacturers of these units say this.

As far as I know, Macs do not have internal compasses or gyros. Maybe the newest ones do? Our Mac's can control our AP, as can our PC's. In fact, when making longer trips, this is the normal mode for us since we use our computers as chartplotters. This ability has also existed for many years, and is even easier now.

Autopilots are component systems. The computers simply take data input from whatever sources. Ours will take gps input from computers, chartplotters, direct from the gps receiver, and even from our handheld vhf which has a built in gps (I simply place it in its charging cradle, and all gps and navigation data on it is available for any other instrument on board to use).

I don't agree that cruisers have an over-reliance on electronics. Will most of us be burdened if we loose them? Of course. But that is the same for everything through the ages. What if you lost your chronometer while navigating with a sextant? True old-timers of the day were lamenting the whippersnapper's reliance on fancy timekeepers and who could no longer read the wave patterns and direction of bird poop.

It is interesting to debate AP quality, performance, robustness and availability here. All those arguing against them seem to have never actually used them, while many of those pointing out facts and correcting misinformation about AP's have had, or still have, both systems. Armchair cruising at its best!

Mark