Back-up Autopilot Ideas

I have a Simrad Robertson HLD2000 autopilot in my Whitby 42 that is operating flawlessly. I have cable and quadrant steering so the hydraulic cylinder attaches directly to the quadrant. It seems like a good fit for the boat and a solid installation. I would like to have a backup system in the event of a failure of this unit and am not ready to spring for a windvane. Has anyone installed a simple above deck wheel pilot type system like the Autohelm 3000 on a Whitby with cable steering?

Thanks in advance.

Bill Weigel
sv Alembic

Hi Bill

The only above deck pilot that will steer a Whitby 42 is the CPT Autopilot . Even with this unit I have heard of belt slippage problems. The Autohelm 3000 is no longer in production AFAIK.. I have given the backup AP some thought especially on my recent long trip. Our conclusion (the owner and I) was to take a spare pump and know how to to change it out. Modern AP are pretty reliable and short of an electrical spike should perform as advertised. Unless you are planning a Transatlantic I would hold off on the purchase.