Replace My Autopilot?

[Roniszoro]

I have a Raymarine 6000 below deck autopilot. It has lots of miles on it, but it works fine. However, it is about 15 years old and I am contemplating a 1000 mile offshore, single-handed passage. I also have a wind vane and a tiller pilot that can be set up to steer the boat if needed.

So the question I have been asking myself is: Given the age and mileage of my Raymarine 6000 unit, should I replace it with a brand new unit given that I have a long ocean voyage planned despite the fact that is working OK?

Thank you for your thoughts/input.

[Orion Jim]

If a direct replacement ram is available I’d install the new ram and keep the existing unit as a functioning proven spare.

[Roniszoro]

I'd be replacing the ram with a new Linear 1 unit plus replacing the 6000 with a complete EV-200 unit, which is the correct model for my boat.

[pdx_sailing]

Current unit is working fine, just old?
You have wind vane and tiller pilot, so three options to steer? Seems like your good, but if you will sleep better knowing you have a new untested AP system for the trip then you should upgrade.

[Roniszoro]

Originally Posted by pdx_sailing

Current unit is working fine, just old?
You have wind vane and tiller pilot, so three options to steer? Seems like your good, but if you will sleep better knowing you have a new untested AP system for the trip then you should upgrade.

Most interesting input. Makes me think that if I get a new Raymarine EV-200, I should do so well before my departure so that I can have fully tested it.