Some Caribbean history, a podcast of note, and in the “just like a really bad movie” department…
As someone who keeps a weather eye out for the cost of self-steering gears, I find the current resale value of the Navik gear somewhat surprising.
Not that long ago, the average price of a Navik ranged from $250-$500 for a working gear. The other day I saw someone selling an incomplete Navik and, while the missing parts are available (in the Netherlands), would add another couple of hundred bucks to the mix.
Looking further around, it would seem that the current average price is more like $1000 for you to get your hands on one in good working condition. Which, in my opinion, is just nuts.
Still, the current demand and popularity of the Navik is something of a conundrum. I expect, it’s just scarcity. Or, maybe it’s just developed a huge fan base.
Anyway, my current advice is just go the DIY route and build your own. After all, it’s not rocket science.
My friend had a Navik on the back of his 21ft Mystic, in which he circumnavigated. Reliable and powerfull unit, and its small and light compared to an Aries. Using the trim tab on the servo blade meant everything could be smaller. Easily replicated.