Betty Lou has an Alpha Marine below deck autopilot, installed by the p.o. I love this pilot! Absolutely trouble-free, and very low power usage. Many circumnavigators swear by them for their reliability, simplicity, and good steering, even in following seas.
These are not fancy, they can't interface with your chart plotter, etc. But it is reliable to a fault. I have a wired remote for mine that lets me hand steer from under the dodger. Yes, there is a pin that engages and disengages the pilot, but it is actuated with a cable led to the autopilot recess and is not a problem. One quick push of the handle to disengage the pilot
I have used it extensively off the Oregon/Washington coast in large seas and it always handles the conditions.
I've not had to use the tech support or repair services, but have heard the company's service is excellent.
Here's a link:
http://www.alphamarinesystems.com/Later --