I understandthe money thing,i am on social security only and if I had to buy a steering system now could not afford the TR1 Gold,I purchased one when I still had an income and then it was a stretch but that is by far the best investment I have ever made in fishing,that just changed everything,no worry about steering ever,and it works exactly like it should all the time,set it and forget it is true with that.sometimes you can find a used one on ebay or raigs,can search google for one,I would not have a problem buying a used one after having mine since they came out and not having even a small problem with it,the best thing is I go out alone at times and it is better than having a steering guy,you have the control right there in the back of the boat for any changes and I also have my fish finder in the back so I am always facing the back,all I can say is if you could find anyway to swing it you would never ever be sorry,it made my fishing -and I am disabled and in pain all the time just so much more fun,those Guys at Garman should be given praise for the TR1 Gold system,I wish you luck and regardless of what you do have fun.