Auto Pilot: Looking for input

[Doghouse]

This past weekend, we had one heck of a blow come through while heading back home. The admiral had to steer while I trimmed the sails. We were close hauled and the paddle wheel was saying 6.2 and SOG was 8.5! (27' Hunter) At that point I realized we should reef. It was a fantastic time, but what does that have to do with autopilot? Well the admiral hates to stand at an angle and is too short to brace her feet on the other side.

She has approved me researching the potential purchase of an autopilot.

So here are the needs as I see them.
1. Cheep
2. Only needs to hold a course, not necessary to do routes.
3. Cheep
4. Must fit a Lewmar pedestal
5. oh by the way did I mention cheep?

Is there other things I should look for? Avoid?

Thanks in advance for the input!