I think it's just the original Sovereign that some parts are not available for anymore. For sure at least the Elite and GT have no issues with getting a repair if needed. Far as the Excals go, I think they are all still able to be repaired and not just the new ones. I think the original Excals were based on the XS Sovereign but the newer ones are based on either the Elite or the GT I think, which are both pretty much the same machine except some say the GT is a bit deeper than all prior Sovereigns and even than the Elite, while the Elite is said to also be deeper than all prior models by some. Obviously the current model being made is the GT. All the older Sovereigns are still outstandingly deep machines. Some say the Sovereigns are the deepest machines on the market. Any of them.
Anyway, if you search this forum, the beach forum, and the Sovereign forum, for words like "waterproof" or "waterproofing" you'll find MANY threads on various ways people have waterproofed them. Some just stick the control box in a water proof box, and others use a waterproof marine bag, while yet others take the guts of the Sovereign and install it in a waterproof box AND have the controls adjustable on external waterproof knobs. In fact, one guy put his in a flat clear box with the controls sticking out the top. Very slick setup, as the box was also clear so you could monitor it for any leakage and it just looked neat to see the electronics through the box like that. So, as said, many threads on this in all three forums. Try spacing the words out when searching too...like "water proof" and "water proofing", as well as together like "waterproof" or "waterproofing". Of course in the Sovereign forum that's all you have to search for, but in this mods forum or the beach forum stick the word "sovereign" in there as well so you find those specific threads relating to it. Put comas between all the key words you are looking for any select "ALL WORDS" in the search engine, and set the date to ANY DATE. You'll find a ton.
Used Sovereigns, any of the models, are hard to find used. That says a lot, because people hang on to them once they learn them. VERY deep machines, and with some very good ability to pull coin signals out of iron thanks to it's unique Iron Mask abilities. Like I said, some swear any of the models are the deepest machines they ever used, but the Elite is said to be a tad deeper, and the GT still yet even a bit more deeper.
One of the big perks to the Sovereign is the control box is designed to chest mount easily. That's why the coils all have extra long cables, even the aftermarket ones. So you can go easily wade like belly button deep with your Sovereign.
I always thought if I wanted a waterproof machine I'd just get a hold of a Sovereign control box used alone, as I already have the stock coil which I never use as the 12x10 is my land coil. The stock 10" Tornado stays on my water rig shaft (stock shaft) so it's ready for action to go water hunting by just throwing the control box in my chest bag. Anyway, get a used control box for say $50 if you can find one and then install it into a waterproof box permanetly, but many guys just use their regular control box, set the controls, and then put it in a waterproof box or marine bag. That way they can take it out and put it back on their land shaft and go land hunting too.
Used Sovereigns also seem to hold very good resale value when you can find one used. Many of them out there having been made for years, but very hard to find used. That should tell you something. Even if guys buy other machines many still keep the Sovereign. For instance, they might work an area with a fast machine, but then they'll come back with the Sovereign to get the deeper stuff and stuff hiding in iron and such.
Paul did a great job on that, the pics don't do it justice.