Dead reliable, very fast (you'll really appreciate it broad reaching or running in a gale) and very low amp draw. I love mine and have 10,000 miles on her without a bit of trouble. A friend, who recommended the Alpha 3000 to me, did a circumnavigation with one, and never had a problem with it. He had a Monitor Wind Vane as a back up, and in the whole trip he never had to put the paddle into the water even once. Plus the 3000 is cheaper than the competition. Another friend bought one and has done two trans-Atlantics with it and has had the same experience,