Have more than 10,000 miles steered by wind vane. Only about 300 miles under autopilot. The vanes have steered without complaint or problem. Just recently got an autopilot and it hasn't been a great problem but did conk out once and required shipping it to Raymarine to get it functioning again. Look at an autopilot as a nice to have item that I can do without, if necessary. The windvane is indispensable, won't leave home without it.