The price of a good wind vane and a Tiller pilot are (Unless you received a deal you aren't willing to tell us) is thousands less then the NKE system. One web report put the price at over 11k lbs with bells and whistles. But I'm not disagreeing with your comment on a good self steering setup is esssential. And you choose the AP, we all make choices.

I'm am curious; what your boat cruises at? The waterline length doesn't put it at an Ocean 60! What were your 24 hour days?

Ciao