For 20 days we averaged 165 mpd. That's decent, but nothing special. But we did have 3 days over 200nm and a couple more over 190nm. More importantly we had a lot of hours surfing over 10 knots and a max speed of 14.6. Those are the times when you want the best self-steering you can get. Even the good daily averages arent the issue, its the short bursts of acceleration that are tough for marginal steering devices, but I didn't by this boat to have to throttle back when the going was good. I bought it to make miles under sail. In rough weather and in light weather. We are just getting started with this boat though so I expect we will see higher numbers at times in the future.

Sisterships have seen over 20 knots in the Great Lakes!

The vanes that I've considered and would work best on our boat are over $5k. Hydrovane and a version of a Wind Pilot. Not everybody needs that type of vane, so sure some people can go with a less expensive option. Which is really the point of this discussion. Self-steering is boat and skipper specific. There is no one approach that works for everyone and no broad brush right answer.

Our previous boat was a Valiant 32. I loved that boat, but it was painfully slow. I promised myself our next boat would get up and move or I wouldn't bother with cruising again. So far I'm delighted with that decision. My enjoyment meter is highly influenced by fun sailing and for me faster is funner. Shearwater is basically the fastest boat that fit our budget and could cross oceans comfortably. Not for everyone, I understand.