the screw frigate finally left new york for sea trials on 7 february 1868. on 11 february, she commenced speed tests, running flat-out in rough weather from barnegat light, new jersey, to tybee island, georgia. she covered the distance of 633 nautical miles (1,172 km) in 38 hours for an average sustained speed of 16.6 knots (31 km/h), at one point making 17.75 knots (33 km/h). however, the validity of these trials have been called into question: all speeds were recorded out of sight of land, making their measurement less accurate, and may have been assisted by offshore currents. this record for a united states navy vessel stood for 21 years until it was broken by , though achieved 18.6 knots on her trial a decade later. however, the wooden gear wheels used in the ship's unique geared engine wore down by 5/8 of an inch during the first voyage alone.