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Hey there - Thanks for the kind note.

Even myself I will admit that the early model BayStar helms did not have the best front cover, they were produced with cost in mind and the composite front cover did not hold up that well, sometimes a seal kit would work and sometimes not (I sent out a lot of these seal kits just to have customers try before they purchased a new one). When the tooling came time for replacement we made a decision to move it into the same style as the SeaStar front Cover (cosmetically a little different, but same in all areas)

as for maintenance. This wasn't spelled out as clear as it could have been in the early manuals, however we have (well, me, because I write the manuals) have tried very hard with current books to really out line not only what to do, but how often to do it. all current manuals have this expanded maintenance details. I will check our web page and make sure that they are up to date, and if not, they will be in just a few days..

I stand behind you. Hydraulic is nice, no doubt about that, but on a 15' it is no doubt overkill considering the cables should work just fine..

as always, if you have any questions please feel free to ask...

cheers,

Marc