Seastar vs. hynautic k6 hydraulic steering

[kaptainkoz]

Question for the older pros as hynautic is no longer around but still available. Is there any advantage to the seastar steering system over the simple hynautic k6 model? The k6 is so sleek and simple while the seastar has so much going on and moving around. I figure there has to be a reason why they would have a complicated system like the seastar. Does the hynautic k6 have a throw limitation that the seastar system corrects or is there no advantage?

I am interested in the k6 but I have to question why such a simple design is fazed out over the popular sea stars mish mash of rods and movement. Please advise. Thank you!!!

[SaltH2OHokie]

I know nothing except that they were purchased and are now both under the "Seastar/Teleflex" brand, so maybe to get some more of the market by focusing on their dominant brand and phasing out their weaker one?

That could be way off as to why Hynautic is no longer, but they are definitely owned by the same people now.

[seabob4]

Steve, keep in mind, when Teleflex developed the Seastar helm and cylinder, Hynautic was their direct competitor.  Teleflex most likely felt that the Seastar system was a better way to skin the cat.

FF several years, Teleflex buys Hynautic.  Now you've got 2 systems under the same roof...and one of them has to go.  It certainly isn't going to be the Seastar system, that would be admitting that the Hynautic system was/is superior to their own.  So Hynautic gets phased out, while at the same time Teleflex tries to improve the Seastar system at the most common failure points...end gland seals on the cylinder, helm seals, helm check valves.

If you have a good working order K6 system, do some research to find out what the most common issues are with it, and buy 2 or 3 repair kits for if/when problems arise.  Sooner or later (probably sooner), Hynautic parts simply aren't going to be available any more...

[GoneFission]

Aside from Hynautic parts no longer being available, the two systems are like apples and oranges.  Very different designs, but some common features.  The Hynautic looks simpler, but is a pressure system with pressure on the lines at all times.  The Teleflex SeaStar has a double acting piston setup that is only pressurized when the helm pump is turned.  I have had both (and still do) and find both work fine when installed correctly.  Teleflex SeaStar won the hydraulic steering war, so I would vote for them in a new installation or rebuild due to the availability of parts, options, etc.  But I would not change over an existing Hynautic system that was working fine.  Nothing wrong with the Hynautic IMHO.  

[kaptainkoz]

Thank you everyone. I definitely like the hynautic k6 so I'll probably end up hunting one down and a few rebuild kits. Such a nice simple look.

[daniel123]

I'm going to install a BayStar system this summer. What is the steering rig I likely have on my stock 1998 Osprey 200 and will be removing?

[seabob4]

I'm going to install a BayStar system this summer. What is the steering rig I likely have on my stock 1998 Osprey 200 and will be removing?

Most likely a Teleflex Safe-T cable helm, but also could be a Teleflex NFB unit (No Feedback)...