[peterb]

Charman is a company based in Indiana that sells boat hydraulic parts, as well as fixes the units. Other people on classicseacraft have said good things about them. Here is my brief experience with them so far.

I took my 28 year old Hynautics helm pump to a local hydraulics shop. They opened it up and said that while the seals seemsed to be fine the casing for the seals was bad (like swiss cheese). My local boys said that they could machine a replacement part, but advised against it becuase of cost (up to $450). They told me to go buy another unit.

As a last ditch effort I reached out to Charman on the phone. The women who I spoke to said that they have all of the Hynautic parts, including the casing for the seals. As a comparison, she told me that this part would cost me $69 (verses the $450 above).

Net/net, she said that they will charge me a flat fee of $90 for labor, plus parts. If the project looks like it will be too costly she will tell me as such.

Also, she said that they should be able to complete the work wtihin several days after receiving the unit. I will let you know what happens. Stay tuned.