Stripped rudder mount holes

[Clueless1]

Hey all!

I need the best fix for bolt holes stripped on the mounting bracket for rudder and prop shaft? Please help so I can get out and play soon!

Thanks!

[LarrysDrifter]

You mean the holes in the transom?

[pescador]

I would cut an access opening on the inside of the transom and put nuts on the bolts or tap them out for bigger bolts. I'm pretty sure there are metal backing plates inside that have stripped out.
Use some silicone when you reinstall the bolts and tape up the access hole you made.
Basically the same thing you do when you replace the mounting plate for the turnfin.

[Clueless1]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'll go ahead and cut the transom if that's the only cure. I was kinda suprised this hasn't been adrressed in the forum? This is my first boat and first attempt at making any type of repair so it's all new to me! Is using a dremel the easiest way to cut open?

[LarrysDrifter]

I'd use a sawzall...jk. Yes, a dremel will do.

[egneg]

I would try re-tapping for a larger bolt first unless there is damage. The only reason for cutting open the hull for the turn fin was to reinforce the area - not because of stripped bolts.

[ray schrauwen]

That plate can fall loose and then you have nothing for bolts to bite on.

[longballlumber]

I would try re-tapping for a larger bolt first unless there is damage. The only reason for cutting open the hull for the turn fin was to reinforce the area - not because of stripped bolts.

I would agree with egneg here. I would try and retap before cutting into the hull. I would also reccommend a bottoming tap type to ensure you are cutting full threads before running into the hull. You will need to check, but I THINK you can drill and retap using 8-32 threads. If that is too small you will need to go up to 10-32, but I am guessing that you will need to open the thru holes on the brackets if you go that big.

Later,
Mike

[Clueless1]

I appreciate all the feed back! actually I have just one screw stripped on the mount that holds the prop shaft. I thought about removing and applying some sort of lock tight and screwing back in hoping that might hold but then i don't believe Iwould be able to adjust prop angle due to not neing able to unscrew. I like the idea of re-tapping to a larger screw with the recommedation from Mike of an 8-32 thread. I haven't checked yet but do ya'll know the size thread on it now?

[longballlumber]

I am going to guess it's 4mm

Later,
Mike

[Clueless1]

Mike,
I'm curious as to why go from 4mm to 6mm bolt rather than a 5mm?

Thanks,
Todd

[longballlumber]

I am not sure I understand your last question, 8-23 and 10-32 are inch callouts...

[Clueless1]

The name speaks for itself... I wasn't very good in math! any recomendations on where to buy online where I also can get prop balancer,temp gun and new props? I thought all of this was in the mail but my order was never processed so i need to re-purchase today.

[Doby]

OSE..right here.

[Clueless1]

I know but they are closed today thru the 6th because of the NAMBA Nationals going on in Florida. Anywhere else?