Problem with rudder cam

Hey

I had to replace the cams on my hobie rudder.

I purchased a new cam replacement kit from my local hobie shop and drilled out the old ones (it was a pop rivit style, ie shaft with both ends opened out)

For one of my rudders i have a problem. The hole in the aluminium casting that holds the cam is larger than the replacement screw. I did not drill it larger and think a previous owner enlarged it (it is a 30 yr old boat).

Could i put stainless steel washers between the ends? Obviously the screws are not designed for this. I get about half of the thread going in. I sort of "counter-sunk" the washer, sort of bending it into a cone shape and this got me more thread.

Is this a bad way to go?

Has anybody came across this problem before.... and maybe have another solution that is short of replacing the entire casting

Cheers

Brian Gates
Perth
Western Australia

(It is 28 deg C outside with good winds, it is annoying i cant be on the water!)

i might look around for a good used lower casting. they are plentiful here in the states.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

You may be able to get a small weld done and re-drill.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

thanks for responding


I will follow up getting an aluminium weld job done.

Thanks for the offer but i am pretty sure its expensive to ship parts international. Perth has a few hobies, i will keep an eye out for second hand parts anyway. If the weld costs too much i will resort to replacing casting.

For the record my solution(putting washers in) does not work. Well it gets complicated, the washers catch on the upper castings(so would need to make room, cut grooves etc).

As the cams are made for the width of the casting the washers would add width so would need a longer screw. It could be done but i feel i may create other problems if i pursue it.

thanks again

If you have not welded yet, I could donate a casting.

John McBride
Cell 850-570-3467