Drilling gudgeons for rudder pin bushings

I have old style gudgeons (1985) and need to drill them to 7/16 to accept the bushings.

What is the best style bit to use for the job? I have a a regular 7/16 bit, apparently it's not going to work.

Reamer of some sort maybe?

_________________
85 Hobie 14 "mello yello"

On second thought...why not make slightly larger diameter rudder pins? Should have the same effect.

I installed the H20 style connectors and I'm trying to eliminate as much slop as possible before I re-drill my old EPO's (this is for my 14, I need a tad bit more forward rake).

_________________
85 Hobie 14 "mello yello"

If these are the stainless steel gudgeons, there is no drilling them without special equipment - clamps, a press, ultra-hard bits, and a cooling/lubricant spray. They are really hard.

Slightly oversize pins would work, but you've created another problem - now you need special bushings for the castings.

If you're really determined to eliminate the slop, use the die-cast aluminum gudgeons. Drill them to accommodate bushings.

I thought the Hobie bushings fit in the rudder casting instead of in the SS gudgeons.

You could also consider using SS rudder pins, since they will not wear thinner like aluminum or plastic.

The following video: Service Your Hobie Rudders by Joseph Bennett shows how to install the bushings into the aluminum rudder castings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jfn8f93XiQ

The section that shows how to install the bushings starts at the 5:00 minute point.

_________________
Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL