Replacing the leg tension assembly -- need some advice

I have a 2011 Hobie Getaway. The wings on this boat fold in by means of a telescoping metal tube that Hobie calls the "leg tension assembly". My port side leg tension assembly got bent, making it impossible to fold in the wings. So I ordered a new leg tension assembly from my local Hobie dealer and I recently attempted to replace the old part with the new one.

Unfortunately, the large phillips head bolt that connects the top of the leg tension assembly to the wing had so far proven to be too stubborn to remove via hand tools:



I'm going to head back to my boat soon with a powerdrill+phillips head bit and some WD40. Does anyone else have any suggestions for getting this bolt to cooperate?

If powertools won't work I'll have to file down two sides of this bolt and use a wrench to move it, but I would like to avoid that if possible.

Thanks! --Matt


Note to Hobie Cat Company:

Phillips head bolt = bad
Hex head bolt = good

Vise grips should work. Clamped to the screw head.

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

Once you get it out (since philips head looks OK-try an impact driver), replace with hex head or torx head. That spot makes a nice place for a cleat which is what I placed there using that hole.

_________________
R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II