Rudder gudgeon question . . .

I've started working on my HC 16 rudder fittings and was about to install new SS rudder pins when I noticed a lot of play between the rudder pins and both left and right, upper and lower gudgeons.

Before I order two of the new single piece die cast gudgeons, has anyone ever drilled out the original gudgeons so a nylon, bronze, etc. sleeve shim could be inserted? It looks like the gudgeon bearing tubes may be too thin walled to drill out for typical sleeves however.

Do the new gudgeons have replacable bearings?

Also, though considerably less, there is some play between the rudder pin and the castings. I was thinking of drilling one or two small holes in the casting, threading the holes, and installing some nylon or ss set screws; though this would make it harder to remove the rudders.
Comments . . . . ?

Thanks.

Don't put threads in your rudder castings. The small size of the set screw threads will just cause them to rip out. the cast material just isn't strong enough. Look through the hobie catalog for rudder tuning stuff. There are all kinds of bushings and spacers you can get.

_________________
Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO