Rudder cam

Just bought an '83 Hobie 16. Lot's 'o work to do to it. Just discovered the cam locks on both rudders are busted off. Looks like I can get a new rudder cam kit from mariner-sails.com for about $30.

Here is the link:
http://www.mariner-sails.com/partdetail.asp?id=24064

Question is, will this work for an '83? The instructions say i'll need to drill out the old hollow pin that holds the cam lock in place. Anyone have any experience with this job or generally know if this is the right direction to head in. Hard fix?

Thanks!
LP

That will work. and its not a hard job.

Be very, very careful when drilling out the old rivet. Don't be tempted to use a large bit (the size of the spread rivet head). You'll drill right through the aluminum shoulders of the castings - and create a gigantic headache.

What size drill bit would you recommend? Not exactly able to picture what you're cautioning about. The bit should be big enough to drill out the hollow pin holding the cam in place but not too big to basically enlarge the hole, is that what you mean?
Sorry, I'm a rookie with boat maintenance.

You don't need to drill the rivet out, per se - you only need to remove the flared head on one end, then drive the rivet out with a punch or a screwdriver.

The holes in the aluminum casting are not straight through - they're conical to accommodate the flared head of the rivet. If you drill them out (straight through), then there will be nothing to keep the sister screws (that replace the rivet) in place.

The rivet has a 1/4" nominal diameter. Start with a 15/64 bit and go from there.

LonePalm83 - This is an easy fix if you do as M.B. suggested. I replaced the rudder cams on my 1979 H16 a few years ago and I'm not mechanically inclined. I think you'll find that most H16 maintenance and repairs are relatively easy to do.

Oh, and make sure you use a sharp drill bit (cobalt or titanium) and a bit of oil as a cutting lubricant.

second on the very careful
stop often and look at your work a pair of needle nose pliers can grab and remove the pin after a little drilling
Any drilling on this needs to be a new drill bit as earlier advised by Hobie Matt
This is a good time to use a drill presss if you have one
If you do screw up the world will not end as this is a good time to get adjustable castings
Former hobie admiral Gary