235 gudgeon removal

Jun 8, 2014
28
Hunter 23.5 Lake MaBride
I need to remove both gudgeons on the transom of my boat. They're attached with two large Philips screws. Anyone know if I can just back them out?
 
Feb 21, 2013
4,638
Hunter 46 Point Richmond, CA
Spray the screw with rust penetrant (Liquid Wrench and PB Blaster are two really good brands). Let the penetrant work for at least 15 minutes. Then spray it again and tap the screw head dead-on several times with a hammer. Then try the screwdriver again. Additional techniques are discussed in the link below.

 
Jun 8, 2004
10,531
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Simple on the 23.5. Look from the rear berth using a flashlight at the inside of the transom. You should see bolts coming thru. Wood screws were never used, only bolts. If you see backing plates with nuts on the bolts, that is one option. If you only see bolts sticking thru that means they are held in place by encapsulated aluminum plates sandwitched between the layers of fiberglass.

Why do you want to take them off ?
Please advise what you have before going further.
Very much involved with the design, introduced the boat and as a dealer sold nearly 20-25 % of the production line as a dealer
 
Last edited:
Jun 8, 2014
28
Hunter 23.5 Lake MaBride
Dave,
The reason I'd like to remove the gudgeons is I had a mishap a month ago where the boat slide off the trailer onto the ramp. It bent the gudgeons. I've straightened them somewhat and been using it, but I'd like to do a better job, which would require removing them.
 

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Jun 8, 2004
10,531
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Spoke with poster advising what to look for on how to remove bolts. Further for safety to remove and replace gudgeons as they are stainless steel and bending back into position will degrade the strength of the stainless steel