Common problem
Unfortunately this is a common problem. The bolts are stainless and the pedestal is aluminum, which leads to seizing or galling. There are many messages re: this in the archives. While there is no easy solution, this is what worked for me. I cut off the old compass binnacle just above its base (used a Dremel tool and cut all the way around). That allowed me to get vice grips onto the bolt heads. Soaked the bolts with liquid wrench, let 'em sit, and got two out with much effort and cussing. Two of the bolt heads twisted off. Fortunately, this allowed removal of the part of the pedestal containing the shift mechanism which left a lot of bolt (without the head) sticking up. Got vice grips onto that part and finally got them all out. Then, I replaced the compass binnacle with a new one ordered from Ritchie (expensive, but looks nice and was easy to order from the company). Edson sells replacement bolts which are coated to prevent the kind of seizing you described, but I also coated the new bolts with anti-seize compound. Hope this helps a little. It's a lot of work, but can be done. Gary Kunkel Catalina 30 Folie a Deux
