The 1980 S2 8.0B we bought this season did not have the proper SS hardware in the fitting that holds the tiller at the top of the rudder post (not certain what we're calling this particular bit of hardware). The SS pivot bolt holding the tiller assembly to this fitting is correct. Forward of this pivot point, however, are two 1/2-13 threaded holes (one on each side) that, when the correct bolt/screw is in place, act to hold the tiller assembly centered in the fitting, or, when loosened, allow the tiller to be raised from its sailing position.
On our 8.0B, the hardware in these threaded holes are 1/2-13 x 1" hex head bolts (not stainless), which, at this point, are quite rusted. The S2 8.5 that docked next to us this season looked to have the same tiller assembly/fitting as ours -- in their case, it appears that some sort of phillips head machine screw is in this forward threaded hole.
I suspect I can find an equivalent SS 1/2-13 x 1" hex head bolt at a local hardware supplier to fit in our tiller fitting, but I'm curious about what was happening on the 8.5. Is that a 1/2-13 machine screw (oval/flat head) ? If it is, where does one find such a thing ?
Once I get this solved, I'll be on to replacing the zincs on the Honda saildrive lower unit...
On our 8.0B, the hardware in these threaded holes are 1/2-13 x 1" hex head bolts (not stainless), which, at this point, are quite rusted. The S2 8.5 that docked next to us this season looked to have the same tiller assembly/fitting as ours -- in their case, it appears that some sort of phillips head machine screw is in this forward threaded hole.
I suspect I can find an equivalent SS 1/2-13 x 1" hex head bolt at a local hardware supplier to fit in our tiller fitting, but I'm curious about what was happening on the 8.5. Is that a 1/2-13 machine screw (oval/flat head) ? If it is, where does one find such a thing ?
Once I get this solved, I'll be on to replacing the zincs on the Honda saildrive lower unit...