Transom Hardware

[CBG]

Problem: I have a Hunter 22. The bolts which hold the top gudgeon to the transom have stripped out. More accurately, the holes have stripped.Question: How do I reanchor the bolts properly to support the rudder? Are there bushings? Do I fill it in with epoxy and reanchor the bolts? Is there some way to attach it through the transom? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Wanderer138]

Is the gudgeon through-bolted on the transom?

On my H23, the pintles are through-bolted to the transom. Get some stainless steel bolts that will go all the way through the transom. If water is in the wood core (dark color and possibly soft) dry it out as best you can. A blow-dryer works but you have to be very patient.Overdrill the existing holes, tape securely on the inside and fill from the outside with West System or Epiglass epoxy the consistency of cooking oil or pancake syrup. You may have to mix several batches because the wood will absorb the epoxy. Once the epoxy has cured properly (give it at least 24 hr), drill the holes to the diameter you need, thread the bolts, use sealant liberally with masking tape on the outside to prevent overruns, add the nuts and you're there. Good luck.PeterH23 "Raven"

 

[Matt Borders]

I have had problems with my rudder system

I had a problem with my lower gludgeon coming loose. I think that an easy solution to your problem would be to remove the current bolt and see if a bigger bolt would fit in the holes. If that will not work epoxy and re-do the bolt holes. When you put the new bolts in, use a piece of wood on the inside of the hull, where the bolts come through, and then attach the washer and nut to the bolt. Tighten the bolt down. The wood will spread the force out more evenly through out the transom and give it more support.One more thing that I would strongly recommend would be to use lock washers and lock nuts. The nuts came loose off of my bottom gludgeon because of force that is applied to the area. I have fixed that with the lock washers and lock nuts