Hey Bill, when I redid my centerboard, I had 2bolts with nylon backed nuts. One for the stopper in the stern and the other at front pivot. My problem was that the bolt had swayed a little, that in itself was not as bad as the wallowing of the hole. When I removed the blot and the centerboard, I found that I could see the lead pellets, thus I knew water was going into the keel. There is almost no way to seal this hole backup since you have to get into the hole from the centerboard slot. I just resined it best as I could and I know that's going to bite me later. The sleeve sounds like a wonderful idea, but it seems to me that the diameter would have to adjusted because as it is the stainless bolt gets bent, the sleeve would necessitate a smaller diameter bolt and that seems like that would not be as solid. gilbert -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Bill Lamica Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2007 3:52 PM To: Montgomery Email Forum Subject: M_Boats: Pins Hate to keep this alive, but I need some more answers. It appears some of the time when a pin is pulled, the replacement becomes a nut and bolt. Obviously it does not hinder a Monty. If you go back with the same or a re-made pin of the same dimentions, is it tapped back into place? Adheasive? Is the hole a bit recessed on each side so as to be filled in with fiberglass or epoxy to keep the pin from backing out? Although I did not remove the pin on my past M17, I was easily able to locate it. It showed as a dimple in the keel housing on each side. It appears it would have to be ground out, then using a drift punch tap the pin out from port side. If one was to remake the pin are they all standard in diameter and length? And, what material would be preferred? Maybe last question: Is the pin softer than the keel? Or, does the keel ever have to be bushed because of wear? Sorry... I'm just a pain in the butt! But, I do want to write it right! Bill Off list is fine. Billamicasr@gmail.com _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats