How old is the boat? If it's one of mine, the bolt is not orig equipment. For the fastener nearest the edge I used a 1/4X20 hex head bolt, stainless of course, and a hex lock nut on the end. On the interior one, which needs to clear the rudder, I use a flat head machine screw on each side, with the head on the inside and the lock nut on the outside. If it's one of egg's boats, I don't have a clue. ________________________________ From: mike witkin via montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2023 2:58 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Cc: m.witkin@yahoo.com <m.witkin@yahoo.com> Subject: M_Boats: M15 rudder assembly question I want to take apart the rudder on my newly acquired M15 for refurbishing and would appreciate your help. Is there anything unique about the bolt that passes through the lower Pintle bracket and the rudder? On my rudder this bolt has a lock nut and threads on each end. Both lock nuts are "frozen" to their respective bolt ends. Each nut turns freely left & right independent of the other nut. In other words, the bolt seems to be broken in half. The bolt(s) don't move in or out when turned. I'm reluctant to force out without checking the group's wisdom. Anything unique about this bolt? Your help is much appreciated. Fair Winds, Mike W