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Does anyone happen to know the diameter of the bolts holding the rudder on for a 96X. Mine are really rubbing where the steering is attached. I think that i need to get washers to lift the steering arm up. Any other suggestions?

My solution for any stainless washers, nuts, or small bolts is Ace Hardware. Im not sure if you have an outlet in your area...but hardware stores are much more reasonable than Marine Outlets...

Yeah, heck, just take the old one off and stick it in your pocket and hike on down to True Value, Ace, etc.

If you need a bushing because of wear, measure it with different coins and explain it to these guys and see if they have something you can slide in there.

I think I had a similar problem with my 97. The bolt was digging grooves into the gelcoat. I think it was mainly from previous owner stepping on the rudderhead. I put some washers under my bolt and that fixed it. I didn't want to risk bending it back. Nut sure the diameter, probably 3/8 or a tad bigger.

Hello:
My 95 has 3/8" bolts. I put nylon bushings between the bracket and the rudder head. I also changed over to stainless carriage bolts (filed the hole square). Nice rounded head doesn't gouge the deck.

Thanks so much. I'm off to get the materials to fix it. I am wondering if liting the motor causes this?