Thanks for the suggestions guys.

1. I believe my spring tension is right in that I can easily fold up the rudder assembly to pack in my cat box. I'm using the proper smooth shank bolts and have never bent one. The connection feels snug when installed on the boat.

2. The bolt holes on the underside of the tiller arms are significantly larger than the holes on the top. I am using a spacer to keep the nut on the outside of the tube.

3. The top bolt holes on the tiller arms have worn to where they are over .010 D larger than the bolts. I could bush this hole but would rather replace the tube if I have to stay with this connection. Don't even know where to get a bushing that will match the diameter of the tube.

4. I hate the problems associated with this type of pinned connection and can't believe there isn't something that will work better.

Jack