removing rudder cams

Need some advice for removing the binding post for rudder cams. It seems like some sort of rivet. I've heard of drilling it out, but this didn't work. The metal pin spun with the drill. I thought of using a drill press, but didn't want to widen the hole as I've read could happen. I think the replacement part will screw together (see Rudder Cam Kit in Hobie parts Catalog p.33) Please help.

Jam an old Philips head screwdriver into the opposite side of the rivet that you're trying to drill.

Use a sharp 3/16" bit and a drop of oil to help lubricate / cool the bit. Bosch makes titanium bits that work really well against the hard stainless steel of the rivets.

Use the screwdriver as a handle to keep the rivet from spinning. Takes more than two hands unless you've got a way to hold the casting in place.

Once you get through the "collar" of the rivet, stop drilling. Use the Philips head screwdriver to drive the rivet through from the side you were drilling on.

Thanks for the advice. It worked but I had to use a 17"/64 drill bit to match the size of the rivet.

I replaced the rudder cams yesterday. Only problem I had, which wasn't much of a problem was inability to unscrew the Delrin screws(83 Hobie). I think it might be good to be able to adjust them at some point, but how do you get them loose, and how do you know what the right tension is? trial and error?

I find the best way to remove the riveted in version is to hacksaw through the rivet on each side of the cam. The blade will just fit in the gap. Then you can punch the rivet head out from inside the casting.

Yeah, a hacksaw blade would work, but a dremel tool with a metal cuting disc goes right through the cam pin in about 10 seconds. much easier. Just be careful not to cut at an angle since the bit will eat the aluminum casting like its made out of warm butter. I just replaced the cams and delrin screws on my boat (81 H16) and shimmed everything in really nice and tight. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! I just bought the boat and since I didn't know anything about hobies (or sailing) I just sailed around with the rudders unlocked and the cams stuck permanently in the locked position... One important thing I learned is that spraying WD40 in the threads that accept the delrin screws and then running the correct size tap through it about 5 or 6 times allows the new delrin screw to just slide right in without binding at all. This step should not be skipped. I think it will allow for easier removal next time. I also notice that with the delrin screw inserted and adjusted, a reservoir is created in the area that the spring sits in that will fill with salt water, which cannot be removed without unscrewing the delrin. Do you guys drain that water out of there every time or just let her ride? Thanks!