Are you using the original rudder pintle?

One more question from this guy...
My boat came with a replacement bolt to hold the rudder on, I understand the original pintle had sheered in some high stress situations and the last owner switched it out to this.

I would prefer the old pintle if it seems like people are having good luck with it.

The new one requires installing with 2 wrenches and a little lining stuff up just right.

Is the original one working OK in general for you?

This fits my quicker setup...

Hi Jeff,
I had the same problem with my original pintle. It broke when I was sailing. But my boat is from 1974. So if you get the original pintle and it will last 46 years, you will probably have no problem.
I repaired the bolt in a different way. I cut the broken bolt into two parts and I still use the side that in not broken. I made a second bolt out of a 10mm VA bolt. (Yes we count with the metric system in Europe) It may also work with a 3/8 inch bolt. I mounted both bolts into the rudder fitting and the spring between them. So now both parts can be locked independent and it is is ever easier to install the rudder than it was before. I don't need any tools. First I hang it into the lower hinge and than i use the mechanism to click it into the upper hinge. I can send photos, if you like.

Danke Take Five, 46 years should work for me. I should clarify my original post though - I meant to say, I think the last owner changed from pintle to bolt because he had heard of the problem where the pintle could shear. I don't know that his did shear, just to be clear on that.
You may be sailing that boat a lot harder than the last owner though, so maybe that is what broke the pintle?

Can you post pictures of your two bolt setup. This sounds very interesting.

Hi Jeff and Chris,
No I am not sailing very hard. I think it was material fatigue.
I will send some photos.

Material fatigue after 46 years would be the preferred cause!