I'm in the process of replacing my binding, squeaking tilt helm. All was going well till that SOB Murphy showed up. The new and required mounting plate has the holes drilled ⅛" off from the original. When I try to mount the helm pump to the plate, the pump hits the hole in the fiberglass. I don't think over drilling or oblonging the mounting holes would be wise. I'm thinking of taking a jigsaw with a fine tooth blade to oblong the pump hole, but I don't know if this will splinter the fiberglass and gel coat. What's the best solution?
How to oblong a hole?
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Dremel with a sideways cutting drill bit. If you don't already have a Dremel... do you need a better reason than this to buy a new tool? 
There's also a sanding drum attachment for the Dremel - although the sideways bit is faster.
There's also a sanding drum attachment for the Dremel - although the sideways bit is faster.
Dennis,
After considering how much material I'd have to remove and the mess it would make, I'm reconsidering filling and drilling the holes out. I think the pump clears on the bottom with the original holes. I'd only have to fill the top holes and redrill. Home Depot has fast cure marine JB weld in stock. Thoughts on this approach.
After considering how much material I'd have to remove and the mess it would make, I'm reconsidering filling and drilling the holes out. I think the pump clears on the bottom with the original holes. I'd only have to fill the top holes and redrill. Home Depot has fast cure marine JB weld in stock. Thoughts on this approach.
Sure, 100% your call, of course.
Look at the picture, though, the amount of material you need to remove is minimal and the tools I mentioned (especially the osc tool) will get that done in a few minutes.
Although, if you simply enlarge the screw holes, it's going to get snugged down tight when you bolt it and the enlarged holes won't impact anything - the helm will stay put in place just fine.
Look at the picture, though, the amount of material you need to remove is minimal and the tools I mentioned (especially the osc tool) will get that done in a few minutes.
Although, if you simply enlarge the screw holes, it's going to get snugged down tight when you bolt it and the enlarged holes won't impact anything - the helm will stay put in place just fine.
SkunkBoat
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step drill bit on an angle...
I remember when I replaced my helm, I had to buy the complete helm & tilt combo because you cant buy just the helm (a helm without tilt has a different shaft.
The helms and tilts were redesigned at some point. You can't mix & match.
New Helms got ORB fittings. Tilt got new look and apparently different hole pattern.
I guess thats what you are up against. I hope you don't need a new helm because you might need to buy the whole thing...
I remember when I replaced my helm, I had to buy the complete helm & tilt combo because you cant buy just the helm (a helm without tilt has a different shaft.
The helms and tilts were redesigned at some point. You can't mix & match.
New Helms got ORB fittings. Tilt got new look and apparently different hole pattern.
I guess thats what you are up against. I hope you don't need a new helm because you might need to buy the whole thing...
Same helm, just a new tilt mechanism. The old one moves with the precision and refinement of a well used vintage tractor.