Steering arm to outboard connection question

[uber_shnuber]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster, so be gentle

On my boat, I currently have a pretty standard steering rod arm that connects to the outboard with a m10 bolt and nyloc nut. The bolt has an unthreaded shank where it passes through the steering arm, and then threads into the outboard, and then the nut on top.

My issue is that I store my boat in a place where I have to remove/refit the outboard every time I use it, and the design of the boat/outboard is such that it is not quick or east to tighten and loosen the bolt due to space restrictions.

My question therefore is; is it ok to use some sort of unthreaded pin with a cotter pin or similar? I realise this probably won't do the internal thread on the outboard much good having an unthreaded pin inside it, but if it solves the issue i'm having, it'd be a small price to pay. Really just asking if there's any reason I shouldn't do this?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[BruceK]

IMO cotter pin alone no. Cotter pin through a castle nut finger tight yes.

 

[uber_shnuber]

Thanks for your quick reply. I assume thats because the cotter pin itself might not be strong enough. What about a drop nose pin or something similar - to try to avoild going through so many cotter pins!

I guess I could always just use a bolt with a a longer unthreaded shaft, so that the unthreaded section goes right through the outboard, and then fit a nyloc nut on the end?

 

[BruceK]

or..

 

[uber_shnuber]

Yeah I reckon that might be the best bet!

Should be much easier to get on and off without the need for trying to get tools into an impossibly tight space!

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Rocksteadee]

IMO cotter pin alone no. Cotter pin through a castle nut finger tight yes.

Make said cotter pin, thread both ends, screw into arm on outboard, use nylock to lock in place and leave as a permanent fitting.
Then drop rod from steering cable over fixed pin, castleated locknut and pin as shown in pic

 

[uber_shnuber]

Yep think this is basically what I was thinking. Thread bolt through from above and leave in place permanently then just steering arm over fixed bolt, and castle nut/cotter on the bottom...

What is a bolt with a hole for a cotter pin called? I can't seem to find many when doing quick google? Am I missing something? If not I can just drill my own cotter hole...

 

[dingdongs]

Are we assuming this is a small hp outboard as if any mods are made and the boat lost control immediately upon the steering being modified would be a get out clause for an insurance company if any accident or injury would occur. The boat would turn violantly if the mod intended failed and may even eject the occupants from vessel. The original mechanical fitting is made for safety.

 

[uber_shnuber]

It's a 1980s 20HP Evinrude on a 15ft Bonwitco 400c...