I was able to secure my rudder back to the rudder shaft without having to remove the strap or the shoe. Saved myself a lot of work, frustration, and the rudder is on tight. Was able to get the bolts from green boat stuff. The most difficult part was removing the old bolts out of the rudder as the nuts were frozen on the bolt and the bolt was frozen in the rudder. Had to cut the nut off of one, and then punch it through as it was wasn't moving in the rudder.

My question now is, what do I use to fill the 4 holes in the rudder where the nut is? What is the best method to seal that area?Previously there was some sort of a foam plug.

While hauling my ensign this fall, the straps on the forklift broke my rudder from the shaft snapping 3 of the 4 drifts. Is there any reason not to place new drifts while the steering shaft is in?

Drift pins incorrect term. May use them if I have to remove the strap or shoe. Meant to say the countersunk bolts that go through the rudder shaft and secure in the rudder with a washer and nut. There are 4 bolts that go through my rudder shaft to attach the rudder. Can I reattach the rudder to the rudder shaft with the 4 bolts, without removing the strap and shoe?

While hauling my ensign this fall, the straps on the forklift broke my rudder from the shaft snapping 3 of the 4 drifts. I have removed the rudder since. While the rudder shaft is in place, is it possible to place the new drifts and secure it to the rudder without removing the strap and shoe?