The alternative might be to go for a 4 fastening top gudgeon fitting if you have a 2 hole one - making sure it is lined up accurately.

To make doubly sure it stays put put some resin into the screw holes.

Then get the alingment sorted by adjusting the bottom bolted pintle - the small hatch obviously allowed whoever to gain some access originally.
You might have to remove the fitting completely first - fill in holes with resin and a little glass and then carefully redrill and bolt - fiddly stuff but might be much easier than a larger hatch.

Mike Lyons

The piintle problem is well known - later Mk II boats do have bolted fittings and a hatch to allow access to the inside of the rudder post. MkI boats have screws going into a nylon block within the post. The screws always undo in time - best method of improving is to remove the screws and fill the holes with epoxy resin before replacing the screws in the holes. Do not overtighten though as this does not help - let the resin do the job. You can also use gelcoat if you do not have epoxy.

The stainless steel part that keeps the rudder attached: loosen the screw and adjust it down so that it just clears the top of the gudgeon (rudder) when the rudder stock is fully in position.

Come to the Nationals (Internationals ?) in early June 4/5/6 - it's free entry for French boats and the host club is not far from Portsmouth. (At Mengeham Rythe SC - and we have 35 pre-entries already).
We could even get someone to tow boats from the ferry so you could save the cost of a car if this helps - and it would allow you to see exactly how boats are being prepared. Accomodation is available nearby and there is camping within 1km of the site. Plus we'll find a 'FREE' 10.4 sail for all who want one - we have plenty of unused ones in the UK now. Maybe we can even find a used 'X' sail for you to take back to France.

Regards - Mike Lyons