What is the thing that the tiller bolts on to called?

[nskinn]

One of the bolt holes ripped out and I am afraid that it won't be long before the other one does, too.

Is this an easy part to replace? How do I do it?

[sailingdog]

Are you talking about the nearly vertical shaft? That would generally be the rudder stock.

Photos would help in a post like this.

Welcome to Sailnet. I'd highly recommend you read this POST to help you get the most out of sailnet.

It would also help if you said what kind of boat you're talking about. Some boats have known issues, and knowing what boat it is would help with that.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by nskinn

One of the bolt holes ripped out and I am afraid that it won't be long before the other one does, too.

Is this an easy part to replace? How do I do it?

If you are referring to the part where one end bolts to the aft end of the tiller and the other end bolts onto the head of the rudder stock, this is often referred to as a "tiller fork".

[Capnblu]

If you are referring to the hinges, they are known as gudgeons and pintles. They are attached to the transom, and rudder.

[Fstbttms]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

If you are referring to the part where one end bolts to the aft end of the tiller and the other end bolts onto the head of the rudder stock, this is often referred to as a "tiller fork".

Never heard that one before. "Tiller head" is what it goes by in these parts.

[nskinn]

I think that what I need to replace or repair is the "rudder head".

Here is a photo (not mine):

http://www.rigrite.com/Hardware/Rudd...83-910BR_2.gif

Does anyone know a good place to buy one? Do I need to buy a new one or is it repairable? One of the holes where the bolt that connects the rudder head to the tiller ripped out.

I have a 1970 Coronado 23.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by nskinn

I think that what I need to replace or repair is the "rudder head".

Here is a photo (not mine):

http://www.rigrite.com/Hardware/Rudd...83-910BR_2.gif

Does anyone know a good place to buy one? Do I need to buy a new one or is it repairable? One of the holes where the bolt that connects the rudder head to the tiller ripped out.

I have a 1970 Coronado 23.

Okay, that helps. Yes, "rudder head" is the correct terminology. Although sometimes its called a "rudder post cap" if it sets down over and covers the top of the rudder post (as opposed to simply bolting around the top of the rudder post -- the one in your linked photo looks more like a rudder post cap).

Originally Posted by Fstbttms

Never heard that one before. "Tiller head" is what it goes by in these parts.

In addition to tiller fork, I've heard it referred to as a "tiller strap" and "tiller yoke." But I've never heard the part I was describing called a tiller head. Maybe it's vernacular, or maybe we're talking about different parts. In any case, I was referring to a different part than what the OP was asking about.