I have an Alpha 3000 auto pilot on my Pearson 36 cutter. Not going into too much detail, the control arm is under the radial on the rudder shaft. It is not on a key but rather a 3/8 inch set screw prevents the arm from rotating on the shaft. I wanted to have a groove cut in the shaft so that I could use a key, but that would have necessitated dropping the rudder. As fitting the pilot was complicated enough this didn't inspire me. Though I suspect that the set screw will take some abuse, I am concerned about the point loading on it. I am now thinking of attempting to drill through the 1 1/2 inch stainless steel shaft so that I can through bolt the control arm. Has anyone done this? The problem is keeping the drill straight through the center of the shaft. I have some ideas, but I thought I would ask and prick the knowledge of this board before I did something stupid.

Thanks in advance.

Mike Meier