Tower Handle and shaft stripped - 2015 SAN 210

[LakesideRec]

I just purchased a used 2015 SAN 210 with high hours. I am new to this model of boat and its folding tower and I am somewhat disappointed with the design of the tower cam latch handles. The Port handle on my boat has a stripped set screw and the handle itself is stripped as well as the shaft it fits on to the point where it cannot be operated normally. We have to workaround the issue by putting the handle on rotated 90 degrees from its normal postion and removing the locking pin. A replacement handle and latch parts from the dealer are pretty expensive, so I'd like to explore some alternatives.

Anybody have a good modification to the design that they have used with success? I am thinking to just drill a through hole and pin the handle on to the shaft, but that would require it to be left in the out position so as to clear the protruding edge of the tower frame.

Also, NatiqueParts.com has a replacement handle and latch they claim fits an FCT-5 tower. Has anybody used these retrofitted in the OEM tower?

[jkallen21]

I had a broken tower bolt on a 2006. I took it to a machine shop and they were really cheap and really creative. I'd find a local place and ask them for ideas.