Was having a hell-of-a-time steering the other day, turns out I was just a few minutes away from losing the gudgeon all together. The lower 6 screws had all stripped their threads and were working their way out with only the top two screws remaining secure.

Before I just go retapping to a slightly larger screw is there anything I should be aware of?

Why did this happen? Wind was very heavy but for the lower six to come loose and not the top one that would indicate a strong moment about the gudgeon and I certainly don't remember running over anything. Old boat yes but other side feels solid as a rock.

Thanks.