Loose bolts in steering

[S/V Laelia]

I have been rooting through the lazarette to remove to old, non-functional autopilot components. The steering motor was bolted to some of the large timbers that make up the platform for the Edson steerer. I was unpleasantly surprised to find that a number of the bolts in the corner braces were loose - the nuts were not even finger tight. It seems like this could lead to some nasty surprises. It looks like the bolts may have worked their way into the wood over the years.

Has anyone else found this problem? Is this something that other owners should know about?

[INCOMMUNICADO]

Ralph, I also think these bolts do need to be checked.I think I have been lucky mine have never worked loose,but I do have flat washers top and bottom with lock washers.And while you are in there check the rudder shaft for leaks. Allen