rudder adjuster screws

I had some pretty good weather helm this season and when I recently took my boat apart I noticed that the nylon, hex key screws in the lower castings were driven in pretty deep such that there was a 1/4 inch or more though to the other side up against the leading edge of the rudders. Naturally the heads were stripped and the screws were frozen in place. I drilled them out and tapped the holes but I'm not really sure I want to replace them. Seems like any adjuster screw that pushes the rudders further away (aft) from the boat would only contribute to my excess helm. Also, the fact that they screw into the casting at a 45 degree angle might force the rudders into an artificial twist if there is any lateral play or slop in the rudders. What exactly is this screw supposed to be doing for me?

Leave them out.

They're supposed to take up any slack in the system once you've adjusted the cam plate on top, but you're right - they increase weather helm by forcing the rudder tip aft. Regardless, they don't induce any twist.

Okay thanks, I'll leave them off and take up any slack at the slide plate.