My gimbal ring mod has lasted six years but now I'm replacing the whole gimbal assembly because of one "lousy, sticking, stubborn", twisted off transom mounting stud! I took the assembly to a machine shop where they were able to get all the twisted off studs out except for one. So I had to buy a used gimbal assembly and am in the process of rebuilding it with new boots etc. I lucked out and found one on eBay for $150 delivered. My "Thinking Outside The Box" has worked for me and may work for others instead of spending money on a "over priced" gimbal ring.