Bow Eye

[JerryRoss]

I would like to add a very strong bow eye to my boat for attaching my snubber when anchoring for storms. One possibility is to somehow use the forestay tang attachment mechanism. Perhaps replacing one of the bolts with a bow eye bolt or building a new exterior plate with a bow eye welded on. I would appreciate comments on this idea in general and from anyone who has added a bow eye.

[C350ia]

The bolt hole spread on the forestay stem fitting is 1 3/4". I could not find any "U"-bolt bow eyes with the same spread, I did find one with a 1 7/8" from Kellogg marine supply. I removed the lower two bolts and enlarged the holes with a 1/2" drill bit. The bow eye has 3/8" thread dia. studs, it fit easily. Bedded with 5200, added backing plate that comes with bow eye and tighten nuts.

I also removed the upper bolt and re-bedded it with 5200. All three bolts showed signs of leaks! One of the bolts was just hand tight.

I also made a rubber gasket for the flimsy inspection cover that allows access to the back of the stem fitting from inside the anchor locker.

"Seawing" #309

[russp]

Just out of interest, I made a rubber gasket for the inspection cover at back of stem fitting over 2 years ago, and the bilge has been bone dry ever since!

[KenKrawford]

I also made a rubber gasket for the inspection port but still have water in my bilge. Go figure.

[ps23435]

Greetings. For those who made a gasket for the inspection cover on the bow... what material did you use? Thickness? I've tried some silicone sealant but like the idea of a gasket to see if that keeps water out. Thanks!

[KenKrawford]

Pete, I went to a hardware store and bought a sheet of rubber gasket material. I'd guess it's about 1/16" thick. I traced the outline of the inspection cover on the gasket material and cut outside the line so it's slightly larger than the cover. Pop the mounting screws through the gasket and you're good to go.

[ps23435]

Thanks Ken!