272 water in forward bulkhead under vberth

[Ron20324]

You might consider bedding that metal plate in an epoxy filler. So the sharp corner do not dig into the hull.

 

[agprice22]

Bedding in epoxy will also give more surface area for the backing plate to pull against. A bow eye is not standard on my 272, so I doubt it is on any of them. That suggests there may be inadequate reinforcement in there.
I might epoxy in a couple stainless plates as well.
On the other hand, you could remove the bow eye.