I would like to install a bow eye on my 27 ODay 1976 not for trailering but for possible breakdown towing.Also would want it to shorten up the scope.Is there any rule how high above waterline or will reach from deck come into play?
Bow Eye placement on ODay 27
- Thread starter Shemlock
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Don't you have bow cleats? IIRC, this idea was discussed recently and a skipper made the point that access to a bow eye is horrible compared to deck cleats. And towing should be done from either the bow cleats or with lines led back to either the mast or the cockpit winches. Save yourself from unnecessary work and use what you already have.
Well, having a bow-eye on my DS II and having had one on our old CAL 21, I must say that it is a great thing to have if adequately backed up for strength!
The bow eye on our CAL was just above the waterline, which made it a great place to attach a "back-up" mooring pendant in a storm situation. That placed the line low and reduced the angle of pull.
For that purpose, a bow-eye is a good idea.
For towing.......well, not so much... if the eye is re-enforced (that is the area of the bow around it) it could make a good spot to attach a towline, however..... it is difficult to attach a towline that low (probably impossible from yout decl level!) and it will really be had to un hook that towline until safely docked in a calm harbor.
If you needed to be towed, a better option is to run two lines in a bridle setup, down each side deck to the jib winches. The lines should be fastened to the bow cleats to keep them centered at the bow. On a boat with a KEEL_STEPPED mast, the towline could be tied around the mast, but DO NOT do that on a boat with a DECK stepped mast. Doing that on a deck stepped mast could easily dislodge the mast from it's step causing more damage.
For most towing events, a bridle between the two bow cleats (or running through both chocks and back to a single (WELL secured, with backing plate) cleat on the deck, will work fine. A well-trained towboat operator will be able to safely tow your boat under usual conditions and adjust technique if the weather worsens.
In some cases, the USCG will use a "Kicker Hook" that attaches to the disabled vessel's bow-eye. In the USCGAUX we rarely if ever tow that way due to safety concerns while attaching/detaching that hook.
The bow eye on our CAL was just above the waterline, which made it a great place to attach a "back-up" mooring pendant in a storm situation. That placed the line low and reduced the angle of pull.
For that purpose, a bow-eye is a good idea.
For towing.......well, not so much... if the eye is re-enforced (that is the area of the bow around it) it could make a good spot to attach a towline, however..... it is difficult to attach a towline that low (probably impossible from yout decl level!) and it will really be had to un hook that towline until safely docked in a calm harbor.
If you needed to be towed, a better option is to run two lines in a bridle setup, down each side deck to the jib winches. The lines should be fastened to the bow cleats to keep them centered at the bow. On a boat with a KEEL_STEPPED mast, the towline could be tied around the mast, but DO NOT do that on a boat with a DECK stepped mast. Doing that on a deck stepped mast could easily dislodge the mast from it's step causing more damage.
For most towing events, a bridle between the two bow cleats (or running through both chocks and back to a single (WELL secured, with backing plate) cleat on the deck, will work fine. A well-trained towboat operator will be able to safely tow your boat under usual conditions and adjust technique if the weather worsens.
In some cases, the USCG will use a "Kicker Hook" that attaches to the disabled vessel's bow-eye. In the USCGAUX we rarely if ever tow that way due to safety concerns while attaching/detaching that hook.
Good advice!
I don't mind doing the work to fit it and in a storm I feel it is worth the effort. Thanks for the reply.
I don't mind doing the work to fit it and in a storm I feel it is worth the effort. Thanks for the reply.
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