Bow U-bolt problems

[Dwight Thomas]

I recently purchased an O'day 25, I noticed its u-bolt on the bow appeared to be loose, upon closer inspection inside the bow of the boat I realized the backing which I believe are wood blocks have been compressed and therefore when you tighten the nuts as far as they go the u-bolt remains loose. It seems to have been this way for sometime becuse the holes through the bow for the U-Bolt have enlarged due to wiggiling and torque. I would like to replace the wood backing for the u-bolt nuts, and also fill the holes with Epoxy and re-drill them. Has anybody else encountered this problem? Any suggestions?? I'm afraid if I use wood to replace the compresses/rotted wood I would only insure problems happenning again down the road. Is there something anyone else has used for the backing inside the bow? When I trailer the boat and also when it is in its slip there is constant force on the bow u-bolt. Resposes much appreciated.Dwight Thomas

 

[Don Evans]

Just Replaced Mine

As they rot they lose their strength and compress. It's taken 25 years to reach that stage though, so replacing them with plywood or some hardwood should get you down the road for another 25 years. I replaced mine this spring and they were in good condition. Just used plywood, 2 X 3/4" squares I think, and large washers.Don

 

[Bob Vannier]

U BOLT

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY O'DAY 23. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH A LEAK IN THE ANCHOR LOCKER DRAIN SO WHILE YOU'RE AT IT, CHECK FOR LEAKS THERE. I REPLACED THE WOODEN BLOCK WITH A PIECE OF OAK EPOXIED IN. I REDID THE ENLARGED HOLES IN THE BOW WITH GELCOAT PATCH AND REDRILLED FOR THE U-BOLT. DID THE JOB EIGHT YEARS AGO AND HAVE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEMS. I REPLACED THE ANCHOR LOCKER DRAIN AT THE SAME TIME.