Has anyone replaced the single shaft bow eye with the stronger double shaft? Any recommendations on how to?
Changing the bow eye
- Thread starter regor-123
- Start date
- Status
When I did it a while ago I used the old hole as the bottom hole for the new eye. Reason being that the eye sitting a little higher was what I wanted, and I knew it was centered correctly.
If you want to relocate, bring the boat as far forward as possible, then locate it to make sure the eye isn't going to hang up on the V-block, I prefer to locate them so it's above the V by a safe margin.
My old boat would hook the eye over the V block on steep ramps making it hard to launch, and all but impossible to get back in proper position when you retrieved it, so that is one thing I double check when I place them.
Ken.
Edit: make a new backer block, I don't think I've ever seen a boat with block that didn't look too small. Make sure you use plenty of sealer.
Also, I really prefer the stainless U bolt styles, they just plain seem maintain the same 'look' a lot longer than the plated-diecast styles, and are a lot stronger.
If you want to relocate, bring the boat as far forward as possible, then locate it to make sure the eye isn't going to hang up on the V-block, I prefer to locate them so it's above the V by a safe margin.
My old boat would hook the eye over the V block on steep ramps making it hard to launch, and all but impossible to get back in proper position when you retrieved it, so that is one thing I double check when I place them.
Ken.
Edit: make a new backer block, I don't think I've ever seen a boat with block that didn't look too small. Make sure you use plenty of sealer.
Also, I really prefer the stainless U bolt styles, they just plain seem maintain the same 'look' a lot longer than the plated-diecast styles, and are a lot stronger.
Re-using the old hole is probably a good idea as is bedding the both holes with some epoxy.
I added a single bolt bow eye from WM to my Lightning 19' a year or so ago and have moored it close to shore for 2 seasons.
I used a piece of a 2x3 about 18" long and shaped it to fit into the inside of the bow to help distribute the load. Epoxy it to the hull on the inside and coat liberally with some cloth as well, then drill the hole(s). Clean the holes then spread some epoxy in to seal it up. Re drill holes as necessary to allow bolts to fit.
Use 3M 4200 as the bedding compound (or similar product) to seal the external edges and tighten down the bolts.
I added a single bolt bow eye from WM to my Lightning 19' a year or so ago and have moored it close to shore for 2 seasons.
I used a piece of a 2x3 about 18" long and shaped it to fit into the inside of the bow to help distribute the load. Epoxy it to the hull on the inside and coat liberally with some cloth as well, then drill the hole(s). Clean the holes then spread some epoxy in to seal it up. Re drill holes as necessary to allow bolts to fit.
Use 3M 4200 as the bedding compound (or similar product) to seal the external edges and tighten down the bolts.
Thanks, good advise. I have a stainless one and new block. Appreciate the tip on locating it higher.
- Status