Javelin - install new bow eye

[Fred D.]

Greetings - new Javelin owner here. 1978, Hull # 4343.

The bow eye is missing. First of all, I can't fit into the bow cuddy. But if I can find somebody small enough, what's the best way to install a new bow eye?

The old holes are plugged and there appears to be a 6 inch iron plate at the front of the bow on the inside.

Drill through the iron?

Install a wood block above the iron and drill through that? I know I need a backer for the bow eye but what's the best way?

Thanks all. Will try to post a couple photos tomorrow.

 

[Fred D.]

Here are some photos. I tried drilling and it's definitely metal. It looks like the original bow eye had one post rather than the "U" shape, and the center hole still contains part of the bolt connected to the nut you see in the interior shot.

Looks like the other two holes don't go all the way through.

Fred

Greetings - new Javelin owner here. 1978, Hull # 4343.

The bow eye is missing. First of all, I can't fit into the bow cuddy. But if I can find somebody small enough, what's the best way to install a new bow eye?

The old holes are plugged and there appears to be a 6 inch iron plate at the front of the bow on the inside.

Drill through the iron?

Install a wood block above the iron and drill through that? I know I need a backer for the bow eye but what's the best way?

Thanks all. Will try to post a couple photos tomorrow.

 

[Erieau]

That's a pretty standard bow eye fitting. It's a single bolt with 2 "teeth", top and bottom that bite into the gelcoat to prevent rotation. 8 bucks to replace at Princess Auto (or Canadian Tire, or Sea 'n Ski).

 

[Fred D.]

Yep, found it on JMS Marine. Getting the remains of the old bolt out of there, and tightening the new one, will be interesting. Especially because there's no way a normal adult human, let alone me, can fit up into that bow cuddy given the size of the opening.

 

[Sunbird22358]

I suspect that that backing block is actually wood (oak?) if it is original, based on my 1979 DS II. There may be a metal plate inside used as an added washer. The previous owner of my boat replaced the bow-eye after breaking the original off as he rolled the boat off the trailer one year, he did it through the opening of a 4" deckplate that he added in the forward bulkhead..... I replaced that deckplate with a 9" x 11" hatch, and was able to reach the bow-eye better. I know, that info doesn't help with your Javelin.....but still interesting?
A good solid drive pin (or just a piece of metal rod) inserted from outside bow and tapped (hit?) with a hammer should drive out what is left of the old bow-eye. Then find either a small human, or a LOOOOONG socket wrench extension to tighten the nut on hte new eye. Be sure to bed the eye (outside part) with a good marine sealant to prevent leaks.