Bow eye ( guess it's also called trailer eye)

zuunami

so, we're going to take out the bow eye (2006 16' cruiser) because it looks like something's leaking up there, so we can epoxy, redrill, etc., - we're slowly doing that on all of our fittings. This is a pic with a camera with zoom, boy, it's difficult to get in there (and I'm Karen - 5' and 125#). Is there anything we can or should do when we take it out to shore it up, I can't believe that little ring through the hull is good by itself - But what do I know Smile

Also, isn't there some manufacturer that makes a system where the bolts are tightened from the outside! Obviously, I'm not looking forward to going under there and unbolting and rebolting that unit while the hubby holds the outside lol thanks!

hardee · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2022 11:15 pm Post subject:

Ksren, Yes it looks like it is due to change out. NO, I don't think there is any that will have the threads on the outside to put the nuts on out there. Sorry. Yes it is tight and Small. Good luck.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

zuunami · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 12:01 am Post subject:

and I can't imagine why that funny piece of foam is there Smile

I guess I'll find out when I dive in!

Robert H. Wilkinson · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:14 am Post subject:

The bow eye and locking nuts are probably good quality SS. They can be cleaned up and reused. It is whatever they used for the backing plate that is badly rusted . Replace that with a SS plate and re tighten.

A cordless impact driver with a long extension and swivel socket would save you getting all the way in there and turning it by hand.

Rob

C-Wolfe

thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 3:40 pm Post subject:

Agree, you most likely have to put in new bedding compound. I would probably use 3M 4000. Tape off around the outside, so you don't get it on the gel coat. It may be hard to find the exact backing plate in SS. I would get a local machine shop to make one out of 1/8" thick to 3/16" thick 316 stainless steel. Clean up the U bolt and nuts, re-install.

zuunami · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:07 pm Post subject:

thanks everyone, going to try and get under there today Smile

C-Wolfe - the pic you posted didn't come out, what were you trying to post?

C-Wolfe · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:09 pm Post subject:

zuunami · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 4:38 pm Post subject:

C-Wolfe - thanks so much!

C-Green · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 9:11 pm Post subject:

I'd replace the nuts with aircraft nuts (also called nylon locking nuts) - that's just me. They will be harder to turn but that's the idea - not to get loose.

MTCW, Jay

thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:23 pm Post subject:

Nyloc nuts (as above) are an option, But I prefer to use a full thread nut 316 SS nut with Loctite 424. That gives a very secure fastening.

C-Green · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:41 pm Post subject:

No argument with Dr Bob. Also I like the unique bow eye C-Wolf showed; would Dr Bob like the thin nut on the forward part of the eye? You could always replace it with a full thread nut; maybe not as good looking but safety isn't about looks.

Jay

thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 10:53 pm Post subject:

C-Wolfe · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 11:03 pm Post subject:

The forward nuts only keep the u-bolt from getting push back in, while tugging on it, all the pressure is on the backside (against the backing plate😁). That’s what I had on my previous boat for the trailer straps. I’ll add a picture soon.

thataway · Posted: Thu Jan 06, 2022 11:08 pm Post subject:

Not all have the forward nuts. I suspect they are put there because some boats are not going to be even where the holes are drilled, and irregularities can be adjusted for. But I would not just tighten nuts from the outside. Keep those as close to the "U" as possible.