U-Bracket on Bow Used to Hook (Secure) Boat on Trailer

[mkendrick]

The plate that the U-hook is attached to which is secured against the bow has separater about 1/8 inch. Two questions: 1) How do I go about snugging up the plate to the bow, and 2) Can water seep into the hull because of this?

As always, thanks for the continued support.

 

[rogerbum]

The plate that the U-hook is attached to which is secured against the bow has separater about 1/8 inch. Two questions: 1) How do I go about snugging up the plate to the bow, and 2) Can water seep into the hull because of this?

As always, thanks for the continued support.

1) That U-bolt should have nuts on the inside of the bow that are reachable through the anchor locker. Between the nuts and the fiberglass there should be a metal backing plate. Assuming all the pieces are there, and nothing is stripped, you should just be able to re-tighten it. However, I'd be worried about why/how it came loose in the first place. I suspect that the boat was rocking on the trailer and repeatedly tugging on it for it to become loose. If so, that can be prevented by using a second tie-down that applies downward force to the bolt - e.g. wrap a tie down around the trailer tongue and ratchet down the bow after you've brought it up to the bow stop with the trailer strap.

2) In the area of the hull, it's all fiberglass so there's no real worries about water intrusion into the hull.

 

[thataway]

Agree with Roger--the plate on the outside of the hull may or may not be attached to the U Bolt. It is not a bad idea to put several more layers of glass on the inside of the hull, to thicken the stem at that point. I would pull the U bolt, clean it well with acetone, and clean the hull under the plate with acetone. Then put some 4000 3 M sealant under the plate on the outside, and put the backing plate on the inside back on, and tight up the bolts until fully tight.

I agree, with strap down, but use use a chain to the trailer frame.