Bow eye replacement

[echo1012]

I went to replace the bow eye on my 81 V20 today. When I went to tighten up the new one it broke right through the fiberglass and found the wood behind it was wet and spongy. What should I do to fix this and does the blocking affect the integrity of the hull? Does anyone know of a replacement kit like the one here for the Catalina. http://www.catalinadirect.com/index....roduct_ID=1882

[nymack66]

I replace mine during my restoration, I reuse the existing U, for the backing plate I bent two 1/4" aluminum plates drill two holes and install it.
Before I re-install it I use mat and resin about four layers on the inside to solidify the integrity of the area because it appear to be very weak for whatever reason.
For a better U hook or eyelid whatever the nautical name is you can use this also better spread on the outside as shown.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...ectorid=229466

[tartuffe]

I took a piece of 3/4" birch and shaped it to fit snug to the inside of the hull to help distribute the weight over a larger area and then put a piece of aluminum plate over that with holes drilled in it. Ran the U-bolt through all of it. 4200 to prevent moisture from getting to the block of wood.

[echo1012]

Thanks for the input guys. I am going to try and tackle the job before the weekend so I can get out and do some fishing!

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by echo1012

I went to replace the bow eye on my 81 V20 today. When I went to tighten up the new one it broke right through the fiberglass and found the wood behind it was wet and spongy. What should I do to fix this and does the blocking affect the integrity of the hull? Does anyone know of a replacement kit like the one here for the Catalina. http://www.catalinadirect.com/index....roduct_ID=1882

I didn't like the way mine was seated when I 1st got it...I cut a piece of 1" starboard about 9" long and 2" wide, matched & drilled the two holes, sealed it and torqued it all down w/out spending a dime...you could hang the boat from it...

[franko]

gotta replace the angle iron also, stainless replacement from speedy metals