Bow Eye ripped off

[wlg]

The bow eye was ripped off in traffic accident. I do not know where to find one that would fit the boat. It is a 1979 Sylvan aluminum.

I was looking at the double shank bow/stern eyes but, am not sure about installation. I would need to fill the six holes with the busted rivets. I am thinking about using some stainless nuts, bolts and sealant for that issue. Would I need some sort of backer for the bow eye, like a block of wood shaped to fit into the V of the bow?

I am open to all suggestions. If anyone knows where I can get an original bow eye that would be even better yet.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Bow Eye ripped off

Hi wlg. Sorry for the bad luck. Looks like the original soft, aluminum one ripped off. You can try tracking down an original part online (ebay, here in the forums or aomci.org are your best bets, but probably more trouble than it's worth), or you can use and aftermarket bow eye like the one you described. I actually use a large Stainless steel eye bolt from Lowes for my bow eye and it works great and I only had to drill on hole. Aside from the SS hardware itself, you just need some solid backing for the bolt(s) posts to pass through. You can use wood, but be sure to seal it for good measure. I prefer to use strips of aluminum and/or multiple SS fender washers and nuts on the back side because it can't/won't rot. Apply some 3M 5200 to the hardware just prior to installation too. It's pretty gooey, but will clean up with a bit of acetone. That's really about it. You just drill new hole(s), insert the new bow eye or eye bolt, attach backing plate/hardware and tighten it up. As for the bow stop, you can buy all sorts of rubber and plastic versions from Wal-mart, here at iboats, or other marine stores for less than $10. Of course, you could make one out of wood as you suggested, but again be sure it is well sealed and perhaps covered with a bit of carpet so it doesn't damage the hull. Good luck.