Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

[dooma_Flatchy]

I have a 1977 Terry bass boat and I'm having a little bit of a problem. On my boat the bow eye is at the very top of the bow where the bow and hull meet, The winch post and bow stop is below the eye. When I launch the boat the bow eye catches on on the bow stop roller and it hangs up. It really becomes a pain when I launch on ramps that are steep.I will link a picture because the image is large. I wanted to get a good view of it.http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m265/jall65/boattrailer003.jpg.
I have lowered and raised the winch post in just about every possible combination possible. I was hoping someone could just give me some options o suggestions. I have thought about relocating the bow eye but I would have to cut a hole in the deck to get to it and I had rather not do that.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

you may have to change you winch post. what you have 1st is unsafe. the bow stop is suppose to be above the bow eye. try turning you winch over. heres a couple of pics i took you pic to show where the bow stop should be. you may want to use a pad as in the other picture. i'm sending you a PM, as my diagram will not upload.

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Thanks tashasdaddy,
I got that email

I have not liked the bow eye placement ever since I got this boat, But boat and motor is in great shape.

I got to thinking after my post that I might cut a large hole in the deck and make a door for it to make an extra storage compartment. Just second thoughts.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Can't tell from your pic, you may need to install or adjust your front keel bunks. If you have two front mounted keel bunks the boat will ride and stay on them untill it clears, launching and loading. Since the (height) distance from the front bunks to the bowstop would be fixed, they would hold the front of the boat at the same height no matter what angle the ramp.
(Snatched pic of similar Terry), you can see the front bunks (a little).

If this is like yours, we can see the problem.
Maybe just a wide "V" keel roller is all you need. Like this
Eric

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Here is a picture of the boat when I purchased it. I have did a little more work on it since. (Notice the transom mounted trolling motor they had engineered LOL.) sorry the pic is a little large but it gives better view. The winch post can be moved up and down as well as the roller arm, It can be extended and shortened.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Nice lookin' boat. If you can extend the bow roller arm, what's the problem?

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Nice lookin' boat. If you can extend the bow roller arm, what's the problem?

No matter where I put the roller it still hangs up. The boat docks that are steep makes it really hang up, I physically have to lift the bow of the boat off of the roller because of the angle.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Dooma, The winch stand on my trailer has two rollers set 8-10" vertically apart. This pivots as well. It is basically a piece of 10" long U shaped metal with three holes drilled in it. The hole in the center would bolt to where you have your bow roller, and each end of the device would have a roller to contact the bow as well. You might try a trailer parts place and see what they have. You should be able to fabricate one, if they do not have it.

 

[Coors]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Mine is like Chris', and works good. I had to drill another center hole to lower it some, so, adjustments can be made to that setup.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

turn the total winch arm over so the stop is on top, then adjust so it hits the white part just under the rub rail.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

TD is onto something! turn the arm over and replace the bow roller with one of the sguare V bow stops so the winch pulls the boat into the v at the rub rail...

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

turn the total winch arm over so the stop is on top, then adjust so it hits the white part just under the rub rail.

I've tried that. When I do that It puts an odd angle and then I cannot adjust the roller arm far enough back to raise it up above the bow eye even with the winch post adjusted against the trailer jack.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

ever heard of a sawzall with a metal blade. take it down to the welding or trailer shop, and tell them what you need, in 20 minutes you will have what you need installed. they can modify what you have. right now you have a unsafe situation. there is nothing to stop that boat from coming thru the back window, if you have an emergency stop. that rope will break and the boat will ride right up that bow roller.

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

Thanks all,
I started working on it this morning. I can fabricate something as soon as my brother-in-law gets home so I can get his welder,if all else fails I will move the bow eye. I may need to anyway , The eye itself has pulled away from the hull and I may knock out 2 birds with one stone.

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

I decided to remove the bow eye and move it and I'm glad I did The first picture is the bolt that came out of the bow eye and the second picture is the after moving it. I wasted a good day of fishing but the look of that bolt I'm glad I did.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

i've seen worse bolts, but you did a good job. that should work nicely, and it's safe now. keep those stern straps on.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

my solution to the eye-over-stop safety issue:

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

jtexas almost has it right.

There is no cardinal rule about having the eye below the bow stop or roller.

But all should have a safety chain or turnbuckle (rated to do the job).
From the bow eye to the trailer. A lot of states require the safety chain.

jtexas,
The turnbuckle is a good idea but the type choosen is questionable.
The body is aluminum which when pulled sufficiently will either pull the threads out of the soft aluminum barrel or the bent eyes will open up to release the load.
But the bent eyebolt on the trailer will open up first.

Please consider a stainless steel turnbuckle with forged ends like a hook on one and a jaw on the other. Along with a forged eyebolt on the trailer. Don't use that spring clippy thing at all.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow Eye/Winch Post Problem

yeah that bottom eye will last about 1/2 second.