Help! Front winchloop pulled out of bow!!!

[VIP FORCE]

I have a 88 VIP 17' speedboat with a issue... There is a metal loop that is inserted into the fiberglass in my bow for pulling the boat onto the trailer. I noticed today that the lower metal pin has rotted and pulled free and is now hanging by the remaining pin. I checked and there is no access from behind. Is there any easy way to fix this? Or can I just cut it off, fill the holes and install a new one slightly higher or lower?
Any info would be very much appreciated...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help! Front winchloop pulled out of bow!!!

well you have to get inside, to apply washers and nuts, you can cut it off, and drive the remaining part back thru to the inside, then install a new one, but you still have to get to it. seal with 3m 5200.

 

[VIP FORCE]

Re: Help! Front winchloop pulled out of bow!!!

Is there always a place to access this without pulling up the floor or cutting the fiberglass? I didnt see any access areas that would put me in reach of the backside?

 

[drewmitch44]

Re: Help! Front winchloop pulled out of bow!!!

Nope not always.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Help! Front winchloop pulled out of bow!!!

Afraid you're going to have to do some cutting. Pull whatever carpet, liner you have off and get a small Dremel or Rotor Zip to cut the glass. Drill some small holes in each corner of your cutout, put the cutter in and go for it. The straighter the lines you make the easier it will be the replace. Just give yourself enough room to reach in and still be able to see what you're doing.
To replace it all make up some type of backing plate for the edges of the existing 'wall'. Screw the cut out into that - glass it over - you're done.