Mounting bow eye on 12' tinny

[Huron Angler]

I need to attach an eyelet to the bow of my boat for securing it to the winch on my new(to me) trailer(only $50) and I just wanted to see if anybody has tips or advice regarding this.

I bought a stainless steel threaded eye bolt for this purpose but might need a longer one. My concern is whether or not drilling a hold big enough for it will cause any unintended consequences.

The plan is to drill...coat bolt in 3M 5200...secure washers...tighten and let set properly.

Anybody that's done this and has advice will be appreciated.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Mounting bow eye on 12' tinny

You need a backing plate, ply is ok if you test fit first then glass it, finally glue in place, I'd use PL construction glue.
Doing it your way would cause the bolt to pull through the hull.

oh yeh and the best way is to use a stainless U bolt design rather than eye bolt.

Considering when you drive and hit bumps on the raod the total weight might be concentrated on that bolt, include the weight of the engine, fuel etc.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Mounting bow eye on 12' tinny

Or, you can get a welder to just weld one to the bow made out of alum.
I can really see the weight being an issue on a 12 footer. Whats the total weight maybe 200 lbs?

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Mounting bow eye on 12' tinny

Thanks for the advice fellas...I like the idea of a backing plate(aluminum maybe?) with a U bolt rather than an eye bolt. I was planning on using large washers but they would possibly bend when stressed and eventually fail.

Welding it would be fine but probably cost more than I'd like to spend.

The bare hull weighs a paltry 86lbs dripping wet

It's not the heaviest gauge of aluminum but makes it perfect for dropping it into secluded fishing holes or necks of the rivers that nobody frequents. Plenty of those around here

With removable decking, deep cycle, Minn Kota troller, 5.5hp 1958 Johnnyrude, a couple full gas tanks, full cooler, fishing gear and etc probably closer to 350 maybe.

If you want to see the rig my resto link is below.