Bow Eye Surprise!

[Guest]

Got a nice surprise the day before Christmas, Hauled the 22 Hiliner back on the trailer after a nice ride. Pulled out on the highway from the Ramp road and as I accelerated, I heard a "POP" from behind the truck. I looked back and my boat was halfway off the trailer!!!!

After swallowing my heart, to get it back in my chest, I gently tapped the brakes and she slid forward on her bunks, and hit the Winch post with a thud,I then rolled the rig gingerly off the road.

My bow eye pulled clean out of the bow, The 1972 original bow eye was the ONLY thing on the whole damn boat I didn't replace (!), it worked as it should for the first summer the boat was recommissioned.

The main stud that was holding it was eaten away with green electrolysis, and it just parted. (it was bronze)

I bought a bigger welded stainless steel bow eye,one that will allow me to hang the boat up like a Marlin, if I wanted to. I got some 3/4" white oak that will double up in the stem as backing plates, and I plan to epoxy and glass them in place, before I re drill the holes and fill in any gaps with 5200.

I have the wood cut, and ready to glass in, but I'm waiting on a fresh 1 qt. epoxy kit.

Thought it might be nice to hear your thoughts on this project.

 

[kcassells]

Any pics? Bummer.

 

[Bayou Dave]

If the boat was halfway off the trailer I guess you don't have any tie down straps on the transom?

 

[mickyryan]

i have a piece of chain i wrap around post and secure to the bow eye then i also have a strap i go across bow between cleats to secure to trailer and of course the two back straps but long haul i take a 2" truckers strap across the whole stern and secure to trailer, i have seen boats whipped off trailers due to flat tires or accidents so i just over strap to know for sure

 

[oldrem]

i have a piece of chain i wrap around post and secure to the bow eye then i also have a strap i go across bow between cleats to secure to trailer and of course the two back straps but long haul i take a 2" truckers strap across the whole stern and secure to trailer, i have seen boats whipped off trailers due to flat tires or accidents so i just over strap to know for sure

I agree. I won't take any of my boats 5 miles without at least two tie down straps - more on a bigger boat. I'd rather take more time before and after launch than have a boat flopping around on a trailer. I've seen too many boats off trailers along the highway in my lifetime.

 

[redneck joe]

yep, bow strap, chain, and transom.

 

[Woodonglass]

White Oak is fine but laminated plywood will work just fine too! I'm assuming you have access to the inside of the bow to do the work. Epoxy and a couple layers of 17oz biax fabric and it'll never be a problem again.