How can I add Anchor chocks to the bow of a bowrider?

[freeboard]

I have a 1987 Larson Bowrider and want to add anchor chocks to the bow.
I understand that these are to be installed with a backing plate on the underside.
But it appears there is no way to access the underside of the bow topside except to possibly cut an access hole through the fiberglass behind the seatback.

Any comments or ideas?

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: How can I add Anchor chocks to the bow of a bowrider?

What do you secure your anchor to on the bow of the boat? I don't see a cleat nor any way to stow the anchor. Is that why you have it bunged to the rail?

1st impression, without better pictures and more information.

I would remove the center seat back cushion, if a separate piece. Cut as large a hole as will fit behind it, with a similar sized removable cover, reattach the seat back with snaps.

Install a "chain and rope deck pipe" in the bow of the boat, and a flush mount cleat with a backing plate near it, then install a chock 6" to each side of the bow light with backing plates.

If there is room, you might be able to mount an "anchor chock" to secure the anchor to the "deck", otherwise "?".

The other option might be to relocate the bow light, mount an anchor roller and let the anchor stay on the roller, but still use the deck pipe set up for rode storage.

As I said these are just 1st impressions and might help to stimulate some other, better ideas.

Have fun.

 

[freeboard]

Re: How can I add Anchor chocks to the bow of a bowrider?

Currently the only option I have is using the bow eye which is a pain because you have to lean over the bow to pull it up.

The cut through behind the seat back seems like the best option to me.
This would allow me to beef up the support for the chock and other required ground tackle. i.e. metal backing plate and additional wood or whatever.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How can I add Anchor chocks to the bow of a bowrider?

The other option would be to install pop up cleats. There was a thread here just a day or two ago with a link showing how to install back-up plates through the installation hole. Very informative.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: How can I add Anchor chocks to the bow of a bowrider?

You should be able to reach the nuts that hold on your center backrest cushion by reaching up from the storage compartment below the seat cushion. There is likely already an access hole behind the backrest cushion to give access to the bow light. I would try that before cutting into the fiberglass deck for a pop-up cleat.