Dinghy lifting hardware

[tmoandj]

I am considering putting in some hardware for attachment points on the transom of our new dinghy. I was thinking of putting in a couple of u-bolts or something similar to hook onto so that less of the stress is placed on the rubber parts when I'm lifiting the boat every night. What sort of arrangements do people use for this?
How do you locate corrosion proof ubolts in the local hardware store?
Thanks

[roverhi]

I'd use eyebolts. Fewer holes to drill and plenty strong enough unless you have a lead dinghy. Take a magnet with you and test against known steel fasteners. 304 stainless is mildly magnetic, 316 very little, if any.

Outside of an area with a lot of boats, might be hard to find SS fittings. Might have to go on line to fine what you need.

[ozskipper]

As Roverhi said. You need to make sure its 316 stainless.
Depending on what country you are in, there are plenty of online retailers selling marine hardware if your local hardware shop cant get what you need. But you could also try industrial hardware guys, rather than the handyman type of hardware shop.

Go with eye bolts and large washers.. Just remember to use plenty of goop (silicon/sika etc) when you bed them in.
If you think your transom is weak and want to distribute the loads, you could use Pad Eyes instead. But that would be unlikely.