Bow Eyes On Larger Cruisers

[Bestathook]

I have often wondered how many cruisers use bow eyes on larger cruisers.

I have installed them, and had good result, but would like to hear the thoughts of others with more experience.

I like that bow eyes can have a metal to metal joint with a shackle, avoiding chafe.

I like their position, with nothing around them, to avoid fouling. They don't need chocks and their inherent chafing. They are clear of forestays.

I like the way they allow the bow to rise of a wave more freely, not holding the bow down. In this I refer to eyes mounted fairly low, and back from the vertical line of the tip of the bow.

I like that they slightly improve working scope, compared to a higher, deck mounted fixture.

I like 'em !

But I like to know both the pros and cons of any system.

Those who agree with me are obviously smart fellows/ladies, and I would like to hear why they agree.

Those of you who disagree with me might be smarter fellows/ladies yet, and I would like to know why you hold your view.

Let her Rip!

[zeehag]

are you talking about waterline snubbing?? if so,that is good to have.

[Bestathook]

Yes, I mean a low, sturdy eye, set as strongly as a cleat, with a backing plate set in a gob of resin/glass. I attach a rode or snubber to let the rode/chain extend out with no obstructions, but have a slack secondary attachment to the bow cleat.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Bestathook

Yes, I mean a low, sturdy eye, set as strongly as a cleat, with a backing plate set in a gob of resin/glass. I attach a rode or snubber to let the rode/chain extend out with no obstructions, but have a slack secondary attachment to the bow cleat.

There are no negatives to it. It is also about the strongest point of the hull.

[boatpoker]

I made patterns out of plywood and had eyes cast in bronze, incredibly cheap at $6.00 per lb. the eyes gave me a better position for dock lines and I also run an anchor snubber out one side. Having the snubber to one side holds the bow slightly off the wind at anchor and eliminates swinging.

[Bestathook]

Boatpoker, Your rig looks like a very workable setup.

But I am talking about an eye set low on the bow's leading edge, below deck level, like a trailerable sailboat has to pull it onto the trailer.

[janice142]

I too am interested in the U-bolts found low on my bow. One (near the waterline) is/was for when trailering, but frankly that one scares me. If it failed I have no way of accessing the back (below the water tank) so I could have a major problem close to the water. That's why I installed the one up a bit -- but I've yet to use it.

I'm not quite certain how I could rig it from the bow? And if I had to let out more chain, well it just seems problematic. I'm curious as to how I could utilize the one in the middle with the bowsprit extending beyond the U-bolt...? How do I put the snubber line thru the U-bolt from the deck?

Currently the snubber line goes thru the u-bolt at the end of the bowsprit (same as chain) and the end (loop) hooks over the samson post. I let out about 10' extra chain and call it good. Since the new Rocna (33 pounds) that replaced a 25 lb plow, I've not moved so it's working as is. My pondering concerns possible storm conditions (hurricane) though the Rocna and I have been thru a couple of minor Tropical Storms without issue just as she is shown in the picture except with more scope. At 7-to-1 currently.

Oh, and picture:


Thanks for any suggestions on how to rig for hurricane conditions with that mid-bow u-bolt shown above. Or not to bother and just work with the bowsprit?