Using Eyebolts to Pull . . . What do you think ?

[curtiscapk]

Rhino that is one ugly toon!!!

[HandymanHerb]

So it looks like two big beefy u-bolts through the aluminum hull and supported with steel plates on top and bottom would work well for pulling and towing . . .

U-bolts are better than an eyebolt due to the fact that two bolts through the hull will support better than one . . .

Thanks for the inputs -- would love to get more if they are out there . . .

OK I missed the Steel bolts through Aluminum before, that's a big NO NO, dissimilar metals is going to make a battery and start eating the aluminum

[badmoonrising]

Yep, never use dissimilar metals.

[mytee_hercules]

Rhino that is one ugly toon!!!

Jealous 'cause it's not that RED color ?


Alright -- no dissimilar metals -- got it. So what kind of bolts do you use to keep all your things secured on your craft?


(Hmmmm . . . . this may require more picture-taking on my part to clarify my concerns . . . )

[dockholiday]

should know this, but think as long as they are not touching is the idea on dissimilar. Might be able to shim it on either side.
mahogany or teak come to mind, or maybe some nylon washers.
doc

[badmoonrising]

Stainless steel only.

[mytee_hercules]

Stainless steel only.

Ah Ha !

So, as long as the bolts and washers are stainless steel, there is no problem using them for towing points or docking points or whatever.

Another good thing to know . . . that could have become a bad thing.

[mytee_hercules]

Let's ask the question one more time with pictures . . .

[badmoonrising]

Personally, I'd go with the u-bolts. They will have double the shear strength of eyebolts. If going through plywood, use large washers...

[curtiscapk]

Rhino,

what is that on your port toon hooked to the eye?

[mytee_hercules]

Rhino,

what is that on your port toon hooked to the eye?

It's just a line that the previous owner had tied there. It's not attached to anything and I did remove it since I didn't see a need for it there either.

[exospex]

I use the welded on eyes to tie up to my dock all season long. I didn't know that I shouldn't do that. Is it for stress reasons? Cracking at the welds? Does anyone have a link or some more sources? Why would they put them on if we're not supposed to use them? I always figured they were stronger than the cleats. I will inspect them closely when I get home to see if there are any signs of cracking.

Learn something new every day I guess..........

[badmoonrising]

They are pretty weak when pulled from the sides. A couple of guys with pontoons used them to tie up on our floating dock in our marina and they got bent all to hell. That's what got me to call Tracker. They said to use the factory cleats only. Then again it's pretty rough on the upper Chesapeake, on a lake it may not be an issue.