Fitting tow eyes

[D4V33]

Hi all, I’m looking to fit a couple of towing eyes to my transom. I hope to never need to use them, but want them in place should any of the other SIB’s I’m out with get into engine trouble and need a slow tow to shore.

I’ve fitted them to all my previous fibreglass boats in the past, but this boat being a SIB, it’s got me wondering if there are any concerns regarding the positioning of them.

• Is there a preferred position?
• Will a higher or lower position comprise performance or stability while towing?
• Or is there any risk of damage to the transom or where it attaches to the sponsons due to positioning?

Probably daft questions, but never even crossed my mind with my past heavy boats, plus having transom wheels on the back doesn’t leave much space.

Cheers
Dave

[chipko]

We’ve fitted towing eyes to all our sibs over the years, regularly towed kneeboards, wakeboards, toys etc and never had a problem with even the thinnest of transoms.

My preference would be to fit them high and wide. We use 10mm ss eye bolts but 8mm eyes would also suffice as would U - bolts. Would recommend fitting large penny washers and sealing holes with marine sealant.

We also use a bridle as regular towers, but for the occasional rescue tow then probably not essential although it will ease stress on the transom by distributing load equally.

PS: Nice transom wheels by the way. Are they per chance the Boatworld Seamax copies?

[D4V33]

Cheers for your reply chipko.
Yes the wheels are from boatworld. They seem fine so far, although I did have to file the height selection holes slightly. They where quite a neat fit, making them a bit of a faff trying to set them on the water when getting back to shore.

It’s a couple of stainless m10 eye bolts I plan to fit with nice thick penny washers on the inside. I already keep a bridle on the boat incase I ever need towed myself, so would use that.

I’m not sure I’ll be able to put them to the outside of the wheels though, as I’d be drilling through the pvc that’s bonded to the transom. Will have a better look tomorrow.

[chipko]

Agree, advisable to keep clear of transom plate moulding but hard up to it (edge of penny washers) has proved ok with us where space is tight.
Difficult to tell on pics but appears to be enough room outside wheel leg and high up under fabric splash web.

[D4V33]

Originally Posted by chipko

Agree, advisable to keep clear of transom plate moulding but hard up to it (edge of penny washers) has proved ok with us where space is tight.
Difficult to tell on pics but appears to be enough room outside wheel leg and high up under fabric splash web.

You’re right, not much space, but just enough to fit a m10 tow eye.

Cheers
Dave

[Fenlander]

Slightly late to the party but here are my tow bolt positions. As it happens my Bombard comes pre drilled with holes and with fitted spreader washers for the top mount bolt of the OE transom legs which we take off after launch. I just carry a set of tow eyes in the kit bag that can be quickly fitted if needed and without a specific tool.

[D4V33]

Hi Fenlander, not too late at all. I was going to fit them this weekend, but since the weather is looking good, plan to get out in the water and do some fishing instead.

It’s looking like the upper outer position on the transom is a safe place to fit them on these boats so will follow suit.

Cheers guys!