Transom eyes.

[gtflash]

Anyone have any opinions on transom eyes?

I was looking for a single bolt eyelet to attach the tow toys off of but they all have small I/d. Typically 18mm. I have a 14mm dia hole in transom already that would be well suited to the job but I am concerned they might be mistaken for lifting eyes at a later date.

[treerat]

Most ribs have a pair of U bolts in the transom for towing, and often lifting, especially with no engine.

So long as you know they are towing bolts and not lifting eyes, does it matter as you're unlikely to lift off them and to be honest, most people shy away from lifting full stop.

Does the Scorpion A frame not have a toy tow point?

[TimB]

Interested to read this, I have two one either side on the transom of my Ribcraft 4.8. what sort of weight could you tow, just interested as I know they say don't use a frame for towing as it is only bolted to transom, so I guess you get a lever effect. But the two towing rings go through the transom and are two of the bolts that hold a frame to transom.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by TimB

Interested to read this, I have two one either side on the transom of my Ribcraft 4.8. what sort of weight could you tow, just interested as I know they say don't use a frame for towing as it is only bolted to transom, so I guess you get a lever effect. But the two towing rings go through the transom and are two of the bolts that hold a frame to transom.

You'll be surprised!....Towing on water isn't that stressful to the Hull/Transome ....even in the rough....and it is a Ribcraft!
After all it's well lubricated
IME Towing eyes/transome bolts are really useful and most Ribs have them ...I know all Ribcraft Ribs seem to have them....not just for towing toys....rescue towing ect .and are often used for securing Boat toTrailer ect.
I've used them for all of the above and wouldn't be without them.....although the double A-frame on my 6.8 has a towing post "a-top" ...which is great in a "pinch" having towed a Jet ski away from immanent danger close to the Rocks in a big Swell (inc the rider) off Potland a few seasons back with a quick loop when time was of the essense!
I do carry a made up towing Bridle in the locker (With attached Float) since I towed Kerny halfway round Mull after a tecnical issue some years back which makes the whole process a lot quicker and simpler ...especially if it's knarley
I also have a couple towing eyes replacing two of the standard deck bolts on the A-frame floor mounts which are really useful for securing my rear Cargo nets to when I'm carrying lots of camping gear and stuff....big Fan

[Pikey Dave]

Here you go

https://www.gsproducts.co.uk/stainle...th-nut-washer/

[TimB]

Maximus thanks good to know

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Here you go

https://www.gsproducts.co.uk/stainle...th-nut-washer/

Just make sure you use Large washers (and suitable locking nuts) ....to help spread the load.
And plenty of Sikolfex or similar in ANY and ALL drilled transom Holes/Bolts...you can soon wipe off excess,Far better too much than too little!

[Allye]

I got some monstrous U bolts from a chandly. They had the plate that spans the gap between the two mounting on both side of the transom, also a locking nut on the outboard side. £20 odd a side but insanely sturdy, not a fan of the single pass eye bolts.

[gtflash]

Originally Posted by treerat

Most ribs have a pair of U bolts in the transom for towing, and often lifting, especially with no engine.

So long as you know they are towing bolts and not lifting eyes, does it matter as you're unlikely to lift off them and to be honest, most people shy away from lifting full stop.

Does the Scorpion A frame not have a toy tow point?

No tow point on a frame. It’s a single mast. On the old rib I found towing at speed high up unsettled the boat so prefer low down tow points.

To be honest the tow eyes or U bolts are obstructed by transom steps so wouldn’t make easy lift points. I could fit u bolts but the holes would be under water.

I already have stainless steel pipe through transom which was a bilge outlet. 14mm id.