This kit includes all the materials needed to do a proper rebuild of the bow eye components on your Catalina 22, Catalina 25, or Capri 22. Included are the U-bolt, a new plastic backing block, a bow eye shield to protect the surrounding area, an epoxy kit to seat the backing block, and sealant to prevent water intrusion. This kit will result in a stronger and better looking system than the original eye-bolt and wood backing block system.
We include an improved version backing block. Our high density polyurethane block has better compression strength than the original oak. It also will not deteriorate over time, so your bow eye is less likely to loosen.
Caution: It is important the load from the bow eye be distributed evenly to the hull. Bedding the backing block in an mixture of West System epoxy thickened with 406 filler performs this function nicely. The included epoxy kit is for this purpose.
Refer to our How to Video Volume I for complete, step by step visual installation instructions.
This heavy duty bow eye is secured with two studs through the hull for maximum strength. Many early boats used a bow eye with a single stud that will often loosen, rotate and damage the gel coat.
If you are replacing the bow eye on an early C-22, consider adding our Stem Reinforcement Assembly. It adds strength to the stem fitting and prevents lifting the deck from the load of the forestay and genoa.
The center-to-center distance between the legs of the bolt is 1-3/8".
Caution: Never moor your boat from the trailer bow eye. It is intended to take a load from the trailer winch, directly forward of the boat. A boat "sailing on its anchor" will exert a substantial side load on the bow eye. That side load will bend the eye and probably damage the fiberglass and gel coat.
Important Note: Catalina 25 Owners will need to slightly modify the bow eye shield to fit your boat. Please call our tech support line for further assistance.
