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Author	Topic:   Replacement Bow Eye, Stern Eye
5Feezy	posted 10-10-2008 10:20 AM ET (US)         I'm [planning] to replace my bow eye and transom eye on my 1971 13-footer. I contacted Twin City Marine and they want $70 for each--way out of my price range. They say it is because they are chrome over brass and brass is so expensive right now. So I've been looking for alternatives. A company called Attwood has a similar bow eye made of chromed zinc, and it says its maximum straight axis pull is 2,500-lbs and is not for transom mounting. Why would it not be for transom mounting? They also have a stainless steel version. Would this be stronger? The zinc one is die-cast, which sounds like its about as strong as a Hot Wheels car, and the stainless steel one doesn't specify. I know my original bow eye and transom eye feel pretty hefty. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Tele65	posted 10-10-2008 11:49 AM ET (US)             Agree for the high price, but there is one thing we might consider: the boat's supposed to be hoisted by those three rings, and for that purpose you need top notch replacement. I do have one 'D' shape to be replaced too, I think I'll wait but at the end I'll get the OEM from Sue. Fabio
contender	posted 10-10-2008 03:59 PM ET (US)             You can us a stainless round eye with a 1/2 threaded shank, the other end they also sell a round threaded ring to go on the threaded shaft, may have to cut it to length, however your total cost is around $15.
jimh	posted 10-10-2008 08:07 PM ET (US)             Boston Whaler boats were built with high-quality components, so it is not surprising that the cost of equivalent replacement parts is high.
5Feezy	posted 10-10-2008 09:59 PM ET (US)             Of course I would like to use those heavy OEM pieces but I'm already way over my original budget that I envisioned on repairing this boat, and there's still more to spend. Do you all think those generic stainless steel ones would be strong enough. Should be stronger than die cast zinc, I would think. I definately need that D shape for the front because I've already finished the hull to accept that type. But do you all think that round stainless steel eyes on the transom would look too un-Whalerish?
skred	posted 10-11-2008 12:50 PM ET (US)             Unless you're going to use the eyes as lifting points, the stainless steel version Attwod will certainly be strong enough for mooring, and even emergency towing... Granted, they won't be OEM Whaler, but assume you're not into an authentic, original restoration.
contender	posted 10-11-2008 06:09 PM ET (US)             5Feezy: An non whaler person will not know the difference, a whaler geak will pick it out a mile away. Go ahead and use the stainless stuff, look around for marine flea markets/ marinas and some times discarded whalers (they are around), Then pick up your correct parts for cheap...good luck
5Feezy	posted 10-11-2008 08:12 PM ET (US)             cool, thanks.

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