1987 Guardian 18 Bow Eye - Moderated Discussion Areas

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Author Topic:   1987 Guardian 18 Bow Eye

elvis posted 01-17-2014 04:22 PM ET (US)
Hi all. I recently bought and am restoring a 1987 Whaler Guardian 18. The bow eye (to whcih the trailer winch hook connects) needs replacing. This is the part that goes all the way through and connects to the inside? Guess it is actually three pieces. I've never replaced one. I need the part. I need advice if there's anything complicated about it. It looks simple. Where is the best place to get the correct Whaler replacement part? The one on it now is not original; someone screwed on some aftermarket junk. Thanks!
jimh posted 01-18-2014 11:23 AM ET (US)
The bow towing eyes are typically through-bolted through the hull. The inner fasteners are usually seen in the anchor locker. A good source for off-the-shelf Boston Whaler replacement parts has been Twin Cities Marine in Wisconsin.
I don't think the eye or the inside retainers are actually specialized Boston Whaler parts. You may be able to get equivalent parts at any good marine chandlery. The connecting rod is probably just generic stainless steel rod that has been cut to length. If your bow towing eye is not an OEM fitting, look for a similar boat and take note of the bow towing eye, assuming it is an OEM fitting. The Guardian hull might have used a particular fitting. To check on that, contact Boston Whaler customer service. Boston Whaler customer service representative Chuck Bennett should be able to tell you exactly what fitting style was used on the Guardian.
When refurbishing the bow towing eye, it is a good idea to give the holes in the hull a coating of a sealing resin. For example, coat them with some thickened epoxy. This will seal the hull, strengthen the hole area, and reduce the diameter. Then re-drill the holes to the appropriate diameter so the through-bolts fit snugly. It may also be a good idea to add a bit of reinforcement material, perhaps a small aluminum plate fabricated to fit into the flat area on the hull on which the towing eye mounts; this will help spread the load across a larger area. Of course, any damage to the hull should be repaired when the old towing eye is removed.
I would use some adhesive sealant on the bolts when re-installing them. I don't know if a super-strong adhesive like 3M5200 is appropriate. You might never again be able to get the bolts out for a future repair. But bed the bolts in a waterproof sealant or caulk.
elvis posted 01-18-2014 02:14 PM ET (US)
Thank you, Jim...great advice. I'll check with Twin Cities, and on installation, will utilize your suggestions...I think they are spot on.

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Author	Topic: 1987 Guardian 18 Bow Eye
elvis	posted 01-17-2014 04:22 PM ET (US) Hi all. I recently bought and am restoring a 1987 Whaler Guardian 18. The bow eye (to whcih the trailer winch hook connects) needs replacing. This is the part that goes all the way through and connects to the inside? Guess it is actually three pieces. I've never replaced one. I need the part. I need advice if there's anything complicated about it. It looks simple. Where is the best place to get the correct Whaler replacement part? The one on it now is not original; someone screwed on some aftermarket junk. Thanks!
jimh	posted 01-18-2014 11:23 AM ET (US) The bow towing eyes are typically through-bolted through the hull. The inner fasteners are usually seen in the anchor locker. A good source for off-the-shelf Boston Whaler replacement parts has been Twin Cities Marine in Wisconsin. I don't think the eye or the inside retainers are actually specialized Boston Whaler parts. You may be able to get equivalent parts at any good marine chandlery. The connecting rod is probably just generic stainless steel rod that has been cut to length. If your bow towing eye is not an OEM fitting, look for a similar boat and take note of the bow towing eye, assuming it is an OEM fitting. The Guardian hull might have used a particular fitting. To check on that, contact Boston Whaler customer service. Boston Whaler customer service representative Chuck Bennett should be able to tell you exactly what fitting style was used on the Guardian. When refurbishing the bow towing eye, it is a good idea to give the holes in the hull a coating of a sealing resin. For example, coat them with some thickened epoxy. This will seal the hull, strengthen the hole area, and reduce the diameter. Then re-drill the holes to the appropriate diameter so the through-bolts fit snugly. It may also be a good idea to add a bit of reinforcement material, perhaps a small aluminum plate fabricated to fit into the flat area on the hull on which the towing eye mounts; this will help spread the load across a larger area. Of course, any damage to the hull should be repaired when the old towing eye is removed. I would use some adhesive sealant on the bolts when re-installing them. I don't know if a super-strong adhesive like 3M5200 is appropriate. You might never again be able to get the bolts out for a future repair. But bed the bolts in a waterproof sealant or caulk.
elvis	posted 01-18-2014 02:14 PM ET (US) Thank you, Jim...great advice. I'll check with Twin Cities, and on installation, will utilize your suggestions...I think they are spot on.