Eric,

I'm considering using two of the flush deck fittings I purchased from you for the bow and stern lines. I was wondering whether drilling a 1 3/8" hole at these bow and stern locations, on the centerline of the peaked deck seam which is glassed on top and taped underneath, presents any problems structurally. Will the deck be weakened, strengthed, or unaffected structurally?

Paul

> I have done two things to attach bow and stern grab lines (safety lines
> not for lifting the boat) One technique is to bond a wooden eye loop as
> discribed in Nick's book to the deck. Sand the bottom of the eye by
> placing the sandpaper (sand up) on the deck and rubbing the fitting over
> the spot where you intend to glue it, thereby shaping the bottom to match
> the deck. bond it onto the deck using thickened epoxy.

> the second is to use a flush deck fitting as discribed elsewhere in the
> bulletin board. I drill a hole with a hole saw and pull the fitting into
> place with a long peice of wire. I often have to carve away material on
> the deck fitting so that it fits up into the hole making the fitting fluch
> along the peak of the deck, then sanding it down flush along the sides
> after bonding it in.

> I really like the flush look of the fittings especially at the bow and
> stern.