: Just doing a last-minute sanity check before I start outfitting my boat. I
: plan to drill holes through the deck into the end pours and epoxy a
: 2" long stainless U-bolt in place as a deck fitting. I *think* this
: will be strong enough to mount the carry handle, as well as being a good
: pivot point for a running bow line and place to attach a security cable.

: I know a standard padeye/wood screws arrangement is nowhere near strong
: enough for this.

: Am I taking a big risk thinking the U-bolt will be strong enough? (I'd like
: it to have a working load of around 400 lb., in case the fully loaded boat
: with paddler gets suspended from it.)

: Details: CLC Ches LT18. End pours are at least 4 inches from either stem,
: epoxy with microballoons.

: Thanks in advance for opinions.

Put a nut and washer on each end of the U-bolt and leave this well down into the pour. This will act as a "deadman" and resist upward force much better than just the U-bolt shank or a nut snugged up against the bottom side of the deck.

Randy