I am currently building 2 Pygmys which shall be outfitted with rudder and grab loops. The bow loop is not an issue, but the stern one.

The usual position for a loop (close to the stern and through the epoxy end plug) is interferring with the rudder in the up position. A suitable place would be infront of the rudder blade tip. But now the loop has to be mounted through the deck, and i have stroung doubts about design strenght there.

Do i need extra strips of bias cut glass from the deck to the hull?
Reinforcement plates to increase stiffness?
Shall the hatch reinforcement be used as stiffener and force distribution ring?
Maybe carbon is needed?
How to make a water tight mounting?

Currently the deck is not even wired togehter, so i am open for all options

Any helpful expertise from your side?
What solution have you chosen?
What would you do different from your todays perspective?

Best thanks from Austria

Joerg