: I'm curious if there are any strong opinions about using a 1 1/2" ss.
: ring imbedded vertically in the bow as one might use a u-bolt. The reason
: for considering the ss. ring is that it would sit lower to the deck with
: less opportunity for fouling lines. u-bolts that have a big enough radius
: for 1/3-1/2 arc protruding are too large. Anyone see anyproblems with
: bedding the lower part in the endpour?

The only thing here is that you have to make a bigger hole -- in this case a slot. A U-bolt with a 1 1/2 inch diameter on the curved middle may have rather long legs, but these can be cut off with a hack saw, and you just drill two holes to mount it on the boat. Smaller area to seal.

If you go with a solid ring, don't rely on just the epoxy to hold it in place. arrange to put a bolt, or steel rod through the ring, and on the inside of the boat, after you have placed the ring in the slot you have cut. mthis way, should the epoxy fail you'll still have a trapped metal bar to keep the ring from falling out.

Belt and suspenders approach, I guess, but I've pulled out blocks of cured epoxy from my mixing jars with just a bit of flexing. No way of telling exactly how strong your bond will be until it fails.

PGJ