Broken bow Chock Bolt

Brucerobs2 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2010

So this weekends high winds,a very low tide, and probably too tight a dock line combined to break off one of the bolts that holds down a bow line chock near my bow cleat on my 80 Hunter 27. The bolt broke off about 3/4 of an inch down, leaving the remaining length of the bolt inside. Other than some surface damage where to bolt broke free, there doesn't appear to be any major additional damage, although I need to investigate further. Looks to be drilled into solid glass but possibly a glass/wood combo on the bow.

My initial thought about repairing is to extract the remaining bolt length, filling with epoxy, and then re-drilling and mounting (potting?). Assuming I can successfully extract the bolt (and the damage is minimal) which I have never done before, am I missing anything? Any tricks to drilling/extracting a stainless bolt? Seems straightforward enough. Any pitfalls I should be wary of? Can't be the first time this one has happened. Thanks.

chucklesR · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2010

Bruce,

That was some major wind this weekend wasn't it. Sorry for the damage.

The bolt also has a nut; you are going to have to look inside at the lining and work out how to get the lining out and get the nut off from underneath.
Part of that will show you if you can remove the remainder of the bolt from there, or if you'll have to drill it out.
They make a lot of good products for backing out bolts and screws that have lost their heads - this one might be tough as it's bedded in epoxy. If that is the case, after you get the nut off drilling it out and then refilling with epoxy is a solution.
It might not be strong enough though - you may have to cut back some more, add some filler etc..
Try the hunterowners forum for other owners and they can give you some 'been there, done that' advice.

SVCarolena · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2010

Your plan sounds fine. I saw several boats at our marina this weekend hanging from the bow lines. Are you able to reach the underside of the deck where the chocks are mounted? If so, you may want to think about going with a thru-bolt and backing plate after you fill and re-drill the holes.