First hardware installed (temporarily)

We installed the first hardware, the pad eye on the bow, at least temporarily.  Since the pad eye is inaccessible once the bow is closed up, some type of fasteners have to be permanently installed now.  I didn't like the idea of installing bolts from the inside with the threaded ends sticking out.  I chose to make a thick backing plate with threaded holes so the bolts are installed on the outside and can be removed if needed.  This configuration also makes exterior fairing and glassing easier without protruding obstructions.  The bolts shown are only temporary to hold everything in place while the epoxy sets (see below).  In the final assembly, after paint, the pad eyes will be held in place with socket button head bolts for a more finished look.

 Here you can see the installed pad eye and its twin awaiting the port hull.  Note the heavy backing plate (much heavier than needed just for backing).  The backing plate is 3/8" 316 stainless steel.  The edges are all chamfered to make it easier to glass in place and also to reduce a weight a little.  I am not trying to make this the lightest F-82R around, but I did have to think about the options for this plate since it is somewhat heavy.  But I figure it is better to go heavy on this inaccessible component rather than cut open the finished hull to make repairs later.  All other backing plates will be 1/8" with no threads.

This is a shot of the backing plate on the inside of the bow, after the bow was closed up (see next post).  I started by match drilling the holes through the hull for the bolts and dry fit everything.  Then I made a thick putty with cabosil and microballoons to bed the backing plate.  This is important so the plate presses evenly over its entire contact area. Without the bedding, the plate would pinch the hull at a few points, which could crush the core and weaken the hardware attachment.  I held the plate in place with the bolts tight enough to squeeze out excess putty, but not too tight.  The bolts also helped keep epoxy out of the threads.  Once set, I added a layer of glass tape and epoxy to permanently hold the plate in place.  The chamfered edges helped the glass cover the plate more smoothly and securely.  Hopefully this plate will outlast the boat.