Bow & Stern Eyes
What Are Bow & Stern Eyes?
Bow and stern eyes are among the most fundamental pieces of hardware on any trailerable or dockable boat. Bow & stern eyes are through-hull or through-stem metal fittings mounted at the front and rear of a boat's hull, creating dedicated attachment points for trailer winch straps, tow lines, dock lines, and anchoring systems. Without them, safely securing a boat to a trailer or a dock becomes a risky improvisation.
How They Work and Why They Matter
The bow eye sits at the very front of the hull and is the primary connection point between the boat and a trailer's winch strap, keeping the vessel locked down during transport. The stern eye, mounted at the transom or stern, mirrors this function at the rear — often doubling as a tie-down point at the dock or even a ski tow hook when transom-mounted. Together, these two fittings form the load-bearing backbone of how a boat is handled both on the water and on the road.
Because these fittings bear significant dynamic loads — from trailer launching ramps to open-water towing — material selection is critical. Common alloys include 304 and 316 stainless steel, chrome-plated zinc, silicon bronze, and galvanized steel. For saltwater environments, 316 stainless steel or silicon bronze offer the best corrosion resistance. Always pay close attention to a fitting's Working Load Limit (WLL), which is the manufacturer's rated safe working capacity; exceeding it risks hardware failure. Through-bolting with a backing plate is the recommended installation method for high-load applications.
Choosing the Right Bow or Stern Eye
- Material: Match the alloy to your environment. Stainless steel is the go-to for most saltwater and freshwater boaters alike.
- Shaft diameter and length: Common sizes range from 3/8" to 1/2" stock, with thread lengths to suit varying hull thicknesses.
- Style: Fixed, folding, and swivel styles address different deck clearance needs and load angles.
- Capacity: Confirm the WLL meets or exceeds your boat's trailering and towing demands.
- Hardware included: Many bow and stern eyes ship with nuts, washers, and backing plates for a complete installation.
Top Brands in Bow & Stern Eyes
Seachoice is one of the most widely recognized names in marine hardware and leads this category with a broad range of bow and stern eyes suited to a variety of hull types and trailering setups. Their products are a staple at marine retailers across North America for good reason — consistent quality at an accessible price point.
Sea-Dog Line has built a strong reputation for precision-machined stainless steel marine hardware. Their bow and stern eyes — available in 304 stainless steel with rolled-thread shafts — are valued by boaters who prioritize corrosion resistance and dimensional accuracy in demanding on-water conditions.
Attwood Marine is a long-standing manufacturer of marine accessories trusted by OEM boat builders and aftermarket consumers alike. Their bow and stern eye offerings reflect the same attention to fit and finish that has made Attwood a household name in boating hardware.