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I have a 1970 13' 4" whaler and it seems to me that the bow eye is extremely small (diameter). I cannot even get my winch strap hook thru it and the hook isn't all that big. Is this something inherited with this model? Do owners replace with U-Bolts or some other type of bow eye? Or am I just going crazy?
Thanx for any suggestions.
Doug

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When I replaced the cable on my winch with a strap, the hook had a clip on it. In order to make the hook on the strap work with my Whaler "D" ring on the bow eye, I had to remove the clip in order to make it work. Since I removed the clip, I use a tie down strap from the "D" ring to the trailer now as well....just for that added bit of security.

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Doug - I had to put a smaller hook on my winch strap to fit the D ring bow eye... the old hook is still on the strap too, since I didn't want to unstitch the strap, so it just hangs below the smaller hook (which is really not much smaller, just shaped better for the bow eye).

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I replaced mine with Wichard part number 6361. I didn't like not being able to have it snap on. i also took the time to replace the bolt in the meantime. On long trips I like to also add a winch strap to the trailer.

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I've seen many just add a stainless shackle also.

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Thanx for all the advise guys

Doug

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I cut the hook off mine, used a SS shackle and the "crab claw" style attachment along with a safety chain. Works just fine.