My boat (#686) was made without any hawser holes. A previous owner installed a pair of bronze locking chocks on the aft cap rails, above the location of the after dock cleats. These work well to guide dock lines over the cap rail to the cleat. But, there are no similar chocks at the bow, so dock lines have been led over the rails, and have worn the edges of those rails.

I just ordered a pair of those chocks from Spartan Marine. Since the cap rail at the bow is partially curved, I am inclined to install them on the flat sloped part of the rail. Can anyone advise me of the best screw length for securing chocks in that area? Is there something meaty to screw into under the midline of the cap rail in that area? I am considering either 2 1/2 inch or 3 inch brass wood screws.

Thanks for any advice about the structure of the bulwark underlying that area of the bow cap rail.

Thanks - I found small packets at Fastenere. I really need feedback on what’s under the cap rail in that location.

Anonymous wrote:

Hello Neil.   The original thickness of the cap rail was 3/4 inch.  Under that is the deck mold flange which sits on top of the hull flange.   Both flanges were approximately 3/8 inches.  So you have approximately 3/4 inches of fiberglass under 3/4 inches of teak, for a total of 1 1/2 inches.  No need for 3 inch fasteners.   There is a reasonable chance that you will hit a Stainless steel fastener when you drill.  The two fiberglass flanges are through bolted together on 6 to 8 inch centers.    Good luck,   Dave

Thank you very much. I ordered 2 1/2 inch screws before I saw your reply. I just ordered some 1.5” Si bronze screws - Hopefully I will miss the stainless fasteners.

BTW - is there a setting on this forum that will alert users by email when other members add to a thread  that one is following?

Anonymous wrote:

Hi Neil , have you checked out this place ? 

https://www.porttownsendfoundry.com/