Eyebolts and Rings

Eyebolts and rings are essential nautical components for mooring, securing and safety on board.
Let's look at the types, uses, and ideal materials for the marine environment.

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🪝 Eyebolts for boats

Eye bolts ( or pad eyes ) are fixed rings with a base for fastening.
They are used for:

• Secure ropes, chains, carabiners

• Lifting or towing objects or boats

• Anchor awnings, lifelines, sails , etc.

• They also function as mooring points or attachments for safety straps

✅ Types:

• Through-hole eyebolts with nut (more resistant, they pass through the thickness of the fiberglass/wood)

• Self-tapping screw eyebolts (easier to install)

• Lowered or folding eyebolts (more elegant, they don't stick out)

• Reinforced eyebolts for towing (e.g. for dinghies or tenders)

🛠️ Materials:

• AISI 316 stainless steel → the best in marine corrosion resistance

• Marine bronze → rarer, but excellent on classic boats

• Anodized aluminum → lighter but less resistant over time

• Reinforced plastic or nylon → used in secondary or light areas

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🔗 Nautical RINGS

The rings are used for:

• Create passage or attachment points for ropes, elastics, carabiners

• Driving ropes or awnings

• Block light loads

• Connect deck elements, seats, nets, etc.

✅ Types:

• Welded or open rings (steel or stainless steel)

• D- , O- or triangle-shaped rings

• Pad rings with fixing plates

• Reinforced eyelets for insertion on canvases (e.g. tarpaulins, covers, awnings)

🧵 In the textile sector:

• Stainless steel eyelets → sewn or pressed onto tarpaulins and awnings

• Nautical plastic rings → lighter, also used on fenders or covers

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📦 Typical uses on board:

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🔧 Practical advice:

• If you mount padeyes under load (e.g. mooring, towing, lifeline), use an internal counterplate to distribute the load.

• Always check the capacity (breaking load) before structural use.