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.

🪝 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

1. Through-hole eyebolts with nut (more resistant, they pass through the thickness of the fiberglass/wood)
2. Self-tapping screw eyebolts (easier to install)
3. Lowered or folding eyebolts (more elegant, they don't stick out)
4. 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

🔗 Nautical RINGS

The rings are used for:

1. Create passage or attachment points for ropes, elastics, carabiners
2. Driving ropes or awnings
3. Block light loads
4. 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)

📦 Typical uses on board

• Awnings and tarpaulins -> D-rings on stainless steel base, eyelets
• Lifeline or harnesses -> Stainless steel through-eyebolts
• Mooring and towing -> Reinforced stainless steel eyebolts
• Harnesses or light ropes -> Rope guide rings
• Textile coverings -> Eyelets and rings on canvas