Bow roller replacement

[Don55]

I had a docking incident with my new R23 that left me with a bent bow roller. Got a correct replacement bow roller and am trying to replace it. My problem is the the three screws securing the old bow roller. I can get them to turn but they wont come out. Is there any access below the bow roller or any advice how to get them out?

 

[SgtAlf]

You will have to drill a 4" (in my case 3.5" the 4" wouldn't fit) in the anchor locker to access the bolts underneath. I used a hole saw mounted to a drill. Got the hole saw off of Amazon.

 

[Don55]

Thanks for the reply. May I ask why you had to access the underside? Was is an easy repair once you made the hole? Did you damage your bow roller? In my case it was my fault. I left the helm station with the boat in neutral and went forward to secure the bow line, a friend reached through the helm window to give me the spring line and his life vest pushed the throttle forward and we accelerated into the dock. Should have killed the engine first. Do wish the throttle had some kind of a guard to prevent this.

 

[SgtAlf]

I changed my bow roller to a little longer one recommend, by Andrew Curtis, so my anchor would drop free. Works great! Well it did until I found myself in 25 mph wind! Bent the anchor and roller while getting the anchor up. I’ll replace the roller in the off season.