by GreenLake » Fri Apr 19, 2013 7:00 pm
You should see a flotation tank (which takes up the lower part of the bow, and which is glassed in). The rear wall of it should connect to the deck with a "frame" made of fiberglass and screwed in place. It should have two largish holes, usually covered by access panels, held in place by bungee cords. That "frame" is what you would remove to be able to slide your upper body on top of the flotation tank far enough to reach the bow. (Sometimes, a previous owner may have removed it for you - not a good idea in and of itself, but saves you a step in this repair).
On my DS the bow had a simple hole all the way through to fit the single bolt of the bow eye, with a large washer and a nut on the inside. All I had to do is get a new bow eye, push the bolt through and then try and get washer and nut on the inside and tighten everything. Took a few contortions, but that was all.
If you are slightly less lucky, someone in the factory decided to be helpful and slopped a bit of soggy fiberglass over the bolt from the inside, which would now be hard and cover the hole (and perhaps hold a captive nut and washer). We know that this happened to some boats, but have a good look first. It's still not the end of the world, just means you need to dig this out with a suitable tool. Clearing access to the bow eye in that way, should not "damage" the boat, even if you remove some material.
If in doubt, take some pictures and post them here.
~ green ~ lake ~ ~