Tie Down Holes

I asked for ideas on the bateau forum on how to include tie down points in my canoe.  I received many good suggestions, and they guided my design.

Some suggested a handle.  I did install a handle.  It is for carrying, not tying down.

I settled on holes through a glob of putty. I wouldn't call it an endpour. Each blob is only 3 ounces plus wood flour. I did not care about how the blob looks because I am going to hide it with foam under the breasthooks.   Above, you can see the cleats for the breasthook.

First, a 5/8" hole 1/4" to 1/2" inch behind the end fillets. 

Then I inserted a 1/2" OD PE tube as a form.  I chose poluethylene because it retained its round cross-section, which vinyl tubing does not.

I globbed 1 1/2 ounces of putty (falf of a batch) around the tube on each end, making sure it squeezed  out past the tube to the outside of the canoe.  After it hardened, I put another half batch on to caver the tube well.  I only have a picture with half of the putty on. 

A few days later, I gripped the tube, twisted hard, and pulled it right out, leaving behind a glass smooth tunnel through the end.  I dressed the hole with a bevel.  I will graphite the interior, not because it is necessary, but because it will look good. 

Here, you see it in action.