New boat owner here. I recently bought a v haul jon boat.  Last time I was trailering it I snapped through the old bow ring.  I have been debating how to fix this.  The ring is riveted into the front of the boat.  It is all external.  No rivets seen inside the boat.  Im wondering if anyone has any advice as to removing the old bow ring and then how to replace (machine shop?) with a new one.  I know they sell bow rings but I was trying to not drill holes in the boat and I'm not sure what backing (shape of otherwise) piece I would be able to use with the v haul.  Any advice would be appreciated as I am lost about how to go about this.

I'm not 100% sure if I understand, but I think from what you're saying, you could just drill out the existing rivets and replace the unit with a similar one. Pictures would help I think, but maybe someone else knows what your talking about better.

The easiest bow eye replacement would be bolted on. What is your problem with drilling holes to mount it?

Drill out the rivets and buy a bolt on one. You shouldn't need any extra backer and the holes are well above the water line so no worries about leaking. 

Drill out the rivets and buy a bolt on one. You shouldn't need any extra backer and the holes are well above the water line so no worries about leaking. 

You don't think the ring will pull through the aluminum if I don't include a backer of some sort?

You don't think the ring will pull through the aluminum if I don't include a backer of some sort?

If I remember correctly, most come with a steel plate similar to what you would find on a normal U-bolt.If not drill some holes from a piece of dowel (Maybe $1 at a hardware store) and run the bolts through there. I'm doubting you're putting all that much stress on it. Rivets can loosen over time and will weaken. Steel drilled through would be a stronger solution.