I have an 18' Aluminum Fisher bass boat.  It has a Motorguide trolling motor.  Lately, I have come to realize that I spend way too much time fighting the trolling kotor while staying on a spot.  I find that I probably lose 30% of my time effectively fishing.  I said effectively.  I am still fishing while handling the trolling motor but sometimes, particularly on windy days, I cant fully concnentrate on fishing while fighting the beast.  I have come to realize that when I am on a good spot, I need to utilize my anchor and not fight the trolling motor.  Anyway, I am coming up with a simple anchor system.

I want the anchor to come off the front of the boat as near the center as possible.  So I intend to install one of those stainless stell things you snake the line through, then use a bow chock to guide the line down to the cleat.  this way I can keep the line to lay above the rail and not through the boat itself.  However, I cannot get to the underside of the rail or front section where I could use a bolt and nut.  So I have to use some self tapping type stainless screws.  I am concerned about the pressure from the anchor on the screws and wonder if this is a feasible approach.  

ANyone have any ideas how I can attach these other than self tapping screws?  I would think an anchoring type screw would work, just dont think I can get them small enough.

Any ideas?

Those grippers are the best thing i"ve found for anchors and drift socks. Use stainless screws and I've never had a problem front back and both sides of the boat.

Garnet

Even if you use the gripper always tie your rope to the bow eye, these grippers are known to let your rope slip. As for installation what I did was have a 3/16th plate of aluminum welded under the gripper then drilled/tapped the holes and installed machine bolts.

Good piont Catt I took the gripper to the rope store and got the right size and allways rap both ways. And I've forgot the size maybe 3/16. Then on the end a big loop I throw over my pro pole.

Garnet