Rick,
I'm is strong a greement with Lee on this one. A brass ring is ussually screwed in fitting. For towing, tying off to a bumper and lifting the boat a screwed in fitting isn't going to have the same strength as a hole drilled through your end pour.

I am noting your e-mail address and though and guessing your building for a disabled polulation. So perhaps you have something special use in mind. Given that possibility. I know newfound boat works has a few brass fittings that they put on canoes. IF your doing something more standard. I'd suggest the strength of the whole bow or stern and a piece of perlon.

Good luck

!Russ