Can I take my cleats off to paint the boat

[Johnny Be Cool]

I'm in the process of sanding the boat and wonder if it's ok to take the cleats off without worrying if there are any fasteners behind it that will fall inside the hull. I'm thinking since it needs to be pretty stout to hold the boat at the dock that there should be something behind it, or is it just screwed to wood.

 

[cpubud]

Re: Can I take my cleats off to paint the boat

should be no problem removing them any backing board should be glassed in place. there may be nuts on the back side of the cleat bolts.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Can I take my cleats off to paint the boat

You may find them impossible to take off if they have nyloc nuts underneath and you can't get a wrench in there to hold them while taking out the screw.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Can I take my cleats off to paint the boat

If you can't get to the back, don't touch them! There are most likely nuts as well as backing plates that will fall off, never to be seen again.

 

[Johnny Be Cool]

Re: Can I take my cleats off to paint the boat

That's what I thought. I can't get to the back so the nuts will fall off.
Question answered. Thanks to all!