loose cleat

[nightstalker]

I have a loose bow cleat. It slides a fraction of an inch or so. The nuts are still screwed on, but I think they need to be tightened. The boat is in a wet slip, so I use this cleat. I can't get at the nuts without cutting a square out of the fiberglass below the cleat. I don't like the idea of adding a second cleat and only being able to screw it in. Any ideas?<br />Stalker

 

[Solittle]

Re: loose cleat

Can you provide a more descriptive description to "I can't get at the nuts without cutting a square out of the fiberglass below the cleat." - - perhaps then we can help.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: loose cleat

The cleat is bolted down through the gunnel. There is no way to access the nuts on the bottom of the bolts from beneath the gunnel. The cleat must have been attached during the boat's initial construction.<br />Stalker

 

[CharlesW]

Re: loose cleat

Find manufacturer, punch in mouth!<br />Then see if you can use something like a toggle bolt or molly type anchor.<br />Obviously, you will need to use a cleat that the bolts go all the way through.<br />Charles

 

[Bondo]

Re: loose cleat

I'd be looking for a larger panel to remove, or Something....<br />I've Never seen a nut that could Not be tightened......<br />You'll Probably have to remove some Stuff to get at it......

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: loose cleat

Maybe you can cut out an access panel beneath them. Screws will just tear out. And these have to be tight/torqued........... And if you leave them, rain water will get in there and do more damage...........<br /><br />Post a pic. (And a manufacturer)<br /><br />Good Luck!

 

[nightstalker]

Re: loose cleat

Went to craft this morning to give it a good look see again. Pulled out everything inside the walk around cuddy and still no access. Deck is solid glass, so access there either. I can't believe the manufacturer would leave no access. I guess I'll have to put in a new cleat with moly grips. Thanks for the help.<br />Stalker

 

[Bondo]

Re: loose cleat

Well, You're getting a Little freer with Any Info.....<br />It's a walk-around Cuddy....<br /><br />How,+ Where do the cables + wires run up/down the gunnels ????<br />Are there rodholders, or bumper storage, or whatever in the sides of the cockpit ????<br />Do these come Out ????<br />Are there openings in the top of the gunnel pockets ????<br />are there Removable gunnel Panels ????<br />In the cabin, Is there Any Removable panels behind the seating ??? Under the seating ???<br />Where is the access to the dash panel?? From the cabin, or under the dash ???<br /><br />There Has to be access...!!!<br />I think you're giving up too soon......<br />A cleat held on with Anything But Through Bolts, would be better left Off....<br />Using Mollies are Not the answer.... <br />It'll Leak,+ Break-Off, Just when you Need it the Most......

 

[flashback]

Re: loose cleat

If you need to cut out a section of interior liner to get to the under side of the deck, then do it.......I have seen a lot of deck hardware installed before the deck is attached to the hull. after it has been attached, you can no longer get to the under side. particularly in sailboats....best thing to do is cut the liner with a hole saw and install an inspection port the same size as the hole(ex" 3", 4", 6" etc.)

 

[nightstalker]

Re: loose cleat

The boat is a 1991 Sunbird WAC. The rod holders and wiring harnesses give access to the aft cleats only. Fish boxes, bait wells, etc. don't help either. Removing everything in the interior of the cabin didn't give any access to the forward cleats. I unscrewed, unbolted, and pride up everything I could, and there is just no access to those forward cleats. I'll cut an access panel below the cleat to get at the nuts.<br />Stalker

 

[richg99]

Re: loose cleat

Just a suggestion. Go to West Marine, Basspro or where-ever FIRST. Buy a small access plate. Cut the hole to fit the screw-in access plate. Lots better than cutting a five inch hole and find you needed 4 3/4 inches to put in an access plate. RichG