Loose cleats with no visible screws?

[bds85466]

Much like the linked post:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=270751&highlight=loose+cleats


I've noticed my front mooring cleats are beginning to loosen from docking. I can't see any screws on the top -- the cleats appear to have metal caps over what might be screws, but they're flush with the cleat and don't look removeable by any means.

It's a bowrunner and the cleats are on the outer rim of the bow, with no way to get at them from the underside. Is it possible they were installed as the boat was being built from the underside? Has anyone seen this style of cleat or have any advice?

 

[lowkee]

Re: Loose cleats with no visible screws?

If they are bow cleats, you should be able remove the back rests from the bow section and reach up under the gunwale to tighten the backer nuts. To remove the backrests you need to pull on them lightly to find where the screws are, then peek around in the folds for the actual screw head. This is assuming you have an older boat, since you didn't give us any info to work from.

Good luck, and a drop or two of loctite wouldn't hurt, either.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Loose cleats with no visible screws?

yes, 1982 Celebrity 198V. Open bow. That seems to make sense. I enclosed a picture I had on hand of the cleat from the outside (without taking a specific one from the inside for better detail). Would you suspect that these have threaded leads sticking through the hull for the nuts? -- hence giving no way at them from the top? Are there models that may have foam covering the nuts from the underside? I'll look for ways to pull the seat cushions out.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Loose cleats with no visible screws?

Those cleats have built in threaded bolts, reach up under the forward cushions (seats) with a 7/16 socket..that'll tighten them..dont try to pull the caps off..there decorative and you'll mess them up. I have a 1994 Celebrity BR.