Securing Cleats and Rails

[mherndon]

I am restoring my boat. The top cap is foamed in and I can't take it off. I need to replace hardware like the cleats and the rail feet. When I was taking them off, I realized that there was a screw going thru the top cap with a nut on the end. Any idea on how to replace them and put a nut at the other end thru the hill like it was originally was?

Thanks,

 

[Bondo]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

I am restoring my boat. The top cap is foamed in and I can't take it off. I need to replace hardware like the cleats and the rail feet. When I was taking them off, I realized that there was a screw going thru the top cap with a nut on the end. Any idea on how to replace them and put a nut at the other end thru the hill like it was originally was?

Thanks,

Ayuh,... Remove enough of the foam to get to the back-side of the screws...

 

[JDA1975]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

if thats not an option might try something like this

http://www.wingits.com/WingItsatHomeDepot

 

[oops!]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

Ayuh,... Remove enough of the foam to get to the back-side of the screws...

this is correct.......

you have to be able to get to the back side to reinforce the cleats.

there will be a wooden backing plate under the fiberglass cap. the backing plate might be compromised. it is very rare that the nut just comes loose......but the nut pulls thru the backing plate.

so you will have to get in there to investigate.....

the foam then can be easily be replaced after the repair

 

[mherndon]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

Thanks for the help!

The cleats are on the bow. I had to dremel them off so I could replace them. When I dremeled the screws off, I watched the nut fall into the foam. I can not get underneath the top cap to put a nut on the bottom unless I drill a cutout big enough for me to put a nut thru the side of the bow (interior). I could then patch the hole but I wasn't sure if there was another way...

 

[retiredfornow]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

You could try these:
http://www.iboats.com/Floating-Nut-Plates/dm/*******.278757390--**********.460869142--view_id.885924
There's another that uses nylon straps to secure the nut, but I can't find them. Good luck.

 

[mherndon]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

WOW! That is a great idea!! A cheaper way (cuz i am cheap) would probably be to take a nut, spray "Great Stuff" (foam) in the center, and put a nail or something in the center of it. Then, I could cut a small hole to open it up more, put the "mike's floating nut"(haha) in the hole, and pour a filler around it. Afterwards, I could use Acetone to disintegrate the foam, and BAM! Secured floating nut!!!

I LOVE IT! And it sounds like it may work! I will keep yall informed!

Thanks!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

WOW! That is a great idea!! A cheaper way (cuz i am cheap) would probably be to take a nut, spray "Great Stuff" (foam) in the center, and put a nail or something in the center of it. Then, I could cut a small hole to open it up more, put the "mike's floating nut"(haha) in the hole, and pour a filler around it. Afterwards, I could use Acetone to disintegrate the foam, and BAM! Secured floating nut!!!

I LOVE IT! And it sounds like it may work! I will keep yall informed!

Thanks!

I sure hope your kidding .. right ? ( Sometimes its hard to tell over the Inet ).

If your not kidding .. lemme know where you tie up at so I can get some Free cleats on a string !

What kinda boat do you have ? Year/make/model ?

No matter I guess. You have to through bolt them cleats ! If your not going to do that then just screw it and glue it.

YD.

 

[mherndon]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

I sure hope your kidding .. right ? ( Sometimes its hard to tell over the Inet ).

If your not kidding .. lemme know where you tie up at so I can get some Free cleats on a string !

What kinda boat do you have ? Year/make/model ?

No matter I guess. You have to through bolt them cleats ! If your not going to do that then just screw it and glue it.

YD.

LOL! No, I wasn't joking... In my head, it sounds great, we will tell in the application process if it actually works or not. But technically, I was going to thru bolt it and glue it in with some resin filler. I will test it with a broken cleat on something to see if it works.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

What boat are We working on ? The 82 Galaxy ?

YD.

 

[mherndon]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

What boat are We working on ? The 82 Galaxy ?

YD.

Yes sir! Sorry, I forgot to mention that!!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Securing Cleats and Rails

Well let us know how your theory of glued in Hammer head bolts works out for ya.

YD.