What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

[jstiene]

Hello.

I am working on an aluminum 90 Bass Tracker. When I bought it, there were no cleats for tieing to a dock. So I purchased some 6" stainless steal cleats, with 4 screw holes. I was wondering what size/type of screws I should use to secure these to my aluminum boat ( surface will be flat area). Do I need to put anything between the cleat and the boat surface or do I just drill pilot holes and screw them in? Any advise is well appreciated.

Thanks!
Joe

 

[Bondo]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

Ayuh,.... I use machine screws, nut's 'n washers, 'n backer boards made outa plywood....

 

[fishrdan]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

Size of screws depends on your cleats, on my small jon boat the small cleats had holes for something like a #10 screw, my other boat with bigger cleats used 1/4". Use SS machine screws, nuts and washers. Nothing goes between the boat and cleat, but use a backer plate (as Bond-0 suggested) goes on the under side of the aluminum.

 

[timfives]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

Be sure that you add material that the bolt will go through, don't rely on what is already there.

T

 

[timfives]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

Be sure that you add material that the bolt will go through, don't rely on what is already there.

T

 

[jstiene]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

So I had already installed 2 cleats in the front of the boat where I was able to use washers and bolts on the underside. The two I am asking about now will be installed on teh back of the boat, on a ledge that goes around the bass tracker. I do not have access underneath, so I strictly will only be able to use screws to hold these particular two cleats in place. I was also wondering if an epoxy/putty or something should go between the cleat and the boat surface for extra bonding since all I will beusing are the machine screws...

Joe

 

[kfa4303]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

HI jstiene. While bots would be best, you should be ok with some SS screws (assuming the material screwing into is relatively thick). The bow cleat on my boat screwed into my 3/4" plywood casting deck, using the largest SS screws that would fit, and it's absolutely rock solid. However, I would dip any hardware you're going to use in a bit of 3M 5200 marine caulk just to make everything water tight and prevent any adverse interaction between the SS and aluminum. You could even put a small bead around the base of the cleat once it's installed, for good measure. You can get a toothpaste size tube from Lowes/HD for about $7 and it's useful for a million other things on the boat. It is a bit messy, so have some Acetone handy to clean up with.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

Bond-o is talking about this when he says machine screws.

It sounds like you're talking about this when you say machine screws. That's not gonna cut it if you're going to tie your boat to the dock and expect it to be there after you park the truck. You're gonna have to find a way to access the underside of the rails.

 

[robert graham]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

With the screws only method you'll be relying mostly on the screw threads that go through the relatively thin aluminum gunwale to hold your cleat on. If you're just going to tie up at a protected dock and out of the weather, you might get by with that, but if you're tieing up to a dock exposed to weather, winds, wakes from other marine traffic, don't count on those aluminum threads too much. You really need nuts with backing plate, fender washers or backing of some kind....don't want to lose or damage your boat because of a broken cleat! Good Luck!

 

[Bondo]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

I do not have access underneath,

Ayuh,.... Sometimes ya gotta Remove stuff to Make access.....

 

[robert graham]

Re: What kind of screws/process to install new Cleats on aluminum boat?

You could have someone weld about 1/2" aluminum plate on your gunwale, long enough to accomodate your cleat, drill and tap for machine screw for cleat...then you'll be ready to go!...better than losing or damaging your boat!