[dsiedt]

I have a SeaPro 180cc and I would like to pull some water toys instead of fishing on some days next season...I have rear cleats with 1/4 or 1/2 plates on the under side and also have "u shaped" bolts on the transom near the sides.Should I use the cleats, or u shaped fasteners to tie the v-shaped bridal?

[ziggy]

i've always used the u-shpaed bolts on the transom to tow with. i've always used the cleats to tie up to the dock with. ya didn't say, but i would assume that the u-shaped bolts have back plates too. guess ya could look to make sure.

[swist]

The U-bolts on most boats are through-bolted through the transom with backing plates- the thickest part of the hull. If these fail, your boat is about to fall apart anyway :-)Installation of cleats is highly variable from brand to brand, but if yours are solid, they are a lot more convenient and accessible to work with for tow ropes.

[JasonJ]

I use the transom eyes, and I have one of those cable things with quick connects on each end. The quick connects go on each tow eye. There is a widget on a roller with an eye on it. The tow rope is tied off on the eye, and the roller allows the widget to move along the cable. Makes turning and whatnot a little better for those who are being towed, and it keeps everything out away from the outboard. I have towed several boats with my transom eyes so I know they are up to the task. You really don't want to use your cleats unless you can confirm that they are mounted very well. Most are just screwed into a wood backing. A large water toy would loosen then rip those out in no time. Good luck...

[AguaSki]

Try clicking on this link. http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...001/391/390/23 I am not sure if I properly posted the link so you may need to paste into your browser.I think this is similar to what JasonJ is describing. I use this all the time when skiing or pulling tubes. The two hooks attach to the transom eyes.

[dsiedt]

Thanks! My boat has 1/2" stainless plates under the cleats, but I will use the transom u bolts and purchase the quick connect rope.

[ziggy]

even if they have steel plates behind them, they are not designed to tow with. do use the u-bolts on the transom....a quote from chapman piloting, seamanship & small boat handling book 63rd edition, pp. 31."While a good Quality, well-installed deck cleat is adequate for making fast in a dock, it is not intended for towing-which puts considerably more strain on hardware than making fast to shore."

[dsiedt]

Thanks ziggystardust...My buddy confirmed what you stated. He explained that the steel plates under the cleats are strong and will prevent the cleat from pulling out up and down (y axis), but not a wise choice for side pulling (x axis) pulling. Any x axis stress should be limited to docking.