Cleat strength

[bigblueorange]

Hi everyone. Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I was wondering if there is anything special I need to do to re-attach my cleats. I have a project boat and all the cleats are sitting in a bucket. If I re-attach them to the bow, for instance, it's just a thin bit of fiberglass that the screws go into. Is there a backing that I need to put on there? It seems like tying off an anchor on a cleat that just screwed into a little fiberglass would rip the cleat off of there.

Thanks.

 

[92excel]

Re: Cleat strength

backing wont hurt if you have the space to add it.. do it.

 

[slasmith1]

Re: Cleat strength

cleats should also be through bolted not just screwed into the deck.

 

[valor_7]

Re: Cleat strength

definitely back it with either a solid piece of wood or plywood sealed with resin. Use stailess steal bolts and nuts.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Cleat strength

Welcome to Iboats Bigblue..

Yes sir.. you should back with 1/2-3/4 ply or 3/16" alum or 1/8" stainless plate.

Sometimes the location of the cleats have a curve preventing such backing for ply. alum/stainless is your only bet. You can shape this to fit.

Prep is important as well.. Dry fit and mark with a pencil your pad mounts..take off..scuff with at least some scotch bright on your gel/paint and bead with 3m 4200 .. ( my opinion on sealant ). Use Fender washers and nylock ( aircraft ) nuts when possible. Put sealant on bolt threads and around " head " of bolt. Try not to turn the bolt when installing or the threads will "pull" the sealant out of the hole ( two person job .. inside guy will turn the nut ).
Dont over tighten.. Clean any excess with paper towels and Mineral spirits..

YD.