Do you want to know how to install a boat cleat the proper way? If so, read on for each step to doing so. It is really not that hard.
Simple Steps to install a Cleat
In General, the steps are as follows: –
Finding the location for the cleat
Find the location that works for the cleat, and allows access to the backside of the location.
Mark the location of each of the screws and ensure that you are using stainless steel fastening hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, and lock washers)
Drill a pilot hole for each bolt, then using the correct size bit, drill the hole for the bolt (The pilot hole allows you to avoid the bit “walking” out of place.
Bedding the cleat
Bed the hardware using the sealant of your choice. My preference is Boat Life Life Seal for above the water line bedding. It is flexible and still adheres well but best of all, it will come off unlike 3M 5200 which should be used only for below the water bedding (in my opinion) Boat Life Link on amazon with free shipping
Insert the bolts and finger tight until the LifeSeal begins to skin over. Put at least a 1″ diameter backing stainless steel washer on each bolt (bigger if there is enough room and certainly larger if this is a very large cleat on a large boat. I like to have the backing plate at LEAST 4 times the diameter of the Bolt width.
Tighten all bolts and clean up the BoatLife with a damp cloth being careful not to leave any on the gel coat as it is much harder to get off later. Voila
You’re done!
- Cleat – https://amzn.to/2Yj5UjD
- 1.5″ Stainless 1/4×20 Bolts – https://amzn.to/2DSshCQ
- 1/4″X20 Stainless Nuts – https://amzn.to/38c37gq
- 1″ Stainless washers – https://amzn.to/2OQVcxG
- 1/4 Lock Washers – https://amzn.to/2DUJawJ
- Boat Life Life Seal – https://amzn.to/2RmYwCd
- Drill Bit 1/4″ – https://amzn.to/2sQd3wb
- Puck Socket Wrench – https://amzn.to/362QWkr
Last Weeks Video on how to Make Egg Drop Soup – https://youtu.be/nTjiUJJsut8
Please check out our other videos as well and click on the playlist below for a couple we think you may enjoy.
- The Refit Playlist – https://youtu.be/8wyNNpLAeNs
- Our Sailing to New Orleans Playlist – https://youtu.be/gzzteJxewAU
- Epoxy Vs Polyester Fiberglass test results – https://youtu.be/V1bXiKPYDKI
- Our series on hatches – https://youtu.be/7dNMu8s32kY
- and Our Series on new Freshwater Plumbing – https://youtu.be/8uv7ABaD3YM
Free Stuff
Tools and supplies
Tools and supplies we use regularly can be found here:
- Jet Band Saw
- Sanding Tape 120 Grit – 1 inch wide
- Sanding Tape for Spindles (220 Grit)
- Small Sanding Cord for Spindles (150 Grit)
- Screwdriver with nut ends
- Pry Bar Set
- Oscillating Multi-tool (about $35)
- The Best small wood cutting blades
- Great “plunge cutter”
- ABSOLUTE Best metal cutting blade (for cutting bolts, etc.)
- Safety Glasses
- xActo Blade Knife
- Ryobi Variable Speed Jigsaw
Video and Camera Equipment we use
Video equipment used is: Canon Vixia G40
Our Lifestyle Cruising and living aboard.
See how we go about living aboard and sailing with kids (Grandkids 4 and 12 years of age). We are in the middle of a large renovation of our sailboat. Our Boat is a Bill Garden design and built in Taiwan. See how to become a liveaboard whether you stay in a marina or are a cruiser. #boatlife #saillife #SVDreamchaser
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