Blog Post Featured Images - How to Properly Install a Cleat

How to properly install a boat cleat

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.

How to install a cleat - Find the right 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)

How to install a cleat - Mark the Location of the holes

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.

How to install a cleat - Drill through the fiberglass with a pilot hole

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

How to install a cleat - Apply a bedding compound BoatLife LifeSeal

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.

How to install a cleat - Install the Stainless bolts washers lock washer and nut

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

How to install a cleat - The finished product.
It looks Great !!

You’re done!

Last Weeks Video on how to Make Egg Drop Souphttps://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:

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

Subscribe !!   Click this link IF you are not already subscribed.

Support us!! on Patreon if you want to help show your love for the content

Lets Connect !!
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/svdreamchaser
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/svdreamchaser
Tumbler – http://svdreamchaser.tumbler.com


Check out some of the other videos we have here.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLlwpbgibX_O8epNFq9OYynNK_SHzYIOGW&v=gzzteJxewAU&layout=gallery[/embedyt]