Mid Cleats

The ones I used we made by Perko, bought them from Wholesale Marine, but like Dennis said, very common style. The ones you linked look identical to mine. As far as backing, I used fender washers. Aluminum backing plate would have been best, but this is a small light boat, the fender washers have done just fine.

Did you also use wood, or just fender washers against the fiberglass?
 
I still have the old Sea Ray cleats if anyone wants them.

Amazing job! Your cleats look amazing. Would you mind taking a picture of the extra cleats you have? I would love a couple of them if they match my existing. I purchased a pair from Amazon but they look like they might be thinner than my stock ones on my '98 185, and I don't like how the heads of the 4 bolts show on these aftermarket cleats. I'd just as soon go with a pair of OEM Sea Rays if they are close to the style I've got now (which is this Herreshoff style as someone mentioned above).

Thank you for the offer!
 
Amazing job! Your cleats look amazing. Would you mind taking a picture of the extra cleats you have? I would love a couple of them if they match my existing. I purchased a pair from Amazon but they look like they might be thinner than my stock ones on my '98 185, and I don't like how the heads of the 4 bolts show on these aftermarket cleats. I'd just as soon go with a pair of OEM Sea Rays if they are close to the style I've got now (which is this Herreshoff style as someone mentioned above).

Thank you for the offer!
Thanks. Photo attached. I have a set of 6 including fender washers and nylon lock nuts for each. I also have a set of 4 aluminum backing plates Sea Ray sent me. The cleats are 6-1/2" overall length and 2-1/4" centerline stud to stud.
 

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Stack of 3 SS fender washers. Silicon sealant is easier to obtain and work with. Location is above waterline so sealing is not critical. Nylock nuts. But you don't want any bolt ends protruding into living space and putting out eyes. One solution is to slit the interior carpet for a solid base for washers. Tighten each bolt individually and measure protrusion with a depth gauge, remove and cut off all protrusion so stub will just fit into locking nylon ring. Cut bolt end should be cleaned up on grinder or with a file. Glue carpet back in place or stitch it if it is a loose fit. Countersinking the wood block is an alternative but then you have a protrusion that may rot.
 
Installed! Very pleased so far. Now to test it in the water this afternoon. Happy Father's Day, men!

Cleats2.jpg


Cleats.jpg
Cleats3.jpg
 
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So - had a great time at the lake last week. Learned that the starboard side cleat leaks water onto the little shelf next to the driver's seat when it rains... I presume it's because the metal is flat yet the fiberglass is curved (slightly) where I mounted them. Honestly, you wouldn't think so, given how tight it looks (as you can see in the pics above). But it leaked like a sieve. I had a LOT of water on the little shelf below where the cleat was installed.

Needless to say, I'll be taking them off & sealing with some DAP caulk (since it's well above the water line) and reinstalling...

FYI - for those of you who are looking to make the same mod! Don't forget to do this step.
 

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