Need info: Looking to install a deck cleat.

[JVM225]

I am looking to add an 8" Deck Cleat to my teak pulpit midway between the windlass and the anchor itself. I'm going to use it to tie the anchor line off to when I'm on the hook.
I picked up a nice stainless cleat from Westmarine, but I'm looking for a solution for a backing plate.
The teak pulpit itself sits in an indentation in the fiberglass deck. So I will be going through the teak and then a thin layer of fibergalss deck.
1/4" stainless would probably be my first choice, but I can't seem to find a place to cut me a piece and drill holes in it.
Has anyone else added a deck cleat? If so, what did you use as a backing plate?

 

[BenDiss]

You could buy a piece of stainless here: http://www.onlinemetals.com/ ( online metals dot com ) and drill a couple holes yourself.

 

[Double D]

John.....does it have to be stainless.....can you use 1/2" starboard plastic ?

 

[Seatracks]

Try caling Tony at Ram Welding in Farmingdale. 631-420-9594

 

[j-d]

Personally I'd suggest 1/4" marine aluminum, but I've heard of using backing plates cut from fiberglass scraps (wrecked boats, pieces left over from cutout projects) as well. No corrosion there.

 

[JVM225]

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Originally posted by Double D

John.....does it have to be stainless.....can you use 1/2" starboard plastic ?

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Don, I suppose I could go with starboard.
1/2" thick should be strong enough to distribute the load.

 

[JVM225]

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Originally posted by Seatracks

Try caling Tony at Ram Welding in Farmingdale. 631-420-9594

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Thanks! I'll give them a try too if I don't come up with an easier solution.

 

[JVM225]

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Originally posted by j-d

Personally I'd suggest 1/4" marine aluminum, but I've heard of using backing plates cut from fiberglass scraps (wrecked boats, pieces left over from cutout projects) as well. No corrosion there.

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The marine aluminum might be another option. I'm not sure where I would get a piece though.
The fiberglass scraps might be a little easier to come by because I know of a local shop where the guy is pretty friendly, but I think I'd like to try to get something stronger first.

 

[Double D]

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Originally posted by JVM225

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Originally posted by Double D

John.....does it have to be stainless.....can you use 1/2" starboard plastic ?

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Don, I suppose I could go with starboard.
1/2" thick should be strong enough to distribute the load.

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John.....I have a piece of Starboard about 2' X 5' X 1/2" thick....if you want it its yours.....maybe make a fish cleaning station at the dock....or outdoor bar top with the left over.

let me know....

 

[Perry]

I used 1/8" marine aluminum plate, lock washers for a similar purpose project. I added a safety clamp thing to my pulpit to lock my chain down. sheet SS would work great if you can get your hands on some...I had the aluminum from another project handy.

 

[Pa Mikee]

I can't get a clear picture of what you are calling a backing plate. Is this plate going between the cleat and the teak pulpit or on the back side of the fiberglass?

 

[JVM225]

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Originally posted by Double D

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Originally posted by JVM225

quote:

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Originally posted by Double D

John.....does it have to be stainless.....can you use 1/2" starboard plastic ?

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Don, I suppose I could go with starboard.
1/2" thick should be strong enough to distribute the load.

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John.....I have a piece of Starboard about 2' X 5' X 1/2" thick....if you want it its yours.....maybe make a fish cleaning station at the dock....or outdoor bar top with the left over.

let me know....

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Thanks Don!
I'll take it. I'll give you a call tomorrow.

 

[JVM225]

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Originally posted by Pa Mikee

I can't get a clear picture of what you are calling a backing plate. Is this plate going between the cleat and the teak pulpit or on the back side of the fiberglass?

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This is a plate that goes on the back side of the fiberglass. It distributes the pressure and protects the boat fiberglass from damage.
The original backing plates on my boat are glassed in to the hull. I cant see what Sea Ray used originally because it is glassed over, but it's probably either an alloy, or a block of really hard wood.

 

[JVM225]

quote:

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Originally posted by Perry

I used 1/8" marine aluminum plate, lock washers for a similar purpose project. I added a safety clamp thing to my pulpit to lock my chain down. sheet SS would work great if you can get your hands on some...I had the aluminum from another project handy.

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I don't have any marine aluminum plate to play around with. I'll probably use the starboard that Don has offered up. It should be hard enough to do the job.
My plan is to use stainless fender washers and nylocks to tie it all together.

 

[Pa Mikee]

If the cleat is horizontal with the thru bolts going vertical, you don't need a massive backing plate. There will not be much force on the underside. The force will be perpendicular. All you need is a backplate so that you don't crack the gelcoat when tightening down the thru bolts.

 

[walterv]

My thoughts,
I don't think you need anything below the cleat on the surface. Where you bolt it through, I recommend a back plate, starboard would be fine, and then use big fender washers.

Just My 2C

 

[Double D]

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Originally posted by JVM225

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Originally posted by Double D

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Originally posted by JVM225

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Originally posted by Double D

John.....does it have to be stainless.....can you use 1/2" starboard plastic ?

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Don, I suppose I could go with starboard.
1/2" thick should be strong enough to distribute the load.

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John.....I have a piece of Starboard about 2' X 5' X 1/2" thick....if you want it its yours.....maybe make a fish cleaning station at the dock....or outdoor bar top with the left over.

let me know....

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Thanks Don!
I'll take it. I'll give you a call tomorrow.

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Great John......call my cell anytime today.....I'll be around all day gettin the coach ready.

 

[JVM225]

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Originally posted by walterv

My thoughts,
I don't think you need anything below the cleat on the surface. Where you bolt it through, I recommend a back plate, starboard would be fine, and then use big fender washers.

Just My 2C

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That was the plan. Was just looking for something for below the deck to distribute the load on the underside.
Don came through with a nice piece of starboard (Thanks Don!), and I think I'm ging to go with that.
It looks real sturdy, won't ever rot, and is easy to work with.
Thanks for all the replies and great info!

 

[Double D]

John......glad you could use it....it was just about the last thing I needed to get rid of....to make this place EMPTY.

 

[JVM225]

Don,
I finally got around to installing the cleat late this afternoon. It worked out great with the starboard.
It looks like Sea Ray glassed in about a 3" X 10" backing plate of some sort behind the cleats when they built the boat. I used a 6" X 12" piece behind the one I added and then used 1 1/4" stainless fender washers.
Between the cleat itself, the teak pilpit, the fiberglass below it, the starboard, and fender washers, I had to use 4" long stainless machine screws in order to have enough to comfortably get the nylock's on. But it all worked out fantastic.
Thanks again! The starboard really came in handy. I'm thinking of making a nice drop down cockpit table or something with the rest of it.