Best Fill for Drill and Tap

[KZW]

I need to replace my port bow cleat. The old one was bent for me. (Don’t ask!). I have been unable to find a replacement that will go into the existing holes. I will need to fill the two forward holes and drill new mounting holes. The new holes will impinge on the old holes (old spacing is 3.75 inches; new spacing is 3.62 inches). Flat head bolt is 5/16.

What is the best fill material? West epoxy poured into the hole (put tape over the hole exits)? Epoxy putty?

The mounting bolts go through the aluminum plate (which was not threaded). They had backing nuts with standard washers and lock washers. I had to cut a hole in the anchor well and install an inspection hatch to access the backing nuts

I plan to use fender washers and nylon insert lock nuts when I install the new cleat.

 

[Allan12210]

I need to replace my port bow cleat. The old one was bent for me. (Don’t ask!). I have been unable to find a replacement that will go into the existing holes. I will need to fill the two forward holes and drill new mounting holes. The new holes will impinge on the old holes (old spacing is 3.75 inches; new spacing is 3.62 inches). Flat head bolt is 5/16.

What is the best fill material? West epoxy poured into the hole (put tape over the hole exits)? Epoxy putty?

The mounting bolts go through the aluminum plate (which was not threaded). They had backing nuts with standard washers and lock washers. I had to cut a hole in the anchor well and install an inspection hatch to access the backing nuts

I plan to use fender washers and nylon insert lock nuts when I install the new cleat.

Is it possible to offset the new cleat by 1/2 inch so the holes don't impinge? You can still fill the old holes with epoxy putty and sand flush. This could work if you still can get a fairlead to the cleat.

 

[jssailem]

I have been unable to find a replacement that will go into the existing holes.

It looks like a standard Herrschoff open base cleat.
Try here?

Marine Hardware Hollow Base Yacht Cleats - Standard

Marine Hardware Hollow Base Yacht Cleats - Standard

shop.sailboatowners.com

or

Ozark Trail 8" Herreshoff Stainless Steel Boat and Dock Cleat - Walmart.com

Buy Ozark Trail 8" Herreshoff Stainless Steel Boat and Dock Cleat at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[KZW]

Yes , and a lot of cleats look like that. The problem is finding one that is 10 inches long, with mounting holes:
Fore/aft: 3.75 inches
Port/stbd: 1.75 inches

 

[jssailem]

Trying to understand the dimensions...
The holes are located 3.75" center to center length.
and 1.75" center to center width.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I have been unable to find a replacement that will go into the existing holes.

I'm sure you've looked thoroughly. Just to check: Catalina Yachts AND Catalina Direct, too?

 

[KZW]

I'm sure you've looked thoroughly. Just to check: Catalina Yachts AND Catalina Direct, too?

Catalina parts in Clearwater has been unable to source the cleat. I e been unable to obtain dimensions fro Catalina Direct. I’ve looked at offerings from Defender, West Marine, Walmart, and other on line vendors. Sun or appears to be closest in size/shape to the existing cleat, but fire/aft mounting is about 1/8 inch short of existing holes.

 

[KZW]

Trying to understand the dimensions...
The holes are located 3.75" center to center length.
and 1.75" center to center width.

View attachment 198918

Yup!

 

[Tally Ho]

The old one was bent for me. (Don’t ask!).

But inquiring minds want to know…how much force did it take to bend that cleat?


Greg

 

[KZW]

It took a 39 ft Beneteau

 

[Charles Erwin]

Have you tried to straighten it? I would think a try would be worth the effort rather than having to reengineer the mounting regime. I would make up some simple wood vee block tooling and put it in my 30 ton press. Probably any machine shop would be willing to give it a try.

 

[SJN]

hello! Why not cast a new one with the same hole spacing as the bent one? If you do not like the look of a bronze casting on one side, make two so they match.

 

[Marmalade]

I would recommend over-sizing your current holes to 3/8 or 7/16 before filling them, to give a good "clean" edge to bond against.
I'd either use a thickened epoxy (glass beads), or get some G10 rod of appropriate size and cut some plugs to glue in with thicked epoxy. If you go that route, rough-up the OD of the G10 rod to get good bonding.

Once you have the holes filled solid and sanded flush, drilling the new holes should be easy. Just thinking the G10 plug might give you a more consistent density to keep the drill bit from wondering on you.

Also, fender washers are ok, but if you cut an access hole already, take a few minutes to make a 1/8" SS backing plate, always a better solution. Remember the anti-seize in the SS fasteners!

G10 rod

 

[KZW]

Thanks!!! First I’ve heard of G10. I think this will work

I would recommend over-sizing your current holes to 3/8 or 7/16 before filling them, to give a good "clean" edge to bond against.
I'd either use a thickened epoxy (glass beads), or get some G10 rod of appropriate size and cut some plugs to glue in with thicked epoxy. If you go that route, rough-up the OD of the G10 rod to get good bonding.

Once you have the holes filled solid and sanded flush, drilling the new holes should be easy. Just thinking the G10 plug might give you a more consistent density to keep the drill bit from wondering on you.

Also, fender washers are ok, but if you cut an access hole already, take a few minutes to make a 1/8" SS backing plate, always a better solution. Remember the anti-seize in the SS fasteners!

G10 rod

 

[KZW]

Have you tried to straighten it? I would think a try would be worth the effort rather than having to reengineer the mounting regime. I would make up some simple wood vee block tooling and put it in my 30 ton press. Probably any machine shop would be willing to give it a try.

It is deeply scarred and already rusting. Even if it could be bent back I would doubt it’s integrity and it would look like hell

 

[All U Get]

hello! Why not cast a new one with the same hole spacing as the bent one? If you do not like the look of a bronze casting on one side, make two so they match.

Here hold my beer.

 

[SJN]

Nice! I will hold your beer if it is light junk. If a good Porter, I will drink it.

 

[Marmalade]

Will this fit - used on eBay

 

[KZW]

View attachment 198942
Here hold my beer.

The cleat is polished stainless. Casting not an option

 

[KZW]

Will this fit - used on eBay

The dimensions of the mounting holes indicate it will fit. Thank you.
I’m going to give the 10” version of this one a try:

MarineNow Herreshoff Style Hollow Base Cleat - 316 Stainless Steel

Shop now for quality marine & RV products at great prices from SEAFLO and other great manufacturers!

www.marinenow.com