Bow Cleat access

[Tim Haibach]

Well, my starboard bow cleat has come up about 1/4" from the deck so I'd like to take care of it before it completely rips off. My question is how to remove the wooden panel in the V-berth. Is it glued in? I read another archieve post that mentioned access to cleats is available behind this wood piece. Thanks.

 

[Don]

Cleat

If your model is like my 86, you remove the two teak trim pieces in the v-berth. Then remove the shelf. Then remove the panel that will have screws. Even then, it is hard to get to the nuts on the cleat. I ended up cutting a hole in the anchor locker just below the cleat and installed a Beckson deck plate for future access.

 

[mortyd]

cleat

your are lucky enough to have a boat built by a company still going strong; why not ask catalina?

 

[Allen]

I did the same as Don. I cut an access port into the anchor locker, did some light gelcoat rebuilding under where the cleat goes, and put an aluminum backing plate on the thing. Should be very strong now. I have to rely on these cleats when anchoring out during hurricanes, so strength is needed!

 

[Jeff]

No joy

I wanted to replace the bow cleats on a Capri 26, for appearance sake as the rest of the boat is stunning, but with ugly worn bow cleats.The boat was built with the bow cleats put on before the top deck. No way to get to them unless you are rubber man.I found this out after I unscrewed one bolt and listened to the nut drop into the hull. I had previously inspected the rear cleats, as you have access to the underside of them, and there were no nuts on the bottom, they are imbedded in the fiberglass. Why not the same on the bow cleats? Go figure. Booby trap.