cleat got riped off in Ivan

[SaltyT]

I have recently purchased a 43 ft Hunter year is 1997. I love my boat and when I purchased it I know the bolts were broken off and the cleat was missing. The cleat is on the port side in the middle of the boat. You cannot access to be able to put nuts and washers on the inside.. I have taken the top shelf off the top of the refrigerator.. It is incased in fiberglass and foam. I have tried to remove as much foam as possible to still relize i still cannot access to get nuts on the bolts holding the cleat on.. If I make a access hole it would I guess be above the shower?? looking for ansewers and help.. Thanks so much SaltyT

 

[Rick D]

The cleat is likely bolted into an aluminum plate sandwiched into the fiberglass. It does not go through the deck. If the bolts are broken, you'll have to drill them and remove them with an easy-out. If the bolts are not there, and stripped, you'll have to drill it out and tap it for a Heli-coil. Good luck!

 

[SaltyT]

hey Rick thanks for the reply... I did buy a inspection camera from Harbor Freight with a 36 inch inspection tube. Works great.. From above the ice box I was able to find the broken part on the bolt from the cleat. It had a washer on it and a nut. I do not see any thread in the hole the bolt came from. I will look into the heli coil as another way.. I really would love a nut and washer plate back installed. When hunter built these boats I guess they thought nobody would have to change cleats out? Thanks for any input