rebed cleat

[jcwlbw]

need to redo my stern starboard right cleat. I understand there is a backing plate(have not looked at my boat yet inside) Anyone know how long it is? One of the screw broke off. How can I get it out?

 

[MABell]

Well...

Assuming it’s broken off inside the fiberglas...
You may be able to drill and tap the end of the broken screw and back it out.
It is NOT easy drilling stainless steel. Get a really good bit.
You may be able to twist it out from the inside.
I don’t recall if you can see that position. A mirror and flashlight?
If you can see where the cleat is attached from in inside, you should see where the plate is imbedded in the fiberglas.
Point is, if the plate is large enough, you may consider positioning the cleat just off to one side, or above or below it’s original position.
Make sure you drill and tap the hole in the aluminum plate for the screw, then drill though just the fiberglas the size of the screw.
Hope that helps.

 

[Deucer]

I had the port rear cleat pull off in a gale. It's almost impossible to drill out the broken screw..sigh. I used a larger cleat, drilled new holes, tapped them and bolted the new cleat on (put large washers and nuts where the bolts come through the hull). Just make sure you bed the clear well.