Rebed/Replace plastic bow cleat - Hunter 240

[Marc B]

I have a 2000 Hunter 240. Today I noticed that one of the screws holding the plastic bow cleat in place was loose. When I went to tighten it, it would grip to a certain point, then loosen again.This suggets to me that the screw has come loose and needs to be rebedded. As I look at this job, I have a couple of questions that come up, and I hope someone on the forum can help me with them.Since the cleat is attached in an area not accessible from below, I assume it is screwed-in rather than through-bolted. Does anyone know for sure?I assume rebedding with screws is the same as through bolts, that is - remove the fitting, make sure the material around the hole is dry, fill the holes with epoxy, drill for replacement screws, and use sealant/adhesive (4200 or 5200?)Since I'm going to be removing the cleat, should I replace the plastic cleat with a metal one? I suspect it might be stronger, and will work with stronger bedding adhesives. I think I can't use 4200 or 5200 with a plastic cleat.Any responses from anyone with knowledge or experience in this area will be most appreciated.Marc B

 

[Carl]

bow cleat

Hi Marc, I'm not sure how the cleat attaches, but I think the cleat is already stronger than where it's attached.As far as the 5200 on plastic, I used it on a plastic solar fan in the aft berth hatch with no ill effects,please let me know what you find when you remove the cleat. Carl h240 "Relentless"

 

[Rick Webb]

Easy Fix

I am pretty certain that if you remove the the bulkhead in the v-berth you can get to the underside of the deck beneath the cleat. There is a peice of aluminium glassed into the deck that sounds like the threads are stripped. The easy solution is to get a longer bolt might as well make that two of them with nuts and washers. Remove the bulkhead and replace the bolts. The other solution is to replace the cleat. I have an 8" stainless yacht cleat sitting here waiting for me to do mine the same way. With only one bow cleat that little plastic thing just does not have enough room. To put more than two or three lines on. If I get around todoing mine in the next couple of days I'll let you know how it went.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

mounting

On the 240,the cleats to include the bow and anchor cleats are bolted. Usuaslly, Hunter will encapsulate a large aluminum plate in the fiberglass which is drilled and tapped. If you are tightening and then it looses, then the threads are stripped. You can remove and clean out the 5200 caulking and suggest that you go to the next size screw which of course you will need to tapp with a tapp set. make sure to caulk.If there is no way to get underneath to the screws, then the route to go is what I just described. You may have to drill the holes out or ream them on the cleat.I hope this helps and Merry Christmas.Cr4azy Dave Condon