Removing bow cleat from 08 Hunter 36

Dec 27, 2005
500
Hunter 36 Chicago
Trying to remove a bow cleat from my 08 36 to rebed and have run into a big problem. Seems that when Hunter built the boat they cut some of the length off the fasteners (machine screws) after they bolted down the cleat. When they cut the screws they mangled the threads so that now the bolts cannot be removed (no backing plate, just washers). My only option now seems to be to drill out the screws. My question is has anyone else run into this problem and what was your solution? There has been some leakage around the cleat and I want to epoxy the holes and rebed before launching.
 

RoyS

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Jun 3, 2012
1,742
Hunter 33 Steamboat Wharf, Hull, MA
My 1980 H33 had frozen nuts on the bow cleats just from age probably. I used a nut splitter to break the nuts off successfully even though the operation had to be done by feel. Stainless is hard to drill.
 
Dec 27, 2005
500
Hunter 36 Chicago
I've attached a picture so you can see the problems I'm up against. A nutbuster would work on the most exposed nut, the nut with the black wire cover next to it is a problem because the wire is jammed next to the nut with no way to move it without removing some wood or possibly cutting the wire (which I don't want to do unless absolutly last resort). The other 2 nuts are behind the bulkhead and there is barely enough room for a wrench. I guess my only option is to try and remove enough wood to get the nutbuster on them, otherwise I don't know my other options except drilling the heads off the screws. Must have been a bad day at the factory for someone to do this.
 

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Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Can you get in there and with saws all cut the nuts and do not need to cut off and than work it off.
 
Dec 27, 2005
500
Hunter 36 Chicago
Hi Nick,
Wish I could use a saws all but it is a very tight space. They're located right under the v berth bulkhead.
BTW we were in Punta Gorda last September. Nice area. We're thinking about buying a winter home down there. Or maybe a live aboard for 4 or 5 months.
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Seems to be a lot of building going on in Charlotte County and takes in PG and Port Charlotte and Charlotte is suppose to be cheaper to live in than other counties in the area.
Charlotte Harbor is great for day sailing and the popular Pelican Bay is great for anchoring on weekends and even enjoy a week at a time there.
nick
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
How about try cutting from top side and I did use my saws all recently and flexed the cutting blade
in a very tight spot and did kill a few blades but it worked for me.
I was able to lay the blades flat on fiberglass with out cutting into the fiberglass and did cut into
the stainless and than knock the part down and out.
Nick