Replacement of Cleats?

[John]

Hi, I have a 1986 catalina 27 and am thinking of replacing the stock cleats from the factory with bigger ones that will handle 1/2 inch line. Has anyone done this and if so, can you tell me the results? Thanks.

 

[Robert Fischer]

same problem

I have the same boat and have been looking into this problem. I have not been able to find 8 inch cleats with the same mounting hole pattern as the 6 inch ones on there now. I don't want to fill and redrill the holes. I hope someone answers your question. Good luck.

 

[Bob Booth]

Use Clam Cleats

I took off the old cleats and filled one of the two holes. To fill the old holes, I used epoxy to fill the hole within 1/16" of the top and then used gel coat patch for the last. The holes are virtually invisible.I bought two new clam cleats and drilled one new hole for it. I now have two effective cleats instead of the old "bollard" cleats. They are much easier to adjust and use for trimming.I also took the winch off the mast and relocated it to use it for the halyards which are now led aft to the cockpit. It works great and I can adjust halyard tension from the cockpit, now.