Anybody install Pop-up cleats?

[kaneboats]

Has anyone installed pop-up cleats? I'm going to tackle this one night this week so I thought I'd see if anyone had any great advice (or even good advice -- I'll even take average advice as long as it's based on experience). Thanks ahead of time. Boat's a 2000 OB LS.

[Ed G]

Lots of good info on that subject posted about three years ago.

Do a search on a moomba owner's handle of "inliner".

I believe "Gordon" posted step by step installation instructions including where and how to drill.

[Waynes345]

I installed pop-up cleats last year.

Use tape where you are drilling (blue masking tape works well).
Run the drill in reverse to keep chipping to a minimum.
Make sure you've checked top and bottom to make sure you have them where you want them.
Measure twice.
Measure twice.
Did I mention measuring twice?
Use some Loctite on the threads.

Good luck.

[kaneboats]

Thanks a bunch. I need to get around to this soon.

[NCSUmoomba]

Wayne hit it pretty much spot on. Check everything repeatedly. Make sure you have enough room to tighten the nuts on the bottom. And make sure you scrape any foam out of the way that may be under the rear ones.

[kaneboats]

Didn't get to it this week-- I'll have 'em in for Tampa though.

[Northofthe49th]

I did a full set a month ago here are some hints
Make a template of the bottom of your cleat out of sheet metal preferably
Trace this on the masking tape once you measure out location
Drill 3/8 or 1/4 where bolts go through
Always pilot drill to avoid chipping
Then here's the the best tool
Use a router with a cylinder cutter (full size two handed type)
cuts fiberglass like butter join the bolt holes following your pattern
Make sure you leave masking tape on boat for protection
You can even protect the router base with tape too
I also made thin rubber pads for the cleats to sit on to avoid spider cracks
four cleats done in less then a hour once your set up

[kaneboats]

What did you make the pads out of?

[Northofthe49th]

1/16 black sheet rubber

[pickle311]

I also did it a couple of years ago on my Outback. I just covered the area with masking tape and marked where I wanted the holed. I drilled a small pilot hole then the size I needed. I don't remember what size it is. I don't understand why everyone says to drill in reverse. You would crap your pants if you had seen all the holes I drilled in my new LSV and I never had a single one chip. Heck, I drilled 6 holes on the outside from thru hull fitting for the ballast system, no chips.

The only problem I had was tightening the nuts on the cleats. I didn't have a socket that big, only a wrench. There was no room to turn the wrench enough to get them snug on the rear cleats.