posted 04-01-2008 04:35 PM ET (US)        

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I'm adding 2 bow cleats to my 2005 170. I ordered the cleats and screws and they arrived today. I was surprised to see the screws were machine like, flat bottoms and fairly fine threads. I was thinking they would be more "wood screw" like. I don't think their is a backing plate on the two existing stern cleats. I plan to drill holes slightly small than the screw diameter and use 5200. Would this be the correct way to install them?

Thanks

posted 04-02-2008 01:57 AM ET (US)            

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Feejer, That is not the way to go given your desciption of the screws which came with the new cleats. You will be screwing into 1/2" plywood and a machine-like screw is not the correct screw. Even using the 5200, this would be akin to going "shade tree" with your premium qulity Boston Whaler.

I'd look up the factory screws Whaler uses for the bow and stern cleats then purchase a quality ss variant locally of that size. They have a much more aggressive thread pattern but I do not know the proper technical name for them.

posted 04-02-2008 06:25 AM ET (US)            

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John
My last two bought had bow cleats, and beleive me in certain situations they come in really handy. As far as the screws go they are the factory screws and cleats. I'm dropping my trailer off Saturday morning for some work at my local BW dealer and I will ask them the question. The screws in question (from whaler parts)

SCREW, MACHINE #1/4-20 X 1.25" PFH SC PART NUMBER 1213289. They are indeed supposed to by machine type screws according to Whaler

posted 04-02-2008 07:28 AM ET (US)            

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If my memory serves, the factory cleat machine screws are drilled and tapped into Whaleboard backing.

Con

posted 04-02-2008 07:41 AM ET (US)            

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Con - exactly what I was thinking - with threads like that it is likely meant to go into whaleboard and not plywood.

Feej - just ensure what it is you are drilling into for mounting hardware and use the appropriate threaded screw, be it factory or otherwise. You have the right idea - ask your local BW dealer - they may even put the stuff on for minimal or no cost just for courtesy and gaining loyalty since it is a minimal task.

posted 04-02-2008 07:56 AM ET (US)            

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Thanks guys

I just sent an email to BW parts and service. I should here somthing today and I'll let you know what they say to do.

posted 04-02-2008 08:44 AM ET (US)            

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Just got this email from Chuck

Whaler only installs cleats where there is a phenolic (fiber/resin based composite) material molded in, under the fiberglass, to "back up" the installation. This material can be treated like aluminum....drill a hole, tap in threads and use machine screws.

If you really wanted to mount cleats into the 1/2" plywood, I'd probably use a #14A X 1.5" Phillips Flat Head Machine screw. Definitely use 3M5200 in the holes and under the base as 1/2" plywood does not have as much holding strength of phenolic or even mahogany.