CONTINUOUSWAVE

I didn't like securing our 2017 190 Montauk to the dock using only the bow and stern cleats. I have seen other 190 Montauk boats with cleats added forward. I contacted Sue Lodel at Beacon Marine, and she happens to have the same boat, and added cleats to her boat. I ordered the cleats and hardware from Beacon Marine, and I finally got the courage to drill into my boat this weekend.

Sue was a great help, as she sent pictures of the exact mounting location showing the cleat with a ruler in the picture! Big thanks, Sue!

Quick summary:

1 - buy cleats and hardware. Screws are stainless 1/4-inch, 20 pitch
2 - locate correct location so you are securing to the Whaleboard area - in my case, about 6.25-inch behind non-skid area of deck
3 - mark four holes for cleat
4 - drill pilot hole with small bit
5 - use #7 drill bit for the tap to the correct depth
6 - tap with 1/4-20 tap
7 - use 3M 4000 UV sealant and attach cleat

Picture:

Here is a picture of me holding Sue's pictures to locate the cleat in the correct position:



[Nota bene: there were three links to images that did not produce any images, and the links were deleted.--jimh]

Nice job! I understand the angst involved in drilling that first hole. I added aft cleats to my 2003 170 this past winter and found BW's Chuck Bennett a great source. I'm so glad BW planned ahead and added the backing material (although I wonder why they never added them to begin with). Your process/application sounds identical to mine. My biggest concern was drilling a straight (plumb) hole and I found a useful tool on Amazon (Big Gator Tools STD1000DGNP V-Drill Guide). The gunwale on the 170 is not wide enough to use a conventional drill guide, and this one was perfect to use in that limited space.

Remember when drilling you need to bevel the top edges to prevent radiating gelcoat cracks. The hole should look like a Y

Remember to add a dab of sealant (not adhesive) to the underside of the head and the threads to seal the hole.