How to properly install a boat cleat

Do you want to know how to install a boat cleat the proper way? If so, tune in for this short video that shows each step to doing so. It is really not that hard.

In General, the steps are as follows:
- Find the location that works for the cleat, and allows access to the backside of the location.
- Mark the location of each of the screws and ensure that you are using stainless steel fastening hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, and lock washers)
- Drill a pilot hole for each bolt, then using the correct size bit, drill the hole for the bolt (The pilot hole allows you to avoid the bit "walking" out of place.
- Bed the hardware using the sealant of your choice. My preference is Boat Life Life Seal for above the water line bedding. It is flexible and still adheres well but best of all, it will come off unlike 3M 5200 which should be used only for below the water bedding (in my opinion)
Boat Life Link on amazon with free shipping - amzn.to/2RmYwCd
- Insert the bolts and finger tight until the LifeSeal begins to skin over. Put at least a 1" diameter backing stainless steel washer on each bolt (bigger if there is enough room and certainly larger if this is a very large cleat on a large boat. I like to have the backing plate at LEAST 4 times the diameter of the Bolt width.
- Tighten all bolts and clean up the BoatLife with a damp cloth being careful not to leave any on the gel coat as it is much harder to get off later.

Voila - You're done!

Cleat - amzn.to/2Yj5UjD
1.5" Stainless 1/4x20 Bolts - amzn.to/2DSshCQ
1/4"X20 Stainless Nuts - amzn.to/38c37gq
1" Stainless washers - amzn.to/2OQVcxG
1/4 Lock Washers - amzn.to/2DUJawJ
Boat Life Life Seal - amzn.to/2RmYwCd
Drill Bit 1/4" - amzn.to/2sQd3wb
Puck Socket Wrench - amzn.to/362QWkr

Last Weeks Video on how to Make Egg Drop Soup - youtu.be/nTjiUJJsut8
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Please check out our other videos as well and click on the playlist below for a couple we think you may enjoy.
Our Refit Playlist - youtu.be/8wyNNpLAeNs
Our Sailing to New Orleans Playlist - youtu.be/gzzteJxewAU
Our Epoxy Vs Polyester Fiberglass test results - youtu.be/V1bXiKPYDKI
Our series on hatches - youtu.be/7dNMu8s32kY
and Our Series on new Freshwater Plumbing - youtu.be/8uv7ABaD3YM

Some of the tools we mention in our videos are:
Inexpensive Chisel set (for rough work) - amzn.to/2M9CZIG
Oscillating Multi-tool - amzn.to/2GtDpWC
Carbide Grinding blade for the oscillating tool - amzn.to/2Gsovnz
Ryobi Skill Saw (I have the corded) - amzn.to/2uKnm5o
The Cordless version is here - amzn.to/2uJwOWA
Small Trim Router (Great for tight places) - amzn.to/2GtkHmd
*Please remember these are affiliate links and it helps us but doesn't cost you more if you buy from Amazon using these links.

Join us on our journey as we continue to rebuild, refit and prepare our Formosa 51 Sailboat for our continued cruising journey. We have always loved the Formosa, bought one (on a bit of a whim) late in 2014, moved aboard this one right away and started to do our refit while living board. We are avid fans of Cruising Outpost and Good Ole Boat (Good Old Boat) magazines and love the ideas we get from them.

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