Sea Ray's official response- cut a hole in your deck

[jmackay]

I posted a couple of months back requesting help in replacing my port, stern cleat. Since the forums did not provide a solution I wrote to Sea Ray and here is their response:

Dear Sir,

It is very difficult, but it can be accessed from the engine compartment. You may want to install an access port on the inside deck. Unfortunately we don't have instructions that will show you step by step.

Has anyone ever installed an access port that you might help me out with what it would take? It seems like a lot of work (not to mention that cutting a hole in your boat doesn't feel right) to fix the cleat.- (specifically it looks like it is bent as there is a quarter inch gap between it and the deck so I'm not sure if I have to replace it or just tighen it).

I am in a bit of disbelief that it was designed this way but need to get it fixed.

Thank you all in advance.

 

[At Ease]

Does your 240 have a fresh water washdown on the stern? If so, I would assume that it is in the same place as on my 260 which is next to the port side stern cleat, I would remove that to gain access. If not, and you have to cut a hole, add a fresh water washdown instead of just cutting an access hole.

 

[Tonka Boater]

I think Sea Ray's recommendation is reasonable. If you look at the attached photo it looks easy enough to install an access door in the area that I outlined in red.

 

[Lazy Daze]

I agree with Tonka. Like SR said, difficult but not impossible from the engine compartment. The right tools/extensions will help. I think that advising you of another solution was nice of them. Keep in mind, cleats bending/breaking is extremely rare, so designing a boat around cleat access is probably not high on the priority list.

Another thought for "new use of your hole" would be to install a shallow storage box with a door on the front.

 

[skolbe]

You could consider a speaker in the area as well. Drilling holes in other peoples boats is always more fun then your own boat.

 

[Dave S]

I would get a price from a fiberglass repair shop to do the work. They can cut the hole and replace the cleat and then patch it back up again.

Dave

 

[tobnpr]

Ditto what Dennis said. While boat builders often don't provide proper access where they should (no different than cars!) , this really isn't a Sea Ray problem.
Cleats are not a "maintenance" item where access would be expected. I'd cut in a little
4" inspection port- no big deal...

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|6880|48504&id=209421

I am a bit puzzled, though, as to exactly what the problem is. You say there's a 1/4" "gap" between the base of the cleat and the gunwale...is that just at one end? or is the entire cleat loose? I don't see how a cleat could possibly get "bent" at the base- without ripping it out, backing plate and all...

Got a picture?

 

[Whitenights]

I like the speaker idea, it would look original there. Or if you are creative enough you could do a door and gain more storage space.

 

[Cincy Aquaholic]

Post some pics of what little access you have and maybe someone can recommend a tool to reach it. I bet its possible with the right extensions etc.

 

[Quint4]

Is there room for one of these or something similar?

 

[Spot]

Is there room for one of these or something similar?

Great idea, we all may want to cut holes to get one of those...

 

[Quint4]

Yeah, I was going to add one to my last boat but never got around to it.

 

[fwebster]

Cutting an access isn't a big deal. Mask the area off, mark your hole, cut on the line, then glass/gelcoat the "door" back in when you finish the work on the cleat.

In fact, many large boats are repowered this way. Instead of a little square, they cut a hole in the hull side big enough for the engines to pass thru, then repair the hole when the repower is done.

 

[Alex F]

...In fact, many large boats are repowered this way. Instead of a little square, they cut a hole in the hull side big enough for the engines to pass thru, then repair the hole when the repower is done.

Wow, we learn something new every day. I can only imaging the owner's reaction when he was told that thay have to cut the deck to takt the engines out. :wow:

 

[jmackay]

Thank you all for the great feedback, I really like the idea of the shallow storage locker if I can find one that fits but if not, I think the access hatch may have to do it. I'll take a pic of the cleat to show how it is pulled out. I'll also have another look at how to access it through the engine compartment but frankly, when I looked before, I find it difficult to imagine how it could even be possible. I can't even feel a space with my hand to access it let alone see a route. Then there is the 3-4 feet that would have to be navigated...

Thanks again, I'll take a pic this weekend and check out your suggestions.

 

[Jack F]

If you do cut an access hole can you take measurements on how much depth is their, might be a good spot for something like this.

· OD: 19 1/2"H x 8"W x 4"D
ID:16"H x 4 7/8"W x 4"D

 

[Lazy Daze]

Then there is the 3-4 feet that would have to be navigated...

Those back corners a very pleasant place to be....:smt101

You may want to take a look at what other things you can take out easily - just to make the job a bit more comfortable. Sometimes spending an extra 20 minutes removing something is well worth the time.

 

[chumbley]

Wow, we learn something new every day. I can only imaging the owner's reaction when he was told that thay have to cut the deck to takt the engines out. :wow:

In the larger boats, it isn't the deck they cut. The go right through the side of the hull into the engine room. In boats this size, there are usually multiple layers of decks they would have to go through.

 

[boatmailster]

I think you could remove side vents to get access to cleats

 

[jmackay]

Here is a picture of the said cleat as requested. I put the white sealer on hoping it will keep the water out until I get the problem resolved for good. It looks like something pulled it down, bent it/ caused a few spider cracks. It was done by the previous owner, a bizarre bit of damage for sure.