Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Hi!
How difficult a job is it to add a couple of cleats to a 94 Davanti? See attached pic. I'd like to place a cleat on both sides at the location shown by the red arrow.
I am guessing I have to remove the inside pads to access the side of the boat. How would one accomplish that task?
Or is there something else I can do to tie a fender mid-ship, other than using a plastic clip or something? This (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=10388) is the only option I can think of right now, if adding a mid-ship cleat is not easy.
Thanks a bunch, guys.
Sanu
Attachment 3056

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

The solution is much easier than a cleat. These are sold at West marine as well, and you can always leave the line attached to the fender and use on either side you need them on. Just mount two of these fittings on each side in the same place and problem solved. :wink_thumbup:

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Zack,
Do you have to remove the inside pads to screw those into the hull?
Sanu

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

No, you just drill a nice pilot hole for the screw and screw it to the fiberglass. The screws are only 1" or so. You want the pilot hole so you do not crack the fiberglass though.

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Just my $ .02 worth here.....

What Zackattack suggests are easy to install and super easy to use, but in my experience (two diff boats) using these while rafting up with other boats, the fender while doing its job gets pinched between the boats, and during the "bobbing up & down" motion the fender stays put and little tab works its way up and out of the holder, and off your fender & line floats.

Installing a real cleat is easy. Your inner pad simply lifts off. A gentle upward tug (two people is best) or on a stubborn one a firm tap upward with your palm, will give you access to thru bolt a cleat. A very easy and quick solution with a permanant fix.

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Hi Zack,

please check the How to's section in our forum.

http://www.mariahownersclub.com/foru...ra-cleats.html

although it looks easy just to screw the cleats on to the boat, best is still to ensure you have a correct backplate at the other side of the hull. That will reduce stress and cracks appearing in the gel coat later.

Kindest regards,

Johan

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Great info on the support and drilling techniques. Thanks.

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Northwoodz, I did not know that the inner pads could be lifted off that easily. Is that for all Mariahs? Even the 94?

Johan, great documentation on how to install those cleats. Although for my boat, I have the regular Herreshoff cleats. So it would be closer to drilling the screw holes (if I can gather courage to do it myself). But I would prefer to have a backing on it behind the fiberglass, just for added protection. Although I am not sure if the factory ones have any wood/block backing behind the fiberglass layer.

Sanu

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Can't answer 100% on the 94, but my friends have a 95 and 98 and I have a 97 and all our side pads lift right off. They hang on aluminum brackets thru round holes in the plywood that backs up the padding. It struck me as a either a really cool way or a really cheap way to do it.... but I haven't decided yet! :rolling_laugh:

Re: Adding cleats to a 94 Davanti
 

Guys,
I finally managed to install the mid-ship cleats on my Davanti. I installed regular Herreshoff Cleats as they are what I have on the bow and stern. Attached is the procedure I used to do it. Just in case someone else needs it.
Also attached are before and after pics of the mid-ship area.
Thanks guys for all the advice.
Cheers!
Sanu
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