Glastron mx 175/gt185 stern cleat - weird?

[durdy]

Hopefully soon to be boat owner here in the heat of a bowrider search. This is an excellent forum.

I looked at the Glastron mx 175 and gt185 in person after oh months of boat forum browsing, boat shows and manufacturer web site grazing. We generally liked the boats but left with an outstanding question I'm hoping someone here could help with. I noticed that the rear cleat was mounted somewhat inboard vs. the more common outboard position on other boats. Essentially any line tied from the rear cleat would need to be attached to the dock well aft of the boat and couldn't be tied parallel to or forwards of the stern else it would rub on the fiberglass. My assumption was this was done for cosmetics as I couldn't see a functional reason for this cleat being mounted as it is. Sorry, a picture would help but I don't have one.

Whatever boat we get is going to spend pretty much all its downtime tied up to our dock on our inland lake. Pretty much no marinas, public boat launches etc. in her future. Our dock isn't large and I was hoping to minimize the dock cleat to dock cleat distance for other reasons.

Curious to know if any MX or GT owners have noted this placement and whether it impedes your use of them. Also related to tying up, where do you attach the lines for the bumpers on these boats?

Thanks!

 

[codertimt]

Re: Glastron mx 175/gt185 stern cleat - weird?

I don't have much docking experience, so didn't really think about it. Where we always camped had no docks and so the only time we tied to one was stopping at the marina for ice cream.

The little lake we go to by our house has docks by the ramp and so it was my first real experience... But since it's only docked for a short period while parking, it's probably not that big a deal, but I can see where it could wear into the side in time. So basically, I'm no help. I will attach a picture for reference though...

As for the bumpers, I end up tieing the back one off on the rear grab handle and the front one I generally attach to the front cleat. Then I end up tieing the front of the boat off with the line I have attached to the bow eye. So again, a nonstandard, poor way of doing it. I hadn't realized until I typed that out, how wrong I am probably doing it....

Anyway, at least I can provide the pic...

 

[Adrift]

Re: Glastron mx 175/gt185 stern cleat - weird?

I have a new GT185 and noted the strange cleat arrangement as well. When I asked the salesman about it I basically got a shoulder shrug (big surprise).

I've only had the boat out a couple of times and we trailer the boat so my situation is different.

I bought something called leading edge tape. It's basically thick tape that racers use to protect the "leading edges" on their cars from rock/debris damage. It is expensive but so are boats.

I put the tape along the edge where it looks like the line would rub the boat when docked. I also make sure the line is attached to the cleat so that it goes up and over the cleat towards the the dock.

Still trying to figure out how to mount fenders.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Glastron mx 175/gt185 stern cleat - weird?

Have same problem.....or HAD same problem! I added these.
No more problem...



They are a little pricey, but....They look really nice AND serve the purpose.

 

[getinmerry]

Re: Glastron mx 175/gt185 stern cleat - weird?

I have the 185GT, and yes the rear cleats are in an unusual place, but they work and I've had no problems with abrasions yet. I use soft nylon dock lines, and so far not even a scuff.

You could always slide a piece of foam pool noodle over the end to buffer it too.

 

[cribber]

Re: Glastron mx 175/gt185 stern cleat - weird?

Have same problem.....or HAD same problem! I added these.

They are a little pricey, but....they look really nice AND serve the purpose.

I recently bought a 2008 GT 185 and noticed the same thing; what you've done to address this really looks appealing and I'll be shopping for a couple of those pull-up cleats before talking to my dealer to do the install. BTW, this is my 1st boat that I've personally owned and love this thing so far... How do you spell BOAT ~ But Only Another Thousand honey!!!