I am baffled!!! How was my boat even constructed???

[Skyhead22]

My front anchor tie or dock cleat screws are loose. They have a nut on the back side of the screw. I assumed there would be an access hole behind the most forward back rest. Being since the rest of the bow is currently being reupholstered, I pulled the small pad off. I was shocked to find the backrest was secured by being screwed on from the inside out. Even more baffled as to how on earth one could install or tighten nuts on the back side of the dock cleat. The only access to the backside to all of this is through the storage hole under the seat in the bow. In order to reach the backside of any of these screws you would need a 6 foot arm with 6 joints. I've included a picture with red circles showing the screws poked through from the inside and the dock cleat.

Also, the slotted holes are where the factory backrests were anchored they also had screws with nuts on the back side I had to use angled tools to hold the nut while I got the backrest anchors removed. No possible way I can reinstall the backrests using the factory method. Screws were on the outside of the plywood backing but under the padding and vinyl but the vinyl was wrapped around and stapled behind the plywood. I'm utterly confused.

The only conclusion I can come to is that the boat was molded in a lower half and top half section, assembled separately and later bonded together during production.

So my question is, how on earth do I tighten down my cleat? It is pretty loose. The only solution I can come to is cut an access hole behind the small rectangle backrest where I can slip a wrench through and just cover it back up after I glue or velcro that pad back into place because there is no way I can re screw it from the inside out. I am BAFFLED! Why did you do this to me you overpaid engineers!?

 

[fhhuber]

They assemble the insides then join the deck to the hull. Yep.

You can split the top from the bottom or cut in inspection/access holes and install the cover systems.

http://www.iboats.com/Boat-Parts-Acc...pection%20port

The reason they assemble the boats that way is its cheaper. It can be really interesting accessing some of the inboard engines when they install the engine then join the deck to the hull.

Same basic idea as when Chevy built Corvettes in a way you had to pull the engine out to change spark plugs. It made sense for the assembly line but a tune-up (normally about $60 at the time for other cars) was $650.

 

[tpenfield]

Yes, most boats are a 'clam shell' . . . the hull being 1 'shell' and the deck/cockpit being the other 'shell', so the fittings and everything in the cockpit and deck are attached to the cockpit/deck before the two halves are put together.

Of course, as you are experiencing, fixing stuff can be nearly impossible.

 

[mr 88]

One other option besides the access hole as previously mentioned is to cut a door into that. There is probably a lot of dead space there that might be good for storing anchor line etc. Your bow backrest cushion would hide it . You could either hinge the cut out piece or just put some molding around the edges and leave it open. The odds are there is no backing plates on that cleat as well,now is the time to put one on. Look at it as a way to increase storage space not OMG I have to cut a hole in my boat.

 

[Texasmark]

I had a similar problem on another type boat. Just cut a hole, did what I had to, RTV'd a cover over the hole and put the cushion/pad back. Who'se to know the difference...............but you. In time you will forget that you know about it. Grin BTDT

 

[Scott Danforth]

Most boats are made to last 10-15 years and be replaced with a new boat.

What you are experiencing is normal for a mass produced assembly line boat.

I would mold in an access hatch and add a storage bin.

When I did the motor mounts and aft stringers in my boat, I built in two 55 quart coolers in the wasted space below the deck

 

[wrvond]

I've been wondering about that myself...

My front anchor tie or dock cleat screws are loose. They have a nut on the back side of the screw. I assumed there would be an access hole behind the most forward back rest. Being since the rest of the bow is currently being reupholstered, I pulled the small pad off. I was shocked to find the backrest was secured by being screwed on from the inside out. Even more baffled as to how on earth one could install or tighten nuts on the back side of the dock cleat. The only access to the backside to all of this is through the storage hole under the seat in the bow. In order to reach the backside of any of these screws you would need a 6 foot arm with 6 joints. I've included a picture with red circles showing the screws poked through from the inside and the dock cleat.

Also, the slotted holes are where the factory backrests were anchored they also had screws with nuts on the back side I had to use angled tools to hold the nut while I got the backrest anchors removed. No possible way I can reinstall the backrests using the factory method. Screws were on the outside of the plywood backing but under the padding and vinyl but the vinyl was wrapped around and stapled behind the plywood. I'm utterly confused.

The only conclusion I can come to is that the boat was molded in a lower half and top half section, assembled separately and later bonded together during production.

So my question is, how on earth do I tighten down my cleat? It is pretty loose. The only solution I can come to is cut an access hole behind the small rectangle backrest where I can slip a wrench through and just cover it back up after I glue or velcro that pad back into place because there is no way I can re screw it from the inside out. I am BAFFLED! Why did you do this to me you overpaid engineers!?