Cleat Mishap

[boatnamesue]

1976 170


Port transom cleat pulled right off this weekend...or at least part of the cleat....and I was only wrapping line around it when this happened.  It appears this style of cleat has a backing plate because the plate and its 4 screws are still secured to transom.  But the corrosion around the base plate is too far gone to save.  The whole cleat unit needs replace.  Which brings me to my question.  This '76 transom is original, so needless to say I'm not too excited about drilling new holes to mount a new cleat (I plan to choose cleat model with only 2 mounting screws). 

I reckon to fill the old holes with epoxy.  I'm not concerned with the aesthetics of this repair since the new cleat and the line I keep wrapped around it will cover the fill holes.  But when drilling new holes for new cleat, do you recommend over-drilling, fill with epoxy and set, then under-drill pilot holes for screw diameter larger than pilot but smaller than over-drilled holes?

Photo below is an old photo but at least gives ya an idea of the style of cleat installed. 

[mshugg]

That looks like a zink/ZAMAC cleat.  They’re meant be cheap cleats used on freshwater boats, and they’re not great for that.  Definitely upgrade to SS.  As for fasteners, cleats should be through bolted with backing plates. If you’re transom is good, fill the holes, and drill new ones to match hole pager on new cleat.