Replacing a cam cleat

[davidburklin]

OK, I'm a complete novice when it comes to replacing any of the hardware on the boat. One of my cam cleats for my jib has broken and doesn't spring anymore. I purchased a new one and removed the old one.

On the new part, the screw holes are about 1/8" closer together than the original... just enough so I can't screw it in the same holes. I assume the process is to fill the existing holes with fibreglass resin, then drill new holes for the new one.

Is it really this simple, or is there a bigger process I need to undertake?

Sorry for the stupid question, but I'd rather ask now than screw it up and ask later.

[sailingdog]

It would help if you said what kind of boat you were on. The procedure may well vary a bit depending on the size of the boat. I am hoping that the cam cleat was through-bolted and not just screwed into the fiberglass.

Is the deck or part where the cam cleat was mounted cored? If so, then you''ll probably want to pot* the new holes, and fill the old ones with thickened epoxy.

On a small boat, it may be fine to just pot the holes and mount it... on a larger boat, where the loads on the jib sheets may be higher, it may be wiser to add a backing block. YMMV.

* Potting a fastener hole consists of drilling it oversized, filling the oversized hole with thickened epoxy, letting it cure, and then drilling the final hole for the actual fastener. I also recommend countersinking the top of the hole slightly, which will allow sealant to form an o-ring of a sort when you're bedding the hardware. The reason for potting is to protect the deck's core—usually end-grain balsa, marine plywood or foam—from water intrusion.

[davidburklin]

24' san juan. It's currently just screwed into the fibreglass. Not sure if there is core behind it or not. I'll investigate and proceed accordingly. I'll definately add a backing block if necessary. Thanks for the response.

[JimsCAL]

I'll bet that camcleat was added (improperly) by a previous owner. Just screwing in something like this that has to carry load is a no-no. It has to be through bolted and properly backed up. I would check the other one as I'll bet it has this same problem and needs to be properly mounted also.

[davidburklin]

Roger that. Was actually planning on replacing both anyway, just cause I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and can't stand one to be different from the other. Thanks for all the advice... much better to get it right the first time.

Good Sailing!

[sailingdog]

You also might want to check the position of the cam cleats and see if there is a better position, since you're going to be filling the holes anyways... might as well make the new camcleats as convenient and efficient as you can.