www.iFourWinns.com

Anyone put pop-up cleats on their vista?

I'd like to have some cleats up on the aft gunwales. The two cleats down on the lower portion of the transom are just not usable enough. They're fine for crossed stern lines but they're inconvenient for everything else. Need to hang a fender to cover the rear quarter when sitting at a fuel dock? Better hope that drinkholder is secure... Want to put on a forward connecting spring line, better hope it doesn't rib too much on the rear quarter if you use the existing cleats.

Anyway, gripes about poor design aside, has anyone put pop-up cleats in for this purpose? How much backing or what type of backing did you use?

There's the likelihood I'd use these for three purposes: to hang a fender, a forward spring line and to secure a vertically stored dinghy. If possible I'd like to use them as towing points for said dinghy, but would presume this would require a lot of backing strength.

So, anyone have suggestions? Warnings?

Nope I haven't. I tought about it, but a an average of $50 each, always moves to the bottom of the list.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Heh, $50 on a boat is chump change. But it all adds up, doesn't it?

I'm also considering some sort of pop-up eyes for securing a dinghy. Don't know whose to use though.

Here is what I installed on the stern quarters specifically for fenders

http://www.shop.com/op/~Ultimate_Stainless_Steel_Fender_Large_Cleat,_holds_up_to_1_2_rope-prod-14695357-21236238?sourceid=298

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Note sure how well that'd work on the 348. I'd be hesitant to put something hard sticking out of the sides as finger piers have already been problematic. And putting them up on the top of the gunwales would surely have someone tripping over them.

But I can see the merit to not using something that looks like a cleat. It'd be less likely for someone to misuse the one you posted for any sort of regular cleating point and thus pull it out of the fiberglas.

I'll have to keep looking.

I installed them right were the radar arch starts which is the location a hanging fender provides the best protection. They are small and mounted highe enough so the curve inward of the side of the hull allows them not to protrude past the rubrail. Also on the topside of the fender cleat is says "not for mooring".

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"