Cockpit Deck Cleats

Now that the transom is on it’s time to install all the cleating that will support the cockpit decking.

All of this is pretty straightforward, and I simply followed the manual. I did break down and buy a really long level (60″ I think) which was very helpful. I started with the transom. You’ll notice in the picture below that I installed the horizontal cleats as two whole pieces instead of cutting into four separate pieces to accommodate the two cleats that will have to notch into the transom pieces. I’ll just cut out the notches with a pull saw later.

Next were the two long cleats running down the sides from the transom. Since the sides are not vertical, it took a little planing to make the cleat tops level.

Below are side and transom cleating installed. The interior faces of all these cleats forward of BH8 will be stained to match the cleats on the centerboard trunk.

Not shown are the four additional cleats running fore and aft between various bulkheads.

Next

Painting the cabin interior.