Pull up deck cleats

[Jhabbe10]

New owner of 2008 2000 SR3 with pull up deck cleats. Both bow cleats no longer have nuts and washers as they have vibrated off. Can't reach either cleat. Dealer says I have to cut an access hole. How do I remove the front pad? Do they slide off or do I need to pry it off?

[shrew]

I've never heard of a nylon locknut backing off before. Are the decks cleats aftermarket?
They more than likely slide UP. There is a possibility they screw in from behind.

Can you go into a seat locker and get up behind?

[Jhabbe10]

Nuts are metal not plastic. They had a flat washer and ring washer. Have to assume they were never tourqued at the factory. No way getting up there using the cushion opening. To tight and to long. Called a dealer. Told me to remove the front upper cushion and cut holes in the fiberglass. Also. Cushions are screwed in from behind. No way to get there. Pried them off, cut two holes and used lock tight. Hope that works. Cleats are factory installed. They would have to be!!!!
Thanks for trying.

[mmwjr]

The factory install things such as cleats before the lower and upper portions of the hull are joined so the have easy access.

[shrew]

That is interesting. I've never seen cleats from the factory which used lock washers and not nylon locknuts.