Installing Cleats On A Jon Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Jon boats are small, flat-bottomed boats that are often used for fishing or hunting. They are typically made from aluminium or wood and are characterised by their flat bottoms and simple construction. While jon boats are a popular choice for recreational boaters due to their affordability and versatility, they often require some modifications to be safely and effectively used. One such modification is the addition of cleats, which are used to secure the boat to a dock or anchor.

Using screws and bolts to put cleats on a jon boat

When installing cleats on a jon boat, it is important to consider the intended use and the amount of force that will be exerted on the cleats. For light-duty applications, such as holding a fender or minnow bucket, stainless steel sheet metal screws can be used to secure the cleats. However, for heavier applications such as mooring or anchoring, it is recommended to use bolts with backing plates or washers for added strength and to prevent the cleats from pulling out.

When choosing the location for the cleats, consider where the pulling force from the rope will be exerted. It is recommended to mount the cleats so that the pulling force is perpendicular to the screws or bolts. For jon boats with round or flat tops, finding a suitable location for mounting the cleats can be challenging. One option is to mount the cleats on the top of the boat, either at the bow or stern, where there is usually a wider surface area. Another option is to mount the cleats on the inside of the boat, just below the gunnel, with the bolt head on the outside. This method provides more clearance and prevents interference with the cover or the user's clothing when entering or exiting the boat.

When installing the cleats, it is important to use the appropriate fasteners and hardware. For stainless steel or aluminum boats, stainless steel bolts, washers, and nuts are recommended to prevent corrosion. If accessing the underside of the boat is possible, backing plates or fender washers can be used to distribute the load and provide additional support. If accessing the underside is not possible, rivets or rivet nuts can be used for installation. When using screws, self-tapping metal screws or self-drilling sheet metal screws can be used, but they may eventually strip the aluminum and pull out under rough conditions. To prevent this, use screws with lock nuts and fender washers to distribute the load.

Additionally, some jon boat owners have suggested using eye bolts or rings instead of cleats. These can be welded or bolted just inside the gunnel, providing a convenient and unobtrusive way to secure ropes or other items.

The best position to put cleats on a jon boat

When it comes to the best position to put cleats on a jon boat, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the intended use of the cleats will dictate the best placement. For example, if you plan on using the cleats for heavy-duty purposes such as towing or anchoring, you'll want to ensure they are securely mounted and can withstand significant force. On the other hand, if you only need them for light-duty tasks like holding a fender or minnow bucket, the positioning and type of cleat can be more flexible.

Most jon boat owners recommend installing cleats at the bow and stern of the boat. This setup provides versatility for anchoring, mooring, and tying off to docks. It's also recommended to have midship cleats for additional functionality, such as tying off fenders or buckets.

When it comes to the specific placement of cleats, there are a few options. Some people prefer to install them on the top rail of the boat, using self-tapping screws and JB weld to secure them in place. This method ensures the cleats won't move and prevents anchor ropes from wearing off the paint on the top rail. However, this approach may not be feasible if you have round gunnels, as it can be challenging to mount cleats firmly and safely.

Another option is to mount the cleats on the inside of the boat, just below the gunnel. This method provides a more streamlined exterior and avoids interference with covers or clothing when entering and exiting the boat. For this installation, it's recommended to use stainless steel pan head bolts and lock nuts, with the bolt head on the outside and the nut fitting nicely on the cleat.

If you have a flat surface to work with, such as a 3-4" wide pad at the bow or triangle stiffeners on the transom, you can also consider mounting the cleats on the top. This setup can be advantageous for anchoring in windy conditions, as it allows you to lay the anchor line on the front cleat and loop it midship for quick release if needed.

Additionally, some people suggest using eye bolts or rings instead of traditional cleats. These can be welded just inside the gunnel, providing a handy and unobtrusive alternative.

Ultimately, the best position for cleats on a jon boat depends on your specific needs and the design of your boat. Consider the intended use, the strength required, and the ease of access when determining the ideal placement for your cleats.

The type of cleats to use on a jon boat

When it comes to choosing the right type of cleats for your jon boat, there are a few options to consider. Here are some recommendations and factors to keep in mind:

Material

The most common materials for cleats are stainless steel and nylon. Stainless steel cleats, such as those made from 316 stainless steel, offer durability and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for marine environments. Black nylon cleats are also a popular choice for jon boats. Nylon is flexible and can bend without breaking, providing some give in case of sudden force or impact.

Design

Cleats come in various designs, including open base and closed base. Open base cleats have a hole in the centre, allowing for more versatile rope configurations. Closed base cleats, on the other hand, have a solid base without a hole. Additionally, some cleats have a base specifically designed to fit hex nuts, making installation easier.

Size

Cleats are available in different sizes, typically ranging from 4 inches to 10 inches in length. The appropriate size for your jon boat will depend on the thickness of the ropes or lines you intend to use. Smaller cleats are suitable for light-duty applications and thinner ropes, while larger cleats can accommodate heavier loads and thicker lines.

Mounting Options

You can choose to mount your cleats on the top rail of your jon boat or just under the rail on the inside. Top-mounted cleats are convenient and provide easy access, but they may interfere with boat covers or snag on clothing. Inside-mounted cleats are more protected and streamlined but may require longer lines to reach them.

Installation

When installing cleats, it is crucial to use the appropriate fasteners and hardware. Stainless steel screws, bolts, washers, and lock nuts are commonly used. For added security, you can apply an adhesive like JB Weld to the screws or bolts to prevent them from backing out.

Alternative Options

If you're looking for an alternative to traditional cleats, consider using eye bolts or rings. These can be welded or bolted just inside the gunnel, providing a secure and recessed mooring option that won't protrude and snag on objects. Eye bolts are handy for various applications, including anchoring, towing, and even spud pole slots.

The pros and cons of using screws or bolts on a jon boat

When it comes to securing cleats on a jon boat, there are several factors to consider when choosing between screws and bolts. Here are the pros and cons of each option:

Screws:

Pros:

• Screws are generally easier and faster to install than bolts, requiring less labour and time.
• They are suitable for light-duty applications, such as holding fenders, minnow buckets, or similar items.
• Screws can be used with backing plates or washers to provide additional support and distribute the load more evenly.
• Self-tapping screws can be used, which create their own threads in the material, eliminating the need for pre-drilled holes.

Cons:

• Screws may not provide the same level of strength and security as bolts, especially for heavy-duty applications.
• They can work loose over time due to vibrations or movement, potentially requiring regular tightening or replacement.
• Screws are typically smaller and have less surface area in contact with the material, which may not be ideal for bearing high loads.

Bolts:

Pros:

• Bolts provide a more secure and robust fastening method, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications such as towing or anchoring.
• They are less likely to work loose compared to screws due to their larger size and the use of nuts, which can be locked in place with various types of locking mechanisms.
• Bolts are easier to remove if needed, making them a more flexible option.
• Bolts can be used with washers and backing plates to further enhance their load-bearing capacity and distribute the force over a larger area.

Cons:

• Installing bolts can be more time-consuming and labour-intensive, requiring access to both sides of the material and the proper tools.
• They may require larger holes to be drilled, which could be a concern in applications where hole size needs to be minimised.
• Bolts and nuts may protrude more than screws, potentially creating interference issues or safety hazards.

In summary, screws are suitable for light-duty applications on a jon boat where convenience and ease of installation are prioritised. For heavier loads and more secure fastening, bolts are the preferred option, providing increased strength and reliability at the cost of slightly increased installation complexity.

How to prevent corrosion when using screws or bolts on a jon boat

To prevent corrosion when using screws or bolts on a jon boat, there are several methods you can use. Firstly, consider the type of screw or bolt you are using. Self-tapping screws are generally not recommended for this application, as they can work themselves loose over time, especially if they are made of stainless steel, which tends to twist off more easily than regular steel. Instead, it is better to use bolts with nuts, as these provide a more secure fastening. Through-bolting, where the bolt goes all the way through with a nut on the other side, is also a good option for attaching heavy loads or if there will be variable forces on the screw.

The choice of material for your screws and bolts is also important to prevent corrosion. Stainless steel is a common choice for marine applications and will not rust, seize or cause pitting. However, in contact with aluminium, it can cause galvanic corrosion, a process where one metal corrodes preferentially when in electrical contact with another in the presence of an electrolyte. In this case, the aluminium, which has a lower galvanic potential than stainless steel, will be the anode and will corrode more quickly. This can be mitigated by using a corrosion inhibitor on the screws or bolts. Lanocote and 3M 5200 are two products that can be used for this purpose.

Another way to prevent corrosion is to separate the aluminium and stainless steel with a barrier. Nylon washers can be used where the two metals contact each other, or you can paint or coat the hardware to provide a barrier. If you plan to coat the hardware, it is recommended to coat the cathode, as uncoated spots on the cathode will result in corrosion spread over a larger area.

Finally, consider the environment in which your jon boat will be used. Galvanic corrosion requires an electrolyte to enable the movement of electrical current. In marine environments, salt water is a particularly effective electrolyte, so it is important to wash your boat down after use in salt water and allow it to dry. This will help to prevent corrosion by removing the electrolyte.

Frequently asked questions