2018 AR 240 Bow Cleat

[bperkins025]

The port cleat on the bow of my 2018 AR240 came off. It is wet slipped so I didn't lose the cleat in the water thanks to the dock line, but it is completely off. I'm assuming that the black plastic insert where the speaker and cup holder are mounted comes off for access to the back side of the cleat, but I cannot figure out how to take it off. Does anyone here have experience with this?

 

[drewkaree]

The port cleat on the bow of my 2018 AR240 came off. It is wet slipped so I didn't lose the cleat in the water thanks to the dock line, but it is completely off. I'm assuming that the black plastic insert where the speaker and cup holder are mounted comes off for access to the back side of the cleat, but I cannot figure out how to take it off. Does anyone here have experience with this?

Please clarify. You say the cleat is completely off. Are you asking about how to take that off, or how to remove the speaker, or are you thinking you will remove the entire plastic trim in that area, or... ?

If it's the speakers, there should be screws holding the grill in place, which would then give you further access to remove them to reach the backside of the cleat area. That's usually how they're accessed, often with difficulty

 

[bperkins025]

Please clarify. You say the cleat is completely off. Are you asking about how to take that off, or how to remove the speaker, or are you thinking you will remove the entire plastic trim in that area, or... ?

If it's the speakers, there should be screws holding the grill in place, which would then give you further access to remove them to reach the backside of the cleat area. That's usually how they're accessed, often with difficulty

I've attached a pic - not my boat, but same model. I cannot figure out how to remove the panel circled in red. This seems like it would be the easiest way to access the back side of where the cleat mounts to the hull so that I can bolt it back on.

 

[drewkaree]

I've attached a pic - not my boat, but same model. I cannot figure out how to remove the panel circled in red. This seems like it would be the easiest way to access the back side of where the cleat mounts to the hull so that I can bolt it back on.

If I'm correct, your cleat is going to be on the front edge of your grab bar there, and the speaker on the left side of that area would be removed so you can reach up there. I'd use an open-ended wrench, and tie a string to the closed end in case it falls. I can't recall ever seeing anyone finding an easy way to remove that plastic inset portion, or else they've just not wanted to remove too much, to tighten that cleat.

You also should be able to lift the seat up, and depending on your size, lay down in that storage area and reach up behind there to access the nuts and backside of the cleat. I'm not sure which way would be easiest, and it's probably going to be based on your size and ability to maneuver your limbs and tools.

 

[drewkaree]

Something else that just struck me, maybe go to Partzilla or some other Yamaha parts supplier, and view their exploded parts diagrams to see if that shows that plastic piece as being removable, if that's the method you'd prefer to try.

You may have to find that part number anyway, to find a pic of it with the mounting points on it, or possible replacements if it gets cracked in the process of removing it.

No matter the reason, that would show you if it's an actual replaceable (and therefore removable) part for your boat