I have my rod boxes out I can reach it but I have to crawl inside a little ways and twist around.

I have never had any issues with my cleats on my 84 the best year these boat were made. If you have anything else back there you may need acces to in the future I'd add one of those 8" access things.

they were pulling off the cleat in the stern.?

Could not agree more...this hardware should be through-bolted...w/a backing plate...mine are...both on bow, mids and stern...

Yes, there were towing bit's and various docking cleats on the boat. The owners manual apparently didn't specify what was to be used for different purposes and found the manufacturer at fault for that reason. The article described a pair of about 40' Chris Crafts, one was stuck on a sandbar. The tow rope was nylon and I believe the cleat that failed was actually near the bow of the boat under tow. Nylon shouldn't be used for towing for that exact reason, it will snap back with incredible force. The cleat with nylon rope still attached snapped back to the tow boat and killed a man on the bridge deck.

have pictures of my 78 apart for ya so you can see it and where they are will post after 24 goes off.

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER EVER use screwed-in cleats for more than holding a fender! If you ever tie you boat to anything using a cleat it had better be through bolted! Don't believe me? Screw one in and use as you would normally, but be sure to say your prayers before you walk away from it.

Opinions vary, but we are in agreement here. One of my biggest problems with buying used boats is looking at a fiberglass or hardware repair and imagining what may have been done....or not done

are your cleats like these or on top? go in the rod box as seen here

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46...t/P1010016.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46...t/P1010015.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46...t/P1010017.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46...t/P1010018.jpg