those dam cleats
 

Ok im sure you all know i have a 1978 steplift the best year that was ever made, thats my opinion. those cleats that are on the transom back sides, one is broken and i have to replace it. my question it this how do you do it cant get to the bolts

Cleats?...transom backsides?...can ya show us some pics so maybe we can better help...

I can't tell ya about them POS '78's. But the '75's (which are truly the best ones) are easy to get to and replace.
Oh, and like reel said.

i got to get you pics,,,if anyone has the same as i do[you know what im talking about] please post pics i dont thave a camera

A grinder is your best friend when you own a boat! If it was thatbad it broke, the bolts must not be all that great, take a hamer to it they wil snap right off

O and the ones on my 75 were perfect!! They really started using garbage after that year!

MJ, your '75 must have had its cleats replaced with cleats from a '78. :you:

Are you talking about the "U-bolt" lifting eyes on the transom?

i think they were bolted on first to use to lower the cap in the boat due tono access to remove the nuts. my 78 same way. I cut mine off and just used heave #14 x 3 ss screws to hold the new ones in, or you could cut them off and install pop up cleats with the top screw holes and that what you have more cleat strength just a thought.

Must be it, cause my '74 and the '75s were easy to get to...

A screwed in cleat caused an accident that resulted in a fatality that caused the bankruptcy of Chris Craft. Screwed in cleats are probably fine for docking, but thru-bolted is the only way to go if you intend to really put a load on it. If you need thru-bolting without access, those 8" hand hole ports are cheap and easy.