any reviews of cleat clamp fishing rod holder bases?

[ragsman]

I have aquired a new (to me) boat. See this post if you are interested, I bought it!</p>

I would like to put some rod holders on there that I can take off easily, and preferrably not have to drill holes, and I have found these things called 'cleat clamps' that easily attach to the boat's cleats. Does anyone have any information or experience with these things?</p>

Cleat Clamps </p>

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[JDK]

they look pretty nice id be interested to see how they work

 

[Shankopotamus]

That looks like a great solution. I couldn't use them because my cleats are recessed.

 

[foodsaver]

they have ones for recessed cleats. They look pretty good to me

 

[minner]

foodsaver - 5/22/2009 6:49 AM

they have ones for recessed cleats. They look pretty good to me

Craig I was looking at these a while back as well, don't remember seeing one for the recessed cleats. Can you point me in the right direction?

 

[minner]

Sorry for the highjack but I just got a response from the owner about recessed cleats. At this time there isn't a model for recessed cleats, although pop-up cleats are fine.

 

[ragsman]

They sent me an email, assuring me they were very strong. the 'offset transom' model positions the holder to the right or left of the cleat, in case the length of it migh cover something. In my case one side would cover my rear light plug in spot, so I'd need one offset transom model. They also sent me a pic, and I must say the thing does look very sturdy!</p>

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[foodsaver]

Sorry bout that I thought recessed cleats were pop up cleats.

 

[ragsman]

After exchanging a couple of emails, I ordered one standard and one offset starboard brand. Received it today. The build quality is outstanding, very sturdily built I have to say. But, they do not fit! I guess they are built for flat type cleats, but the rounded cleats on my Lowe and my (just sold today!) Tracker are more rounded, and did not fit in the slot. Also, the offset isn't to the side as I thought, but to the back! So, the offset starboard is offset in exactly the wrong direction... I have sent an email to the company (no reply yet) and tried to call once to get them fixed or exchanged, but no reply yet. If you are thinking of ordering them, be sure you have the flat style cleat as shown in the picture before you order! I'll let you know how they respond.

 

[ragsman]

Leon from cleatclamps emailed me about the misfit. He was away last week, that was why couple of days delay. </p>

It's rare to find someone willing to go the extra mile for their customers, and Leon has certainly done that! He actually has ordered a cleat directly from Lowe boats for my boat year and model, and is going to make two brand new cleat clamps to fit! On top of that, he requested that I not even send back the cleatclamps that don't fit, but sell them or give them to a friend! That is $100 worth of merchandise he's given me for my trouble!
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I can't give any higher praise for this company, simply outstanding!
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www.cleatclamp.com
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[ragsman]

Update: I received not only one set, but two sets of custom cleat clamps from Leon! The were of slightly different build style and he asked me to let him know which I preferred. These things are certainly solidly built, and will fit the bill for my boat perfectly!</p>

Also, a slight correction to my above post. I said

So, the offset starboard is offset in exactly the wrong direction

, however that really wasn't the case. They could be installed on either clamp in either direction to achieve the proper offset. Leon is aware that a few more product pictures on the ordering page would help alleviate confusion, and he's working on it.</p>

If you are considering an easily removable, sturdy, versatile rod/light/net/whatever holder base, I can't give any higher recommendations! I will do a full review of the cleat clamps in the product review section once I get my rod holders.</p>

 

[jbh3]

Appreciate the updates. Am I reading correctly that these bases will work on the pop-up style cleats such as those used on Triton glass boats? Certainly looks like a neat product from a company that is willing to back it up.

 

[ragsman]

It says on the website

Compatible with 4 1/2" to 6" pop-up cleats

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If you would like to see if they fit, I'd be glad to meet up with you somewhere to do a fit test on your boat.</p>

 

[jbh3]

Thanks for the offer, Rags. Looks like there's a little too much distance between us to make it worthwhile, however. I'll contact them directly, if I decide to go that route. Thanks again for the info and the offer. John H.