Yea don’t bother. You might remove a bolt to
check it’s condition. Don’t bother installing a backing plate. The fiber glass is so thick there in the M model 26 that a plate is not needed. The factory washers were of adequate size. I did install a plate since I took both cleats off to check everything, but it was only since I had the plank of PT wood ready. I used new bolts and washers and put everything back. Me and another sailor helping me deemed The Whole project not necessary
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