I'm in the process of removing the teak caprails.  There are two cleats per side that are screwed through the caprail into the bulwark. They are NOT self tapping screws, they are machine screws. 

I'm assuming that there are nuts in the bulwark holding these cleats on. There is a SS plate under the cleat sitting on top of the teak. Is there a corresponding plate in the bulwark? Or are the nuts just mounted with washers?

Anyone know?

The same question for the boom gallows.  My issue is that the bulwarks are filled with foam insulation so getting to the underside of these fittings is problematic.

Cheers,

Paul

I got the cleats off, but still don't have an answer.  I swear that who ever built this boat had one guy working port side, and another working starboard.  Port side seems well done, starboard must have been the apprentice who didn't give a rip.

The port side cleat screws were tough but turned out no problem. The cleat came off the rail sweetly.  Starboard side ... as soon as I loosened the screws the nuts below must have been turning. I resorted to using a 5" angle grinder.  Yep, gouged the teak. (dagnabit!)

The boom gallows had 9 lag bolts each side. through the teak & cap rail.  Heavily caulked - no leaks. I guess the rationale here is that there isn't much upward / lateral weight to take so the lag bolts are sufficient.