daniel: i would fill the holes to assure no water gets in there under your new fitting and causes a problem. it would also re-strengthen the area as those unfilled holes are now 'weakened' points on the board. pick your preference for filler. make sure it is appropriate for a marine, high water, location. if you have the skill make teak plugs. teak is a challenge because it is so oily and some materials _do_not_like to stick. read and follow the manufacture's recommendations on treating the wood before filling the holes. :: Dave Scobie :: M17 #375 - SWEET PEA - www.m17-375.webs.com :: Sage Marine - www.sagemarine.us --- On Mon, 3/7/11, Daniel Rich <danielgrich@gmail.com> wrote: Montypals: Getting M15 #208 just how I want her. I am going to replace the old main sheet system that is currently on the wood board in front of the cabin with a new Harken swivel stand and cam cleat, and Harken small ratchet block. I had such a system on my old FJ, and just loved it. So, even though the current one works, what can I say, I am replacing it! Now, it is screwed into the wood on that plank in front of the cabin where the centerboard clam cleat is. You know the spot. So, I plan to remove it. What is the best way to mount this? Should I fill the old holes with epoxy or Marine tex, drill new holes, and bed it somehow with screws and bolts? Thoughts here? Daniel