DETAILED INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Plan where you want to adhere all 4 of the cleats included in the kit. Do this because the primer and alcohol pad included in the kit are for a one time use only. A typical Lash-It setup has one cleat placed under the gunwale, and the other cleat placed near the top of the curve where the side of the hull meets the bottom of the hull. A 6-in. to 8-in. spread between the cleats works well to secure most items. Go to the installation tips for more ideas about cleat placement.
Thoroughly clean the surface where the cleats will go. A detergent soap will do the job in most cases. More cleaning and surface preparation is necessary if 303 brand UV Protectant has been applied, multiple coats of clear finish or paint has been applied, or the surface is very coarse or porous. Read the FAQ for details on surface preparation.
Use masking tape to mark around where the cleats will be adhered. This makes it very easy to keep track of where you're working.
Clean the areas where the cleats will be adhered using the alcohol pad included in the kit. Then use a clean rag to wipe the alcohol dry. Wait 5 minutes before proceeding.
NOTE: The 3M primer was phased out of Lash-It™ kits in 2003. Apply the 3M Primer included in the kit. To get the primer to flow, you need to crush the red dot on the side of the primer tube. A few moments later the primer liquid will flow through the primer tube's brush. Allow the primer to dry at least 5 minutes before proceeding.
NOTE: The 3M VHB tape in current Lash-It™kits is black with a red protective liner. Peal away the adhesive tape's protective liner from the back of the cleat. DO NOT touch the tape surface. Doing so will greatly reduce the effectiveness of the tape's bond. Trust me... It's very sticky! Carefully align the cleat inside the masked area. Get the alignment right the first time. You won't get a second chance!
Using your fingers, apply as much pressure as you can to the cleats. The step is critical to making a good bond. Then remove the masking tape.
Thread the elastic cord through the lower cleat, and then through the plastic hook.
Press open the cord lock and thread both ends of the elastic cord through the cord lock.
Tie the overhand stopper knots on the ends of the elastic cords.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: Wait 72 hours (3 days) before applying pressure to the elastic cords. This allows the tape to reach it's maximum bond.
