removing skeeter cleet?

If I were to remove both rear cleats on my 1880 to install TraxsTecs tracks (over the top of where the rear cleats were), would there be any negative affects in doing so? These would be installed right behind my side rails (6 inch plates) for running downriggers.
I’d obviously install them with metal backers, but I’d like to find out if anyone has done this and if there are any negative ramifications by doing so. Anyone have experience in doing this on a Skeeter?
Thanks.
Splitshot

Any thought on removing the side rails and adding longer tracks? I have 6′ Traxtech on my boat and love them.
I would have a tough time justifying a 6″ track when I could just mount the rigger base itself to the gunwale and it would look about the same.
Keep in mind you still need to mount the rigger base to the removable track base.
These are just my thoughts after having used a longer track. I have ran 9 rods easily out of my short 17′ boat. Either way rigging it up will be fun.

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If I were to remove both rear cleats on my 1880 to install TraxsTecs tracks (over the top of where the rear cleats were), would there be any negative affects in doing so? These would be installed right behind my side rails (6 inch plates) for running downriggers.
I’d obviously install them with metal backers, but I’d like to find out if anyone has done this and if there are any negative ramifications by doing so. Anyone have experience in doing this on a Skeeter?
Thanks.
Splitshot

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Other than having 3 holes through the top cap there isnt any negative effects on removing them. It is 2 bolt holes and a hole in the center for the cleat to drop down into.

be sure to feel under there and make sure there isnt a glassed in block right there otherwise yout backer plate will not sit flush on the back side.

Thanks Eric/Mark: I’ve thought about pulling the rails, but I like them with the rod holders I have on them. That’s a bit too costly for me too.
If I just pull the cleats and install a 6 or 12-inch track, I can then add anything that will attach to a track system as well, including a raised/swivel rigger base.
I would only use the rigger a couple of time a year anyhow, so I’m not interested in mounting a base permanently. I rarely if ever use the rear cleats, so loosing access to them is no big deal for me. …I’ll check the cap underside at the cleat to see what I’m up against.
Thanks for the input though.
Splitshot.