: After 4 years, I've decided to re-varnish my Pygmy Arctic Tern. I have
: rigging cleats installed on the deck, and am wondering if I remove them
: prior to sanding/varnishng, if they will go back into the same holes with
: just as much strength as when first installed. Currently they are screwed
: into the deck.

There's really only two options here, either mask around them or remove them. I'd side with Jeff and remove them to make sure they actually sealed and water hasn't leaked into the wood then rebed them after varnishing.

Bill H.