Adding Cleats to 1991 Ski Nautique

I am looking to add the pop-up Nautique cleats to my 1991 Ski Nautique and wanted to see if anyone else had done the same before I drill any holes in my boat. Would it be possible/wise to put them on the side just above the rub rail or should I stick to the flat surface of the deck? I am trying to keep them as low profile as much as possible without running the risk of ripping them out of fiberglass. The only think I have noticed is that there appears to be quite a bit of foam on the backside of angled part of the deck above where the rub rail screws into the hull. Could I cut into that foam so I can get my backing plate there or what is the reason behind the foam? 

Just actually got it from a guy in Connecticut and now its in NY. I need the cleats as I don't have the ability to have a lift where I will be docking it and when I want to launch it myself I don't currently have a place to tie the boat off to the dock while I go park my truck and trailer. 

Thanks for the advice. Since I want to keep them away from the ski rope as it swings back and forth, I assume it would be wise to mount the rear cleats as far back as possible so there is the greatest vertical distance between them and the rope, though I am less worried since they do pop down and have a smooth transition. 

Thanks! She definitely needs some TLC but for the most part it is in good shape (the gel coat is in great shape and no real fading of the red on the side). I am all ears about how best to tie up other than using cleats as Id much prefer NOT to put any holes in the boat but want to make tying up easy especially when I'm by myself. I of course want to have a place to hang bumpers and be able to use the full length cover as I don't have a boat house nor lift at my camp. 

I use the pylon as a tie up point.  Depending on the layout of the dock this makes for an easy tie up point and if it is tight enough (I use a bungee style rope) it will stay in place just fine within minimal movement forward and backwards from waves.    

8122pbrainard wrote: Lakerider80 wrote:   I want to keep them away from the ski rope as it swings back and forth, I assume it would be wise to mount the rear cleats as far back as possible so there is the greatest vertical distance between them and the rope,  This idea is good for when the skier/boarder is up on the water but, you also need to think about when he/she is in the water and the rope is draped over the gunnel/aft deck.