Folks, much thanks for the recommendations. I bought the Ronstan C-cleat 'medium' size and it looks like it'll be a good fit. To be sure, I'll have to drill new holes to install these new cleats and would value feedback beforehand (cutting holes in boats is never an easy decision to me).
I do have a question for others who've made this upgrade:
option 1) did you install a backing plate when you upgraded the cleat? If so, did you have to remove the CB to access the area to affix the backing plate? Or, did you already have some kind of access port to reach that? Seems unlikely one would install an access port on the side of the CB trunk.
option 2) if you didn't install a backing plate, did you drill a hole and first insert a anchor/fastener .... and then used a screw to secure it?
option 3) if you didn't install a backing plate and you didn't use an anchor/fastener, did you simply screw the cleat to the top of the CB trunk?
Much thanks for any feedback.