August 2024 Column Boat Cleat Primer…Different Looks to Keep
You Secure at Dockside By Capt. John N. Raguso
The one mandatory accessory item that the majority of boats have in common is the need for strategically located cleats around the perimeter of the vessel. Historically, boat cleats have been produced in many sizes, shapes and materials, ranging from wood, steel, marinium, aluminum, brass and bronze, to myriad plastic derivatives, chrome or zinc-plated metals and the most popular material, either brushed or highly-polished stainless steel.The majority of cleats used on most modern boats feature horn-shaped designs, with either an open or closed base. The open base type is typically preferred, since it allows boat owners to pass a spliced loop through the center open- ing of the cleat and place it around the horns before tightening it up. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular cleat designs that are used on new boats and/or for retrofitting/upgrading an existing hull: OPEN BASE HORN CLEAT
The most distinguishing form factor of the open base horn cleat is that it is attached to the deck with two legs and four bolts. It sits on top of the deck, bow or covering boards where it is easily accessible. It’s simple for do-it-yourselfers to add additional cleats amidships for tying up spring lines and they are relatively inexpensive compared to other types. The one major bugaboo with the open base horn cleat is that its high profile will unintentionally snag or grab a variety of things, including fishing rods and lines, which is a big no-no. Surface-mounted open base cleats are also responsible for stubbing many toes out on the water or worse. RECESSED CLEAT Three decades ago, forward-thinking companies like Grady-White, Pursuit, EdgeWater and others took the extra step in the boat manufacturing process by solving some of the basic horn cleat’s problems by recessing it into a protective, purpose-built pocket. This simple and effective design that uses the same relative- ly proven and affordable open base horn cleat, but allows the recessed mounting area to solve most of the design’s negatives by lowering its deck profile and still keeping its easy-access ability. HAWSE PIPE/HORN CLEAT COMBO Yet another clever solution to solve the functionality flaws of the high-profile, surface-mount horn cleat design is to mount the cleats in places where they are totally out of the way, but allow easy access via a deck-mounted hawse pipe fitting. This is a perfect application for cleats that need to be located either aft or amidships. My 2006 EdgeWater 228 CC is a classic center console layout, but it is replete with the thoughtful touches of its designer Bob Dougherty (Boston Whaler, EdgeWater and Everglades). This trailerable 22½-footer features the aforementioned hawse pipe/open base horn cleat designs both aft and amidships, along with a pair of recessed cleats on either side of the mini anchor roller in the bow. This is the most efficient and accessible cleat design on any of the boats that I have owned…there is absolute genius in simplicity POP-UP CLEATS
Pop-up cleats look very similar to their pull-up cousins, but there is one major difference between the two. Pull-up cleats, like their name implies, requires the operator to stick a few of their fingers in a recessed groove and use hand and arm power to pull the metal horns out of their sheath and into service. Pop-up cleats are unique in that a simple push of a spring-loaded button accomplishes the identical result with the mere press of a fingertip.
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AUGUST 2024
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