Boat Cleats

Sizing and mounting a cleat

Cleat length follows line diameter, so a boat running 3/8 in dock line wants a 6 in cleat, not a 4 in one. Open base cleats bolt through with the fasteners exposed, closed and hollow base cleats hide them, and pull-up or flush mount cleats sit level with the deck until you need them.

Back every through-bolted cleat with a plate or oversized washers. A cleat that tears out takes a piece of deck with it. Materials run nylon, aluminum, galvanized cast iron, chrome and stainless. Also in the line: Perko Skene bow chocks, clam and zig zag cleats for small line, and the Phender Pro quick release fender system in 3/8 and 1/2 in.