What do Sailboat Cleats Do?
Sailboat cleats are used to secure sections of rope and keep them from moving. Cleats are better than loops for this purpose, as they allow you to tie off a rope without creating an impossibly tight knot. All kinds of cleats can be secured and loosened rapidly regardless of how tight you tie them.
Sailboat cleats perform a seemingly endless list of tasks. Cleats secure sheets, bumpers, docking lines, halyards, blocks, anchors, and much more. You'll find cleats inside and outside of your sailboat and littered all over the cockpit.
The Cleat Knot
The cleat knot is a must-know maritime knot. It's essential for all boat owners (sailing and otherwise) to learn how to tie a cleat knot as it's the only acceptable and proper way to secure a boat to the dock.
Tying a cleat knot is relatively easy. Start by wrapping the line one full loop around the base of the cleat. But instead of winding it underneath on the last fourth of the turn, bring the rope over and across one of the two extensions.
Loop the line underneath the extended part of the cleat, then bring it back and on top again. Next, repeat the loop on the other end to create an "X" shape on top of the cleat. Finally, make a loop and twist it, so the end of the line is on the underside.
Place the loop over the end of the cleat and pull it tight. The result should still resemble an "X" or a figure-eight, with two sections of rope going one direction and a single section on top. If you end up without a figure-eight and a parallel length on one side, remove the final loop and twist it the opposite way.
Cleats for Docking
When docking, secure one end of a rope to a cleat on your bow. Do the same for a cleat on the stern. Then, pull your boat in tight and tie each line to a cleat on the dock. Don't forget to secure your bumpers and hang them over the side.
Types of Sailboat Cleats
There are two primary types of cleats aboard a typical sailboat. The first is a traditional fixed cleat, which is the same type you find on docks, powerboats, and flagpoles. You may even have one for your bedroom blinds.
Fixed Cleat
The fixed cleat has no moving parts, and it's often used for parts of the rigging that aren't adjusted often. The primary exception to this is on older sailboats that predate modern cleats.
Folding Cleat
The folding cleat is a slick version of the classic fixed cleat. These low-profile cleats fold into a stainless steel or brass deck plate. They're not as durable as standard fixed cleats, but they're difficult to trip on and ideal for areas where people frequently walk.
Cam Cleat
The cam cleat is one of the best gifts to sailors since the winch. Cam cleats don't resemble traditional marine cleats at all. Instead, these small deck hardware components utilize two slatted jaws and a set of springs.
Cam cleats are essentially one-way check valves for rope. They're incredibly easy to engage and disengage. Cam cleats are primarily used for sheets, halyards, and other lines that need to be adjusted frequently.
To use a cam cleat, simply place your line inside it. That's it—there's nothing to it. Releasing the line is just as easy and only requires you to pull up on the line and slide it out of the jaws.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cleats
Fixed cleats are strong and proven, and they're inexpensive to install. They require no maintenance, and they have no moving parts to fail. However, they're larger than cam cleats, and they take much more effort to use. They also aren't as easily adjustable.
Cam cleats are highly convenient and most reliable, though low-quality cam cleats are prone to failure and corrosion. Cam cleats are smaller than traditional cleats, and they're often found all over a sailboat. Unfortunately, cam cleats can't be used for docking, as the rope slips out too easily.
How to Strengthen a Cleat
Sometimes deck material alone isn't strong enough to ensure a secure cleat foundation. If you're worried about your cleat breaking off, consider installing it like a chainplate. Use a reinforcing steel plate on the underside of the mounting surface to sandwich the deck between the bolts.
Cleat Material
Choosing the right material for your cleats is quite important. Marine hardware has little room for failure. Brass is a tried and tested hardware material, as it doesn't rust and stands up to weather well. However, it's not as strong as steel, and stainless steel offers similar benefits.
Many sailboats use plastic cam cleats. Plastic works well for light-duty operations and doesn't corrode like metal. That said, the sun is a serious adversary for plastic. UV damage can weaken plastic cam cleats over time, leading to binding and failure. However, the cost to replace a plastic cam cleat is much lower than brass or steel.
Galvanic Corrosion
We've talked about galvanic corrosion before, and cleats are certainly not safe from it. Galvanic corrosion is a silent killer of certain metals, and it's rarely obvious like rust. This form of corrosion occurs when metals like aluminum and stainless steel come into contact with each other and saltwater.
Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical process that rapidly turns aluminum and stainless steel to dust. Saltwater is an electrolyte, so it speeds up the process further.
How to Prevent Cleat Corrosion
Cleats often fall victim to galvanic corrosion when they're bolted to the deck with a dissimilar metal. Here's a few examples of what happens all the time on boats.
- Brass cleat mounted onto the deck with steel screws. In this case, the brass is the problem, and the steel will corrode.
- Aluminum cleat mounted to the deck with stainless steel screws. In this case, the stainless steel will cause the aluminum to corrode.
Galvanic corrosion can be avoided by simply installing cleats with screws made from the same material. If your brass cleat comes with steel screws, throw them away and buy brass screws. The same goes for aluminum, which corrodes violently when in contact with stainless steel.
How to Choose a High-Quality Cleat
Installing high-quality hardware is a great way to take pride in your sailboat. Cleats are an excellent way to present a high level of fit and finish and increase the value of your boat.
The benefits of splurging on cleats aren't all aesthetic. A set of high-quality cleats can last a lifetime. Cam cleats that are designed and manufactured properly can also prevent your lines from fraying or coming loose.
Cleat Prices
Everyone knows that marine hardware often costs a fortune, and cleats are no exception. The price of a well-made cleat ranges from $40 to well over $100, with cam cleats topping the price scale. Even with cleats, you get what you pay for. A $10 cam cleat will give you $10 worth of service life, which will likely be very disappointing.
Where to Find the Best Cleats
The finest marine hardware generally comes from factories in the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. But many established brands produce high-quality products elsewhere.
Shopping for vintage marine hardware is an excellent way to save money on cleats. Vintage cleats are often made with superior materials and free from cost-cutting and unexpected corrosive metals. With a bit of polishing, a set of used cleats can serve your sailboat for decades to come.
