Cleat

A cleat is a fixed fitting on a boat, dock, or pontoon used to secure a line. Most deck cleats have two horns so a rope can be made fast with turns and a locking hitch, providing a strong, quickly releasable attachment point for mooring, towing, anchoring snubbers, sheets, halyards, or fenders.

Correct cleat use is central to boat handling and safety. A poorly sized cleat, weak backing plate, or badly tied line can fail under surge, wind load, or prop wash, risking damage or injury. Cleats are commonly paired with Rope, protected by a Chock, and used when securing alongside or to a Mooring Buoy.

Before leaving a berth or anchorage, consider the forecast wind, gusts, tide, and sea state, as these determine line loads and fairlead angles. PredictWind forecasts and tidal tools help crews plan safer dock lines, spring lines, and mooring arrangements before conditions build.