Factors To Consider When Choosing Sailboat Cleats

Everyone who has a boat knows at some point it will have to be tied up. Sailboat cleats are the most convenient ways available today for quick and easy securing of lines in the boat. When choosing sailboat cleats, some of the factors to consider include:

Types

There are many types of cleats. Not many boaters are familiar with more than a few of these types: portable cleat, pop-up cleat, dock cleat, jam cleat, jam cleat, deck cleat, flip-up cleat, solar light cleat, portable cleat, cam cleat, mooring bollard, pull-up cleat, and Samson post. Each of these cleats has a defined purpose, but they accomplish quite similar tasks. Some of these cleats can be used in a wide range of circumstances. These versatile cleats might be the best choice for most boaters.

It is more convenient to have a few sailboat cleats that can do a number of tasks than to have a dozen of them for different tasks. Dock cleat is perhaps one of the most popular ones. It can be used in a number of different circumstances. Most boaters want a cleat they can easily hide in the deck when they are not using it. This way, accidents that are common with cleats like tripping over them can be avoided. Retractable cleats should be considered by anyone looking to buy or replace a sailboat cleat.

Size and Placement

The size of a cleat to use for your boat is dependent on the size of the line you are using. The size of your boat determines the size your line needs to be. This is the general rule in determining the size to use in your particular circumstances: the cleat length should be 1" when the line diameter is 1/16" while a diameter of 1/8" for dock lines should be used for a boat with a length of 9 feet. These are the minimum lengths and sizes any boater should strive to achieve. You can however use longer dock lines or bigger sailboat cleats if you so choose. Bigger cleats are preferable to smaller ones.

Materials

There are Sailboat Cleats made of nylon, wood, stainless steel, galvanized steel and even aluminum. The material you choose for your cleat largely depends on the purpose you intend the cleat to fulfill. While a cleat made of wood might be attractive to look at, it may not be up to the standard you seek. The idea here is to get a cleat that has what it takes to get the job done before you consider its outward appeal. More often than not, however, you will find sailboat cleats that look good and also have the strength to serve their purpose.

The significance of getting strong sailboat cleats cannot be overemphasized. Consider the tasks your boat is supposed to carry out and determine the cleat that would be your best fit. If you still have the standard cleats, it is probably time you replaced them with cleats made with safety in mind. Rather than buying many sailboat cleats, consider buying bigger ones; they don’t disappoint.

I write on many diffrent topics. Follow me to read all great articles.