If you own a boat, then it’s a given that you already know the importance of dock cleats. Dock cleats are probably one of the smallest yet extremely important boat accessories that you need. The need to tie your boat at different locations to ensure it stays secure in one place is inevitable, and sometimes you may not find proper cleats on shores — making it all the more important to keep a few dock cleats at hand.
While there is a lot of variety available to choose from, deciding on a dock cleat can prove difficult. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of the great dock cleats of 2024!
The Simplified Living Dock Cleats are made from galvanized iron, which makes them rust-proof, weather-resistant, and corrosion-resistant. Known for being heavy-duty hooks with a large and stable base, they can help tie your boat with ease and make it easier to push or pull it from the water. Each cleat is medium in length, which is ideal for a number of boats like canoes, kayaks, and other water vehicles. While you can choose from a pack of 4, 8, and 16 depending on your needs, the hardware needed to install them is not included.
Capable of being used for decorative purposes as well, some DIY projects include cabinet pulls, towel hooks, and coat racks. The durability and versatility of this product makes it our top pick.
If you are looking for a single dock cleat for replacement purposes, you should consider Dock Edge’s Dock Cleat. Constructed using durable and galvanized cast iron, it will last for years to come. The mounting holes come in the shape of a hexagon, which provides a very secure hold as they prevent the head of a carriage bolt from turning. With this technique, you will not need to use two wrenches when mounting.
Available in four sizes and budget-friendly, these cleats are designed to withstand different weather conditions. They can also be used for decorative purposes at home.
ZOMCHAIN’s Dock Cleats are known for their high quality, and proof of this can be found in its stainless steel construction. Giving them a shiny, mirror-like finish they have a heavy-duty open base which makes them extremely stable and helps provide a secure hold. The material is also anti-corrosion, so it is suitable for all weather conditions.
Available in four different size options, eight matching screws and nuts are included so you do not have to go through the hassle of finding compatible ones. ZOMCHAIN also provides 24-hour customer service, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can buy from them with confidence.
If you are looking for a dock cleat that is not made from metal or stainless steel, you should consider this SeaSense Dock Cleat because it is made from nylon. Championed for its durability, SeaSense is lightweight but will provide a strong enough hold to keep your boat in place. It is easier to install than the metal options and it has a very stable base, and while the size of this cleat is smaller it does not come with screws for assembly. Along with its minimalist design, you can use it as a decorative item, like a cabinet or pull drawer.
Our last pick for today is ZUJARA. Made from hot dipped castiron, they’re both durable and weather resistant. And since they come in a pack of 10, this makes them a great option for those on a fixed budget. The hexagon-shaped holes can provide a convenient fit, which cannot be achieved by round holes. With the base being stable and sturdy enough to ensure a secure hold, the rustic finish is ideal for different home decor themes including nautical and contemporary.
While you will need to purchase fastenings including screws and nuts separately, they are very easy to install and are ideal for beginners.
This brief guide has been prepared to help you pick a dock cleat from the various options available in the market. Both beginners and experts will benefit from this guide as it has been compiled after thorough research.
Dock cleats come in several different materials, each having its own advantages and disadvantages.
Galvanized cast iron is a very common material used for making dock cleats because it is resistant to rust, weather resistant, and sturdy. These qualities are essential when it comes to dock cleats because contact with water is inevitable. Some people have a problem with the way they look because the finish is usually rustic and not very shiny. If you are looking for dock cleats for home decor purposes, you can choose a cast iron cleat if you are going for an old-school look.
Stainless steel is a popular material due to its shiny finish that goes with almost all kinds of docks. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion, and these tend to be very strong and durable. The seamless finish also means that the base of these cleats tends to be very stable, which is not always the case with other materials.
Stainless steel dock cleats do tend to be a little more expensive than other options, so keep this factor in mind if you’re on a budget.
You may be surprised to hear that dock cleats are made from nylon as well. Known for being lightweight and ideal for small ships or boats, this is because they are not as durable as metal options. On the downside, since they have a stable base this makes them very easy to install. Nylon dock cleats will be ideal for beginners, and once they get well-acquainted with the installation process they can switch to the metal ones. These dock cleats are also ideal for home decor purposes as they can complement various themes.
After purchasing a suitable dock cleat, you need to make sure that you know how to use it properly to tie your boat. After installing the cleat on the dock, the first thing you will need to do is pull the dock line tightly around and under the cleat. Also, make sure that you complete a full round before crossing over the top of the cleat diagonally to the other side.
To finish, bring it back over the top of the cleat and tie it around a horn. To make sure that the rope does not come loose, form a loop by turning the loose end of the rope under the horn. Make sure that you pull everything tight so that your boat can stay in place in harsh weather conditions.
The number of dock cleats you need will depend on the size of your boat. A minimum of two is needed for small-sized boats, but you will definitely more if you own a large one. The size of the cleats is also an important consideration in this regard.
Generally, a measurement of 10 feet apart is accepted as the suitable distance between dock cleats. However, it should be kept in mind that the size of the cleats and their material can have an impact on how far apart you place them.
If you do not have any cleats around, you can tie your boat to a piling on the dock using a rope. Since this will not be very secure, it is always better to keep a few cleats on hand.
The lifespan of your dock cleats will be dependent on how often they’re exposed to weather elements, as well as the rate of daily interference with the surface. If you plan to use yours out on your boat, consider purchasing from a brand that accommodates water exposure.
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