It’s rugged, enduring and, er, rustic
Issue 102 : May/Jun 2015
When I had my wooden dock built in the late 1980s, the builder asked me if I wanted expensive metal cleats or less-expensive cleats. I chose the less-expensive route and was surprised to see cleats made out of 2 x 4 lumber. With two bolts for each cleat (backed under the dock boards), they have held up just fine. This low-cost alternative has held my boat through squalls, major storms, and a “brushing” by a hurricane.
After more than 20 years, one of the cleats looked worn out. I thought I’d build a replacement. I cut new pieces from some scrap 2 x 4, rounded the edges with a belt sander, and drilled holes for the bolts.
The “horn” is 14 inches long and the base is 6 1⁄2 inches long. The size of the lumber, the length of the horn, and the base length can be varied according to need. I use 1⁄2-inch line for the docklines so 2 x 4 lumber works out quite nicely.
After making a replacement dock cleat, I took the old one apart and found that it was still sound. I retightened the bolts that hold it in place and now have a spare to use should I ever need one.
C. Henry Depew learned to sail on an Optimist Pram and advanced to Flying Juniors in his college years. Later on, he bought and rebuilt a blizzard of sailboats (10 in six years). He is active in the United States Power Squadrons and in boat activities with the Apalachee Bay Yacht Club.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
