Dock Cleats 101: Types, Materials, and How to Install

If you ever intend to pull a boat or other watercraft up to your dock, cleats are essential dock accessories. Before purchasing new dock cleats, however, it’s important to know a few things about sizing, material and installation so your cleats are able to accommodate your boat and dock line. Below we’ll go over everything you need to know about selecting and installing dock cleats.

What Style and Size Dock Cleat Should You Get?

Dock cleats come in various designs, but the most common style is the horn dock cleat. For larger boats especially, this design is strong and durable and makes it easy to loop and tie off the rope.

In terms of sizing, you should factor in the size of your boat and the diameter of your dock line. A general rule of thumb is that your dock cleat should measure one inch for every 1/16th inch of rope diameter. Our 6” Zinc Cleat accommodates boats with smaller dock lines, whereas our 10” Zinc Cleat is equipped to secure larger boats with rope diameters greater than ½ inch thick. If you have a light boat, such as a canoe or rowboat, the 8” Open Aluminum Cleat is recommended.

Dock Cleat Material Considerations

The dock cleats you chose should be strong and able to withstand marine conditions. We recommend durable materials like zinc alloy and aluminum because of their superior ability to resist corrosion as well as their strength and reliability.

How to Install Dock Cleats

Dock cleats should be secured to the underside of your deck plank. Use the included dock hardware when mounting and always follow your manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful not to install the dock cleat between two deck boards as it could cause them to crack or break due to unwanted stress.

You’ll want to space your dock cleats roughly 7 to 10 feet apart. For smaller boats, two dock cleats are typically enough – one for the bow and one for the stern. If you will be tying up multiple boats or larger boats, consider your spacing and the number of cleats you’ll need to adequately support your watercraft.

As you upgrade your existing cleats or install new ones, consider your boat type and size, your dock line, the strength of the dock cleat, and the type of surface you will be mounting it to. If you have questions related to your specific needs, just ask! Our team at RDS Dock Hardware can help you design a custom dock and select the appropriate dock hardware for your needs.