Cleat (Horn Cleat)

In nautical terminology, a cleat (specifically a horn cleat) is a heavy-duty hardware fitting attached to a vessel's deck, spar, or dock. According to Wikipedia, a cleat is a device for securing a rope. Mariners must distinguish nautical horn cleats from athletic shoe cleats, as well as from mechanical rope clutches, cam cleats, or clam cleats.

Cleats are essential for boat handling, typically positioned at the bow, stern, and midships. When securing a vessel in a yacht marina, mooring lines are fastened to cleats using a cleat hitch. This knot consists of a complete turn around the base, figure-eight loops over the horns, and a locking half-hitch. Mastering line handling techniques is a fundamental part of standard yachting terminology.

On recreational sailboats measuring 30 to 50 feet (9 to 15 meters) in length, standard deck cleats are typically 8 to 12 inches (200 to 300 mm) long, designed for lines between 12 and 16 mm in diameter. To prevent jamming under extreme tensions, sailors should ensure the line fits the cleat size properly and avoid excess figure-eight wraps.