ShoreMaster's Premium Boat Dock Cleats for Secure Boat Tying

There’s a lot to think about when you own a boat. Take secure mooring out of the equation with ShoreMaster’s premium dock cleats. 

• Quality dock cleats are the unsung heroes of safe mooring, the primary anchor points that bear the constant, dynamic stress from wind, waves, and currents that tug and push on your vessel.  
• A substandard cleat can easily become the weakest link in your mooring system, failing under pressure and risking costly damage to your gelcoat and those moored nearby, the dock, or worse, setting your investment adrift. 
• ShoreMaster dock cleats can be placed anywhere along the perimeter of any Infinity Dock System, enabling you to add tie-up points for guests wherever you need them and remove or reposition them as necessary. 

Why Secure Boat Tying Starts with Quality Cleats

A quick online search will yield an abundance of guides and tutorials for securely tying your boat to a dock. These guides provide proven techniques and practical tips for tying lines to cleats, pilings, and mooring rings. However, the importance of the hardware itself is rarely touched on. Quality dock cleats are the unsung heroes of safe mooring, the primary anchor points that bear the constant, dynamic stress from wind, waves, and currents that tug and push on your vessel.   

A substandard cleat can easily become the weakest link in your mooring system, failing under pressure and risking costly damage to your gelcoat and those moored nearby, the dock, or worse, setting your investment adrift. 

ShoreMaster Cleats: Design, Features, and Installation Advantages

ShoreMaster dock cleats are available in three material options, allowing you to choose the perfect balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetics for your waterfront. 

• Aluminum-Magnesium (Almag S Alum): Crafted from marine-grade aluminum-magnesium alloy, these premium cleats boast superior strength and inherent corrosion resistance. Their clean satin-white finish belies their ability to perform in challenging fresh or saltwater environments. 

• Galvanized Steel (GALV): While considerably more affordable than its aluminum brethren, ShoreMaster’s hot-dipped galvanized steel cleats have a thick zinc coating that provides robust, time-tested protection against corrosion. 

• Polyethylene: ShoreMaster’s Poly Cleats are made from a high-impact, non-marring polymer. They are completely rust-proof, lightweight, and designed to provide secure tie-up points for everyday recreational use. 

Like all ShoreMaster dock accessories, these cleats can be placed anywhere along the perimeter of any Infinity Dock System. This enables you to add tie-up points for guests wherever you need them, regardless of your configuration, and remove or reposition them as necessary.

Step‑By‑Step: How to Secure Your Boat to a Dock Using ShoreMaster Cleats

• Step 1: Master the Cleat Hitch Knot

Take a full wrap around the base of the cleat, under both horns. Bring the line up and over the top in a figure-eight pattern, crossing over the middle of the cleat. On the second turn, instead of a full figure-eight, from a small loop in the line, flip it upside down, and hitch it over the final horn. Pull the free end tight. The lines on top of the cleat should form a neat figure-eight with a final, parallel locking line across the top. 

When done right, a cleat hitch knot is fast, incredibly strong, and easy to untie. 

• Step 2: Secure the Mid-Ship Spring Line 

Secure the line from your boat’s mid-ship cleat to a dock cleat. Remember, when tying to a cleat, you want the lines to come at an angle from the boat to the backside of the cleat (Len’s Cove Lessons in Boating, 2020). A forward-running spring line (from mid-boat to a cleat towards the bow) will stop the boat from moving backward, effectively pinning it against the fenders and holding it in place while you secure the remaining lines. 

• Step 3: Tie the Bow and Stern Lines

Run a line from the stern to a cleat located further back on the dock. Then, run a line from the bow to a cleat positioned forward on the dock. For the best hold, the bow and stern lines should run at roughly a 45-degree angle from the boat to the dock. 

• Step 4: Adjust Slack and Fenders

Walk the dock and give each line a firm tug. They should be taut but not under extreme tension. There should be enough slack to allow for minor fluctuations in water level without letting the boat slam against the dock. 

Make sure your fenders are positioned at the widest part of your boat. You may need to raise, lower, or shift them a few inches to provide the best protection. We recommend using at least two fenders for average-sized boats, and up to five for vessels 20 feet or longer. 

Choosing and Installing the Right Cleat for Your Dock

The appropriate cleat for your needs will largely depend on the size and weight of your vessel. ShoreMaster’s aluminum and galvanized cleats are available in 10- and 15-inch variants, while the Poly Cleats come standard as 8-inch cleats. Generally, opt for cleats that seem larger than you need. This gives you a critical safety margin against sudden wind gusts, shifting currents, or unexpected wave action. 

The ShoreMaster InfinityTrack system offers the easiest way to enhance your dock’s functionality, convenience, and safety. This innovative design features integrated tracks along the sides of ShoreMaster dock frames, allowing you to attach a wide range of accessories (including solar dock lights) using a simple T-handle. With no drilling or specialized tools required, you can easily reposition or remove accessories anytime or as your needs evolve.

Pro Docking Tips: Avoid Common Mistakes and Stay Safe

Avoiding a few common but critical mistakes can make the difference between a smooth docking experience and a costly accident. 

• Never Use Your Body to Stop the Boat: Even at idle speed, a moving boat carries momentum that could cause severe crushing injuries. Never use your hands, feet, or any part of your body to fend off the dock or stop the boat’s movement. That’s what a strategically placed dock bumper and fenders are for. 

• Only Tie Off to Designated Cleats: Dock lines should only be secured to your boat’s cleats, as these are reinforced through the deck with heavy-duty hardware and backing plates specifically designed to handle mooring forces. Never use railings, windshield frames, or passenger grab handles as tie-up points (Discover Boating, n.d.). 

• Protect Your Fingers from Loaded Lines: Never wrap a dock line around your hand or put your fingers through a spliced loop when handling a line under tension. If the boat surges, the line can tighten in an instant, causing serious injury. Always hold lines so you can let go of them immediately. 

Developing good habits is the key to consistently safe and stress-free docking.

Take Action: Equip Your Dock with ShoreMaster’s Premium Cleats

The Shore Shack is the official online portal for all ShoreMaster products. We carry the best boat dock accessories at competitive prices and have a team of waterfront experts ready to help you enhance your dock’s convenience, functionality, and safety. 

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us at 888-298-9702 and we’ll hook you up with what you need. 

FAQs

• How do I install a ShoreMaster QuickConnect cleat without drilling?

ShoreMaster’s QuickConnect cleats are designed for tool-free installation using the InfinityTrack system. Simply slide the cleat’s mounting bracket into the track along the dock frame, position it where needed, and tighten the T-handle to lock it in place.

• Can I reposition ShoreMaster cleats easily for different docking scenarios?

A core feature of the ShoreMaster InfinityTrack system is the ability to easily reposition cleats and other accessories. Simply loosen the T-handle, slide the accessory bracket to the new position anywhere along the dock's perimeter, and retighten it. With ShoreMaster, you can instantly customize your mooring layout for guest boats, different watercraft, or changing seasonal requirements in just a few minutes.

• How can I safely release a cleat hitch without risking hand injuries?

Use both hands to lift the locking loop off the cleat horn gently. Then, unwind the figure-eight wraps slowly, keeping fingers clear of pinch points. Wear gloves for added grip and protection if the line is wet or tight. Never place your fingers inside a loop or coil of a line that is under load, and always handle the free end of the rope to keep your hands clear. 

References:

• Len’s Cove Lessons in Boating (2020). How to Tie a Boat to a Dock
• Discover Boating (n.d.). How to Tie Up a Boat: Mooring Guide