Folding or Spring Cleat Regrets?

S

Skipper J

.
Sep 7, 2022
56
Captiva Yachts Sanibel 18 Lake Wylie
Hi,

Now that folding and spring cleats have been out awhile, I'm wondering how they are holding up for you sailors. Structurally, I imagine they can't be quite as strong as solid ones. One Internet forum I saw said to steer clear of spring cleats for saltwater. I'm thinking of putting folding cleats on my dinghy, and on my Sanibel's bow for the anchor line. They would sure cut the trip hazard, but do they hold up as well?

I'd go with stainless steel if i converted.

Thanks,
Skipper J
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
21,864
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Hey there Skipper J You raise an excellent question.

Firstly, I discovered not all folding cleats are the same. The only manufacture I could find testing data from was Accon Marine.
www.acconmarine.com

Folding Cleats

As the most simple installation of any retractable cleat in the industry, you’ll want to check out the folding cleat. FEATURES Mounts on surface of boat. No cut-outs or hole saws required. These cleats lock down when not needed, and spring up when release button is pushed in. No drain tubes or...
www.acconmarine.com www.acconmarine.com
Here is their reported data for an 8" folding Cleat.

I installed a pair of the 6" cleats as MidCleats on my boat. I use them to assist in docking. I used the bolt through design. I used 3/16 aluminum plates as backing plates. These have preformed well over the past 5 years.

You will want to size the cleat based on the work load and size of line you intend to use.

I love the way they lay flat and out of the way when not in use.
 
  • Helpful
Likes: ggrizzard
S

Skipper J

.
Sep 7, 2022
56
Captiva Yachts Sanibel 18 Lake Wylie
Project_Mayhem said:
I have a set that hasn't been installed yet if you need some pics or have questions about it
Click to expand
Hi,
Thank you both for your help. I wonder if these can handle a line with tension from any direction, or if it's only able to be loaded from the direction opposite the direction in folds down in. Thanks.
 
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
21,864
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Check the acorn marine site. Read their testing data. They show how the unit failed and at what load.

At least I think it was their site that gave me the data.:what:

yes it was. :clap: Test results at bottom of page.
www.acconmarine.com

Folding Cleats

As the most simple installation of any retractable cleat in the industry, you’ll want to check out the folding cleat. FEATURES Mounts on surface of boat. No cut-outs or hole saws required. These cleats lock down when not needed, and spring up when release button is pushed in. No drain tubes or...
www.acconmarine.com www.acconmarine.com
 
P

Project_Mayhem

.
Sep 24, 2018
2,883
O'Day 25 Chicago
jssailem said:
Check the acorn marine site. Read their testing data. They show how the unit failed and at what load.

At least I think it was their site that gave me the data.:what:

yes it was. :clap: Test results at bottom of page.
www.acconmarine.com

Folding Cleats

As the most simple installation of any retractable cleat in the industry, you’ll want to check out the folding cleat. FEATURES Mounts on surface of boat. No cut-outs or hole saws required. These cleats lock down when not needed, and spring up when release button is pushed in. No drain tubes or...
www.acconmarine.com www.acconmarine.com
Click to expand
Now that's an honest a thorough company! I was skeptical of their surface mount design so I guess that data is essential
 
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Likes: jssailem
jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
21,864
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I am sure pleased with mine. The pull on my midship cleats uses there strong designed side. I have not had a problem through the winter storms, yet.:biggrin:
 
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