On our ’07 Hunter 27, we have bow and stern cleats, but no cleats midship. I have always felt they would be useful for spring lines instead of running them off of the existing cleats, and while attending a boat show last weekend, I saw a ’15 Hunter 33 – from the same design era as our boat – with them. I realize they aren’t essential, but I’m determined to add them anyway. The next issue, however, is placement.
No doubt, one reason our modest boat doesn’t have them already is there is little room enough to go forward without stubbing toes on cleats. To help avoid that problem, at least while away from the dock, I’ve gotten 6” folding cleats. Sure, I’ll manage to kick and curse them even with the low profile when folded, but at least it helps reduce the problem. I could have gotten retractable cleats, but I don’t have a lot of interior room to sink them without being seen.
The obvious place for them is on deck near the rub rail, halfway between the existing cleats. However, I’m wondering if I can eliminate the stubbing issue entirely by installing them on the hull just below the rub rail. I guessing the hull isn’t as thick as the deck, but, certainly, I’ll using backing plates wherever they wind up going. The side of the hull is less convenient, but I only plan to use them while docked, so access while underway isn't a big issue.
Thoughts?
No doubt, one reason our modest boat doesn’t have them already is there is little room enough to go forward without stubbing toes on cleats. To help avoid that problem, at least while away from the dock, I’ve gotten 6” folding cleats. Sure, I’ll manage to kick and curse them even with the low profile when folded, but at least it helps reduce the problem. I could have gotten retractable cleats, but I don’t have a lot of interior room to sink them without being seen.
The obvious place for them is on deck near the rub rail, halfway between the existing cleats. However, I’m wondering if I can eliminate the stubbing issue entirely by installing them on the hull just below the rub rail. I guessing the hull isn’t as thick as the deck, but, certainly, I’ll using backing plates wherever they wind up going. The side of the hull is less convenient, but I only plan to use them while docked, so access while underway isn't a big issue.
Thoughts?