Whether you’re an angler hoping to avoid line snags or a regular boater looking to avoid stubbing your toes, cleats that can retract or fold flush with the deck could be on your radar. Here are three types of nontripping, nonsnagging cleats to consider.
Pull-Up Cleats: Whitecap 8″ Stainless-Steel Pull-Up Cleat
The Hold: Pull-up cleats sit flush to the deck when not in use in order to prevent line snags and toe stubs. When you’re ready to tie off, reach down and pull up the cleats by their horns, and a locking mechanism secures them into place, where they works like a standard boat cleats. Push down on them to retract after using, and they return flush to the deck in their mounts.
The Slip: Caked salt can inhibit opening. Rinse and open regularly to ensure smooth operation. May require more installation depth than other-style cleats.
Price: $124.99; westmarine.com
Pop-Up Cleats: Attwood 4½” Stainless-Steel Pop-Up Cleat
The Hold: Pop-up cleats are retracted in the default position to sit flush the deck, with no protruding sharp edges to step on, trip on or snag. With a push-button release, they pop up and into place when it’s time to set the dock lines. The cleat is held in place by two friction springs, and the cleat’s horns and backing plate handle the load.
The Slip: Caked salt can inhibit opening. Rinse and open regularly to ensure smooth operation. May require more installation depth than other-style cleats.
Price: $80.99; westmarine.com
Read Next: Installing Retractable Cleats
Fold-Down Cleats: Whitecap 6″ Stainless-Steel Folding Cleat
The Hold: Folding cleats uses a hinge system to lift them up when the dock lines are ready, and to fold them down out of the way while on the water. They’re a simple yet effective way to hide the cleats when out on the water to prevent snags or toe stubs. We’ve seen these mostly on smaller boats in the 25-foot-and-under range.
The Slip: The hinges can loosen over time, making it harder for the cleats to stay deployed, but the dock lines will still hold them in place while in use.
Price: $52.99; westmarine.com
