5 steps
Cleat Hitch
The dock cleat hitch. A turn around the base, a figure over the horns, and a locking half hitch so the boat stays put.
Use it for
The dock cleat hitch. A turn around the base, a figure over the horns, and a locking half hitch so the boat stays put.
This line
Braid fishing line is not a dock line. Use rope on the cleat.
Avoid when
Do not cleat-hitch a fishing reel. Spool line with an arbor knot.
All steps visible
Cleat Hitch
Step 1
Take a turn around the base of the cleat.
Step 2
Cross the rope in a figure over the horns.
Step 3
Add another turn.
Step 4
Lock with a half hitch on one horn.
Step 5
Snug it. The boat's load should sit on the cleat.
The drawing follows this tying order. Pause, step, or scrub to stay with the words. The standing line runs to the reel. The tag is the short end you trim. Skin-hook means the point lies flat in the plastic, not out where grass can grab it.
Common mistakes
- No locking hitch, so the line surges off the horns.
- The first turn taken backward, which jams and will not release.