Cleat Hitch
Difficulty: Beginner
Related planning tools
Line handling on deck often goes together with speed and ground tackle: convert speed in knots for deck briefings, and plan anchor scope when setting the hook. For chart work, use the nautical mile converter to keep distances consistent with the latitude scale.
Diagram
Diagram placeholder — illustration for Cleat Hitch can be added here
Use Cases
- securing dock lines
- mooring to a cleat
- quick tie-off
How to Tie
- Take a full turn around the base of the cleat (around the horns).
- Make a figure-8 pattern: pass the line over one horn, under the other, then over the first horn again.
- Finish with a half hitch under the second horn so the free end is trapped.
- Leave a short tail; the hitch should be snug and not slip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many turns on a cleat?
One full turn around the base, then a figure-8 (one pass over each horn). Finish with a half hitch. More turns can help on very large cleats or slippery line.
How do you release a cleat hitch quickly?
Lift the half hitch off the horn, then unwrap the figure-8. Keeping the line clear of the cleat until you're ready to secure again allows fast release when casting off.