lines are made fast.) You must tie the cleat
hitch correctly or it will be hard to untie
under tension. Tied correctly, the knot is
easy to tie, untie, and release under load. It
will not slip or come undone.
The following are some of the lines
often fastened to a cleat with a cleat hitch:
• Anchor lines
• Dock lines
• Mooring lines
• Tow lines
• Sailboat halyards
To tie a Cleat Hitch: (Figure 16-3)
Step 1. Lead the working end of the
line under the horn of the cleat that is farthest
from the object being fastened.
Step 2. Lead the line around the base
of the cleat, so that it passes under each
horn once.
Step 3. Form a figure eight around the
horns of the cleat, being careful to keep the
line on top of the previous turns around
the horns; there is no added strength or
security gained by using more than a single
figure eight.
Step 4. Secure the working end with
a half hitch over the horn opposite the
strain.
178 Chapter Four
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Step 1
Figure 16-3. Steps to tie a cleat
hitch
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5