What is the Cleat Hitch (Dock Line) used for?

Tying the boat's mooring line (dock line) to a cleat on the dock; Securing the line to a cleat on the boat's own deck; Holding dinghies, launches, and sailboats in place while docked at the marina; Securing fenders and temporary lines during nautical activities; Making fast mooring lines at any point fitted with a cleat on a pier or jetty.

How do you tie the Cleat Hitch (Dock Line)?

The Cleat Hitch for a dock line secures the line that ties the boat to the dock (or the dock to the boat) to a cleat, with a figure-eight lock that withstands the pull of waves and wind. It's the hitch that keeps the boat in place without slipping while still allowing a quick release when it's time to cast off. Follow the illustrated step-by-step, with a photo for every stage, on Desbravai.

Is the Cleat Hitch (Dock Line) hard to tie?

The Cleat Hitch (Dock Line) is rated easy, in the Hitches category and is taught with a photo at every stage on Desbravai.

What precautions apply when using the Cleat Hitch (Dock Line)?

Avoid over-locking wet lines under heavy load, since they can jam; One final locking half hitch is enough; don't overload the cleat with extra turns; Nylon lines swell when wet, so check that it still releases before trusting the hitch.

Cleat Hitch (Dock Line)

Q: What other names does the Cleat Hitch (Dock Line) have?

It is also known as Cleat Hitch (Dock Line), Dock Line Cleat Hitch, Vuelta de cornamusa (cabo de atraque), Amarre a cornamusa de muelle, Volta de cunho de atracação, Volta na cornamusa, Cleat Hitch, Dock Cleat Hitch. (ABOK #1594)

Ties a dock line off to a cleat on the dock or the boat with a figure-eight lock

Also called: Cleat Hitch (Dock Line), Dock Line Cleat Hitch, Vuelta de cornamusa (cabo de atraque), Amarre a cornamusa de muelle, Volta de cunho de atracação, Volta na cornamusa, Cleat Hitch, Dock Cleat Hitch · ABOK #1594

What it is for

Tying the boat's mooring line (dock line) to a cleat on the dock
Securing the line to a cleat on the boat's own deck
Holding dinghies, launches, and sailboats in place while docked at the marina
Securing fenders and temporary lines during nautical activities
Making fast mooring lines at any point fitted with a cleat on a pier or jetty