How to Choose the Best Marine Cleats for Your Next Project

Cleats May Look Simple—But They Do a Big Job

When you’re planning a marine construction project—whether it’s a private dock, a commercial marina, or a government installation—the cleats you choose aren’t just a finishing touch. They’re a key part of your mooring system, holding vessels steady through wind, tide, and current. Choosing the right marine cleats means balancing strength, size, material, and mounting style to match your specific conditions and goals.

Sure, a cleat might look like just a hunk of metal with two horns, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. The wrong choice could lead to dock damage, vessel instability, or even safety risks. So how do you choose wisely? Here’s a breakdown to guide you.

Start With the Size of the Vessel

Size matters, and not just in the cleat itself—but in the size of the boat it’s anchoring. Larger vessels put more strain on mooring equipment, so your cleat’s dimensions and rated capacity need to be a match.

As a general rule:

• 12″ cleats are great for smaller docks or personal vessels

• 18″–24″ cleats can handle mid-sized boats and small commercial projects

• 30″+ cleats are best for large ships, industrial docks, or government facilities

Going too small creates a weak point in your mooring system. Going too big? It’s unnecessary expense and added bulk—unless you’re future-proofing for larger traffic.

Consider Your Environment

Different locations bring different challenges. Saltwater exposure, ice, high UV levels, and aggressive tides can all wear down materials over time. Choosing cleats made from cast steel, especially those with high corrosion resistance, helps ensure long-term performance even in tough marine environments.

Also think about how often your dock is used. Heavy traffic? You’ll want cleats that are tough enough to stand up to wear and tear without constant maintenance.

Match the Mounting to Your Structure

The way your cleat connects to your dock matters just as much as the cleat itself. Surface-mounted cleats are easy to install but might not handle extreme loads as well as embedded cleats, which are more secure but require advanced planning and installation.

Make sure your dock’s material—wood, concrete, composite—can support the mounting type you choose. And always check local or marina-specific guidelines, which may dictate requirements based on load, usage, or vessel type.

Don’t Overlook the Budget—But Don’t Compromise on Safety

We get it: staying on budget is important. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice quality to get great marine cleats. At Marine Structures, we offer both American-made and globally sourced cleats to fit a range of project needs without cutting corners on performance or safety.

It’s about making a smart investment, not just grabbing the cheapest option. The right cleat will last for years, handle the load reliably, and reduce future maintenance headaches.

Ready to lock in the right cleats for your job? Browse our full line of Cleats designed for everything from small docks to large-scale ports. Need more than cleats? Explore our durable Bollards, long-lasting Fenders, or go straight to Get A Quote to price out your setup. Questions or looking for guidance? Reach out through our Contact page—we’re happy to help get your project tied down right.