How to Make Wooden Boat Cleats
You are approaching the dock and would like to secure your boat. To do this you will use a boat cleat. A boat cleat is hardware used to secure a rope. The traditional model has two curved horns that extend outward to allow a rope to be tied around them, and is attached to the boat or the dock.
- Decide on the measurements and sizing of your boat cleat. A good formula is that the length of the horns should be six times the circumference of your mooring line.
- Draw a sketch to scale of your boat cleat, and then transform it into a pattern on stiff paper. To ensure that your cleat is symmetrical, you may want to use a half pattern that can be turned over for the other side.
- Cut out your pattern and transfer it to your wood piece. Make sure that the piece is large enough and the grain of the wood runs along the horns. Good choices of wood are tight grained hardwood—locust, maple, ash, and teak are all excellent choices.
- Use a drill to drill holes underneath the horns where the rope will rest closest to the center of the cleat. By using a drill bit slightly larger than the diameter of the largest rope you plan on using will guard against any rope jams.
- Cut out the rest of the waste wood with a band saw or jigsaw, giving the cleat its basic shape.
- Drill out two mounting holes, making sure they are straight and symmetrical using a drill press or hand drill.
- Round off the corners with a saw rasp to shape convex edges and finish with sandpaper to give the cleat a smooth finish.
- Soak the cleat in a hot wood oil (such as linseed or tung) which will guard against any checking. Varnish or paint applied to the cleat is quickly worn off due to the friction exerted by the rope.