Chapter 3 · Lesson 8Practical demonstration · about 6 minutes
A clean cleat hitch
Match the line to the cleat and choose the finish: a locking turn for the smaller-line example, normal figures-of-eight for larger lines.
Video coming soon
A clean cleat hitch
In the video
- Start with the lead
- Lay it cleanly
- Match the line and cleat
- Leave it usable
From the captain
Before you start
Look at the line and the cleat together. With smaller lines I use a locking turn. With larger lines I use normal figures-of-eight. But a small line on a large cleat can still slip, even with a locking turn. The finish cannot make up for a poor match.
By the end of this lesson
Match line and cleat size, choose the appropriate finish and leave the lead and tail usable.
See it
See it for yourself
A clean cleat hitch
Smaller line: a figure-of-eight, then a locking turn. Seen from above, with the load below.
5/5Pass the loop over the horn and cinch it: the locking turn.It lies parallel to the first cross, with the end nipped under the last one. A small line on a much larger cleat can still slip, even with a locking turn.
Draft technical visual · plan view, not to scale · no line size, cleat ratio or number of turns implied · Ryan's filmed demonstration and the vessel's method govern
What to look for
Inspect the finished form
Check the line-to-cleat size match, fair lead and clean turns, with the specified finish and tail clear.
Choose the job as carefully as the knot
Ryan uses a locking turn for smaller lines and normal figures-of-eight for larger lines. A small line may still slip on a large cleat even with a locking turn; the line and cleat must suit each other.
The lesson
The lesson
- 01
Start with the lead
A line must approach the cleat fairly and without trapping another line. Take the initial turn around the base as instructed, keeping hands away from pinch points and preserving a clear route for release.
- 02
Lay it cleanly
Build neat figures-of-eight across the horns. For smaller lines I finish with a locking turn; for larger lines I use normal figures-of-eight without that locking finish. Keep the turns readable and follow the arrangement specified aboard.
- 03
Match the line and cleat
A small line may slip on a much larger cleat even when you add a locking turn. Check that the line and fitting suit each other. If they do not, ask for the correct arrangement rather than treating another hitch as the cure.
Photo coming soon
A smaller line made fast on a cleat that suits its size: figures-of-eight across the horns, finished with a locking turn, and the tail laid clear.
Smaller line: figures-of-eight finished with a locking turn Photo coming soon
A larger line made fast on a cleat that suits its size with normal figures-of-eight and no locking turn, and the tail laid clear.
Larger line: normal figures-of-eight, no locking turn - 04
Leave it usable
The line should hold as intended, remain inspectable and be capable of release by the crew operating it. Coil or flake the tail clear of feet, machinery and running lines.
Where it goes wrong
A small line is put on an oversized cleat. The locking turn looks finished, but the line still slips. Adding more hitches does not establish a suitable line-and-cleat match, and a pile of turns can obstruct the next adjustment.
Your call
What would you do?
Pick one, then read the feedback on all three.
The situation
A small line is slipping on a much larger cleat despite its locking turn.
Take it aboard
Tie and inspect: Cleat hitch
Do this during your induction or first weeks, with the person responsible for your work.
Unloaded practice
Use a short training line at a stable bench. Ask an experienced crew member to check the finished form before practising independently.
- 01Compare the line and cleat sizes, then trace the lead.
- 02Follow the demonstrated base turn and figures-of-eight.
- 03Compare the smaller-line locking finish with the larger-line figures-of-eight, both unloaded.
- 04Lay the tail clear and explain why a small line may slip on a large cleat.
What a useful result looks like
- Check the line-to-cleat size match, fair lead and clean turns, with the specified finish and tail clear.
- You can name one unsuitable use and untie the unloaded example without rushing.
Stop: Training line only. No person, vessel, lifting system or live load attached. A knot exercise does not establish load capacity or operating authority.
Deckhand Foundation · Job card
Cleat hitch: inspect and choose
From the lesson: A clean cleat hitch
- Task and required holding or release behaviour understood.
- Line and attachment suitable under the vessel's method.
- Check the line-to-cleat size match, fair lead and clean turns, with the specified finish and tail clear.
- Tail and finished form checked against the demonstrated method.
- Use limitations explained.
Use / limitation
Inspection feedback
Next repetition
Your vessel's procedures and senior crew come first. Nothing on this card is stored.
Quick check
Four decisions, then move on
This check confirms the principle. Your vessel's own induction still comes first.