Folding Stainless Steel Cleat 203 mm (Low-Profile Deck Cleat)

This folding cleat gives you a strong point to tie your lines when needed, and a flat deck when it’s not in use. Constructed from solid 316 stainless steel, it offers exceptional strength to hold your vessel and excellent corrosion resistance in saltwater. When popped up, the cleat functions like a standard deck cleat – you can wrap and secure mooring or anchor lines around it. When you fold it down, however, the entire top of the cleat pivots and nests into its base, sitting almost completely flush with the deck surface. This means that when you’re underway or the cleat is not needed, you won’t have any protruding hardware to stub toes on or to snag loose ropes.

The low-profile design of this cleat not only improves safety on board but also contributes to the sleek, uncluttered look of your deck. All edges of the cleat are smooth and rounded, and the polished finish gives it a shiny appearance that matches other high-end marine hardware. This attention to detail also protects your lines – there are no sharp corners to chafe or damage mooring ropes. The cleat’s construction is engineered so that when it’s stowed, water does not collect inside; rain or spray will simply drain away, requiring no separate drainage fitting. At 203 mm (8 inches) in length, this cleat is a standard medium size suitable for small to medium vessels – such as runabouts, fishing boats, RIBs, and sailing yachts up to around 30 feet. Installation requires cutting a recess in the deck for the cleat’s body and through-bolting it with a backing plate for maximum strength. Once properly installed, the folding cleat provides a reliable tie-down when docking or anchoring, and when folded it delivers both safety and aesthetics.

• Application: Use this cleat on the bow, stern, or as a mid-ship (spring) cleat on your deck where you want a flush surface for unobstructed movement. It’s also suitable for docks or pontoons that require retractable tie-off points
• Installation Tips: It’s recommended to install a backing plate or additional reinforcement under the deck to distribute the load when the lines are under tension. The cleat is secured with four bolts (usually not included) through the deck – ensure they are stainless steel and properly tightened
• Upgrade Advantages: Replacing traditional fixed cleats with folding ones greatly reduces the risk of injuring toes and feet on deck, and eliminates tripping hazards when moving around. It also gives your boat a modern, upgraded appearance
• Load Handling: Designed to withstand significant loads (appropriate to its size) – the folding mechanism is robust and will not collapse under strain when used correctly. Always ensure the cleat is fully upright (snapped into open position) before putting a heavy load on the line