How to Secure a Rope to a Cleat for Boaters

Every boat owner has to know how to securely tie their boat up when docking and mooring. Tying off to a cleat is easy and becomes second nature with just a little practice. Once learned, there are several variations on this hitch and they all work well. Experiment and see what works best for you. This hitch will be used every time you go boating.

Things You'll Need

• Mooring line

Instructions

1. 

   With your boat dockside, pull the boat end taunt and make one full loop around the cleat, as in Illustration 1.

2. 

   After making sure you have sufficient length on the tag end, make a round turn about the far cleat horn. This should be the horn that is furthest away form the boat. See Illustration 2.

3. 

   After the round turn, make a half hitch in the tag end in preparation for the final step of the hitch. See Illustration 3.

4. 

   Slide the half hitch over the opposite horn of the cleat. Pull tight on the tag end, locking the hitch in place. See Illustration 4.

Tips & Warnings

• This hitch can be easily loosened by pulling the opposite way on the half hitch.

• This can be tied with many variations, such as double half hitches or a turn and a half in Step 1.

• Always exercise extreme caution when working with ropes and boats. Do not get in a hurry and keep your fingers clear of the ropes.