Can you identify my cleat and track?

[GerryL]

I recently bought a 1984 Morgan 323. On a fuel stop an attendant hard cleated the spring line too fast and the cleat on my boat broke. Here are a couple photos. I’m trying to find a replacement.

[neilpride]

Merriman . Out of bussines.

[JPA Cate]

neilpride gets the gold star!

Sorry your cleat broke, but it is an opportunity for you to install midships cleats with backing plates on both sides, and eliminate those lightly built cleats from your docking equation. We added them on our 36 footer, and it was really a good idea.

Ann

[noelex 77]

It is amazing how many sailboats have inadequate cleats. In many cases it would only need a relatively small amount of extra reinforcement or engineering (or thought ) to fit a cleat that could withstand all, or at least most loads.

What happens if the boat needs to be dragged off a grounding?

Manufacturers could do better and potential boat owners should raise these issues at the time of purchase instead of concentrating on less important items such as the details of the colour scheme or the trim.

[GerryL]

Ok then, I guess it’s time to change them to solid cleats with backing plates. The bow and stern cleats all appear strong, but these midship ones on the tracks were pretty light for sure. Thanks for the quick responses!

[Sailorlou]

Schaefer Marine makes a Stainless Mid-Rail Chock/Cleat that I have used on my boat for over twenty years with no problems. Check it out at Schaefer's web site.

[thinwater]

... Or just tap in larger bolts if you are satisfied.


... Though I really like fixed midships cleats.

[GerryL]

Originally Posted by Sailorlou

Schaefer Marine makes a Stainless Mid-Rail Chock/Cleat that I have used on my boat for over twenty years with no problems. Check it out at Schaefer's web site.

Thanks for this! I hadn’t seen them before. They are precious though, but I ordered a couple today. I measured my track and it appears that they will work.

[GerryL]

Originally Posted by thinwater

... Or just tap in larger bolts if you are satisfied.


... Though I really like fixed midships cleats.

Not only did it pull out the threads, it split the cleat on a mold line. I was tempted to go to fixed, but it would take some doing due to a bulkhead and two other backing plates near where I would want it. Not impossible, but more work than I want to do right now. I’ve ordered the stainless ones above (ouch!), but I think I will also check the local used parts store for recycled cleats that I can attach to these old cars too. Thanks!

[Bowdrie]

Keep in mind that cleats, (even the new Schafer ones,) that mount/slide on Tee-tracks, are not capable of withstanding large sideways loads like a bolted down cleat with a backing plate.
Tee tracks, (especially the aluminum ones are designed to carry loads that are more-or-less in line with the track, (like a jib sheet).
A Tee-track held on to a cap rail with a screw every 4 inches is not to be depended upon for high lateral loads.