Deck General · Knots & Bends
When securing a line to a cleat, the correct method is to:
- AMake several full round turns around both horns, then add a locking hitch
- BTake a round turn around the base, then figure-eight across the horns, finishing with a locking hitch✓ Correct
- CTie a bowline through the cleat and belay
- DMake figure-eights only, with no round turn at the base
Explanation
The standard cleat hitch begins with a full round turn around the cleat base to take the initial strain, followed by figure-eight passes across the horns, and finished with a locking half-hitch. Locking hitches alone without a round turn risk jamming; multiple full round turns make it difficult to cast off quickly in an emergency.
Authority: Deck Seamanship (USCG deck topic)
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