Springs Secured to Chainplates ?

[sailstoo]

I am often perplexed why more mfrs. don't put center cleats on as an OEM offering and often see boats with springlines tied to chainplates as that's the only place to tie 'em. I am reluctant to drill more holes for center cleats and am even more reluctant to tie springs to chainplates as I don't want to spring 'em and cause leaks. What say you?

[barnakiel]

This may have to do with the simple fact that one does not need any such (mid-ship) cleats.

Spring lines can be run from fore and aft cleats. Midship cleats are not required to run spring lines (much as they can be of use in a specific docking situation).

Tying spring lines to chain-plates is asking trouble - they are not (normally) designed for side loading, are they.

b.

[Vasco]

A simple function of cost. Save a couple of bucks. No need for solid glass at this point in cored decks. No need for hardware. The up side is that you will not snub your toes on it as you walk up to the foredeck.

[Seahunter]

Cleats are bolted from the top with compressive load; chain plates are side bolted.

[Ex-Calif]

My dock has fore, mid and aft cleats. My boat has fore and aft. The problem springing from fore and aft boat cleats to dock mid cleat is finding a position where the spring line wont rub the boat over time.

Good call not to spring from the chainplates.

At a certain boat size mid cleats become an important tool in springing off and in to a dock position. Ya just dont manhandle a 50k lb boat too much...

[delmarrey]

I use to have a T-track/toerail that run along the hull joint, which I have a sliding w/lock Scheafer cleat that fits on the track. It worked great, but now I have to make my own due to a track change.

But I can still put it on the genoa track. Schaefer Midship T-Track Cleat

[keyspc]

OH! so thats what those round gizmos in the cockpit are for
no really i see a lot including myself make good use of the foresail winchs for spring and breast lines when needed.

[Jimbo2010]

All my prior boats for over 30 years had no mid ship cleats, I would tie onto a stanchion or the gen car, what a PIA.

Now I have them on my 36.7 it's really great, the other issue using the the bow or stern cleats besides chafe is the extra lengths you need.

[SkiprJohn]

The only disadvantage to midship cleats is a tripping hazard or toe stubbing hazard. I don't care for them for that reason.
kind regards,

[MacG]

People not familiar with locks and bridges might have no use for mid-ship cleats.
I find them very handy as I have to clear on my way to open water each time 2 locks and 7 bridges that have to open to get through.

Sailing always solo, with 1 line in the middle I can keep my boat straight in the channel, waiting for the green lights.

[GordMay]

Johnson makes toe rail cleats, and Schaefer make traveller cleats. I've been satisfied with both.
Otherwise, drill holes to mount deck cleats.

➥ Johnson Toe Rail Cleat - Pride Marine - Ontario Canada