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I've been doing some research on whether my current aluminum deck cleats are sufficiently strong or whether I should swap them out for stainless. I've read a few references in Pardey and Leonard but nothing definitive. I've scanned online but it's a needle in a haystack.
My current aluminum cleats are original to Aeolus and are in great shape. They are adequately sized with good backing plates and I've removed and rebedded them all over the past year. As I walk the docks in Friday Harbor I see many, if not most, sailboats have aluminum cleats. However, I know many standard products and installs are crap, so I don't trust that too much.
Although used essentially for dock lines right now, they are also used for my 3 strand anchor snubber line at the bow and for towing dinghies in calm waters and such.
I'm interested in hearing from someone who is knowledgeable about cleat failure or metallurgy of these two options. Has anyone had any experiences with the cleat itself breaking? I know people pull them out of decks due to poor installation, but that's not my concern.
I appreciate any wisdom on this subject.
Also just finished the removal and complete servicing and re-installation of my Edson steering system. Oh joy. Know it inside and out now, and that she is solid.
My current aluminum cleats are original to Aeolus and are in great shape. They are adequately sized with good backing plates and I've removed and rebedded them all over the past year. As I walk the docks in Friday Harbor I see many, if not most, sailboats have aluminum cleats. However, I know many standard products and installs are crap, so I don't trust that too much.
Although used essentially for dock lines right now, they are also used for my 3 strand anchor snubber line at the bow and for towing dinghies in calm waters and such.
I'm interested in hearing from someone who is knowledgeable about cleat failure or metallurgy of these two options. Has anyone had any experiences with the cleat itself breaking? I know people pull them out of decks due to poor installation, but that's not my concern.
I appreciate any wisdom on this subject.
Also just finished the removal and complete servicing and re-installation of my Edson steering system. Oh joy. Know it inside and out now, and that she is solid.