Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

[FLHANDSTER]

I have just acquired a 14' Tracker Topper and I am looking to install some CLEATS on it for dock tying, anchoring, and possible towing if needed.

My question surrounds nylon VS steel, location on the boat, how to affix them, inside or outside boat!?!

***Pictures would be helpful***

Thank you for your help!!!

 

[southkogs]

Re: Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

Welcome aboard.

That's a pretty light boat, so I would think either/or would be fine nylon vs. steel (though I'd probably be inclined to steel on fresh water). That said, the handles that are on the bow and stern should work fine for mooring and towing - any reason not to use them?

 

[FLHANDSTER]

Re: Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

Welcome aboard.

That's a pretty light boat, so I would think either/or would be fine nylon vs. steel (though I'd probably be inclined to steel on fresh water). That said, the handles that are on the bow and stern should work fine for mooring and towing - any reason not to use them?

Thank you. I'm not opposed to using the handles, however I was more concerned with the mid sections being firmed out when docking, etc.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

Thank you. I'm not opposed to using the handles, however I was more concerned with the mid sections being firmed out when docking, etc.

Not sure I'm following you but if you mean the handles bending due to bearing the force of being tied to a pier, I'd be really surprised at that.

We've got an older rowboat that has ring/handles in the stern (as opposed to cleats) and at 60 years old they're hanging in just fine. A lot of boats (smaller rowboat types) use 'em.

 

[Pony]

Re: Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

The PO of my Alumacraft had cleats all over the place. He had one every few feet. I mostly used the ones SS ones that can see in the picture. I usually tied off on the dock with cleats that were mounted on the stern and bow....the middle ones I used tie off minnow buckets or drift socks mostly

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

Some things to consider:
although the handles are fine for tying and towing, cleats are easier/faster for tying and removing line
Nylon is fine but the small ones get brittle in below freezing temps, if you boat in such conditions (I do)
On a flat deck, nylon doesn't hurt as much as metal when you stub your toe against them
Best to have them on the bulkhead (side) than on the gunwale (top) so things don't catch on them.
However, if the cleat is going to have any force against it, you don't want to pull directly against the top. So at the stern, a cleat horizontal on the gunwale in the corner is stronger than one vertical on the transom outside.
Anchoring should be from the bow eye--as close to the front and low as possible. But if it's just for calm water, that's not convenient, so an interior cleat at the bow is good. Don't stern anchor in current or waves/wakes.

 

[FLHANDSTER]

Re: Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

The PO of my Alumacraft had cleats all over the place. He had one every few feet. I mostly used the ones SS ones that can see in the picture. I usually tied off on the dock with cleats that were mounted on the stern and bow....the middle ones I used tie off minnow buckets or drift socks mostly

View attachment 209743

Thats sorta what I've been thinking too. Opinions are indeed plenty. Thank you.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Positioning Cleats on a 14' Tracker Jon Boat

I have just acquired a 14' Tracker Topper

Here's how I did it...



I've had them attached with just screws for the last 5 years without them loosening up. (If they loosened I was going to nut/bolt them.)