What's the Most Important Cleat on your Boat?

[@nanoceramics2747]

Excellent presentation ,I sail alone a 32 colombia often, my center cleat is my best friend. I leave all lines on the dock in a position that I can reach with my boat hock when I return. The majority of the time the wind is pushing my off the dock so my center cleat is crtical. Great presentation and excellent teaching skills. I am subsribed.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment!!!

[@frankvitellaro2174]

Captain, I am a new boater and this video is absolutely life changing for docking, I have a 42 ft boat and it makes docking seamless, especially when you're by yourself. Keep these coming. Thank you Frank

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment!!!

[@bryanmarshall6878]

Another benefit of the #2 line is for those who use launches. I watch all summer long when folks will launch their boats and spend 5 minutes tying up 3 lines before they pull their truck and trailer. Then spend the same untying before they head out. Tie the mid cleat and you own it. The boat is going nowhere. It gets you on and off the launch dock much quicker and you will definitely make friends. And oh yeah, pick up the pace when you are walking back and forth to your truck when you see a line of boats waiting to launch/retrieve. Lol. Great series of videos Cap. Thanks.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

😂😎Spot on!!! Thank you so much for Sharing.

[@stevep7129]

Love the teaching concept. I've utilized this technique for years now because I saw it online somewhere. It's invaluable knowledge. Over 30yrs I've had 10 single screw boats and didn't really know how to confidently drive a boat until my last boat... my first new boat. Since 2019, I've obsessed in learning how to control and keep my boat ding free... never going to happen. But I am much more in control now. I've seen several of your videos and will recommend them to fellow boaters. Keep sharing the great information.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Steve, thank you so much for your comment! I call that "Ass in the seat time" or experience. Single screw boat operators are true boat operator without a doubt. You have to be 2 or 3 steps ahead of yourself all the time or you'll find yourself in the deep stuff in short order. I used to run a single screwed tug that was really heavy which added another dimension to boat handling. She taught me a lot but mostly to go slow. Thanks again!

[@HDMScorp]

Thank you for the video. Very informative. I've been a captain for 7 years now and I'm proud to say I've become an expert at docking boats. I've seen so many boaters and captains struggle by not using wind, current, fenders, and especially lines to their advantage. It only creates more anxiety which quickly leads to poor/frantic decisions.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment! I completely agree and it's one of the reasons I want to start this channel. I see so many things out there that just don't have to happen with a little training. This video stuff is really stretching my comfort zone and sometimes I feel like I may not be getting my point across. But I'm having fun, so I'm going to keep at it. I hope our paths cross; I would love to shake your hand and compare notes.

[@ScottWaterman-n7l]

Totally agree. Been running commercial workboats for 30 years and don't understand why people still don't make more use of this when coming along side.

[@drewmillerful]

Agreed. I dock in a very tight berth that is often windy and also has strong currents due to river flow and 3m tides. I always tie my first line amidships.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Outstanding, thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@karikarr6377]

Just found your channel and really like your teaching technique! Very easy to understand and follow. Our new-to-us (last year) boat is twin turbo-diesel, 490hp each, tons of power and when put into gear it wants to GO. Absolutely cannot do more than VERY quick in-and-out of gear while maneuvering, and when going forward out of the slip we’re learning that in-and-out one at a time (stbd in-and-out, then port in-and-out, etc. ) allows for slower speed and more control and keeps the boat from surging ahead. We have a fairly narrow fairway, so when backing in, we’re learning that we have to look at conditions EACH time, make a plan before we even enter the marina, commit to the plan (go slowly, but not dawdle enough to allow the wind to get us), and then not be afraid to abort if things aren’t working right. Despite lots of years of boating between us, this new vessel is a whole new experience, and we NEVER stop learning. The boat will be back in the water from winter storage in 4 weeks, so this is a great time to watch videos like yours and remind ourselves how to do it. No substitute for being prepared, and it makes boating much more enjoyable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. I love talking to sailors especially when they're doing it right. I'm smiling the entire time I read your comment. I have friends who own Carbo's and Vikings, and they have the same experience you describe - it reminds me of wild horse trying to get out of the gate when they clutch in. The entire stern squats when they put it in gear. I was stationed on a Patrol boat (twin screwed) that had a lot of torque and she would really squat too. I hope you have an awesome and safe boating season and please stay in touch.

[@leecrook6918]

Newbie boaters in U.K. on a 30’ cruiser with single shaft screw and starboard prop walk. Our new mooring is on the port side, which is definitely hit and miss ....even without a breeze!😅 Binge watched most of your videos this afternoon...thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and making such well presented and comprehensive lessons. I am now filled with hope for the next time we’re at the boat - it will be a great learning day putting into practice your teachings! #2 mooring line is a light bulb moment for me. 👍🏼

[@boattrainingonline6561]

By all means, please let know your progress or if you have any difficulties!!!

[@rodos2001]

Agree! Learned from sailor Don Street yrs ago. So helpful and works to hold position for other lines to follow at your leisure.

[@douglasvannuys]

Wow! This is Great. I've literally been driving boats my entire life and just recently at 53 years old (new boat new slip) have run into a situation that for the first time in my life has caused anxiety. This is due to several horrible experiences trying to get back in. I believe I can adapt this technique and completely alleviate this issue!! Thanks so much for putting this info out there!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you for your comment.

[@JungleJimAB9AB]

Seems to be solid advice. I'm going to try it on our next outing. Now, let's see your videos about trailering a single engine ONTO a trailer with a T-Top under windy conditions. That what really be something else useful. I appreciate the authoritative and informative videos you produce. They are well made and keep me engaged and entertained.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Believe it or not, that’s a winter project for me. Thank you for sharing and for your suggestions!!!

[@johncole3010]

My sailboat is so small, I could swim in to dock and no one would be the wiser. Great advice for all. Using the wind as your friend, I find that over steering or understeering with careful speed control makes the pivot work to your advantage. Just practice and enjoy the moment

[@TheByard]

I owned a classic wooden twin screw boat and never used a bow line. I mostly sailed her single handed through the canals and rivers of Europe so I'd be mooring several times a day. Having twin engines makes it a lot easier by keeping the single rudder mis ships coast into the dock just nudging power to correct wind/tide drift. I'd have a line made up on No2 cleat each side, coiled ready for use, split the coil between two hands and cast them to fall each side of the shore mooring cleat, holding the end between thumb and forefinger so I could pull the line tight and make off to a onboard cleat. Now a touch of inside engine ahead brings alongside a Starboard mooring. Then a French yacht with 5 or 6 crew aboard would be calling me to assist them raft up alongside me, they look amazed that I sail alone and have moored no trouble. Lots of boat owner set off from the dock in the morning and moor up at the end of the day, so get little practice of mooring. On a locked river or canal you would be mooring several times per day, so lots of practice. What has helped me control my boat is a large part of my life I drove construction equipment with crawler track steering, rear wheel and pivot in the center steering One rubber tyred crane had front steering axle and steered the same as a car with the cab facing forward. Turn the cab 180deg. Drive the chassis in reverse and you then had to turn the steering wheel the opposite way to the direction you needed to go.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Mother of God, I could listen to you explain things all day long!!! Thank you so much for sharing and you should think of starting your own KZbin channel, I’ll be your first subscriber. Thank you for commenting!

[@scottweiland4441]

Best boating instruction I have found.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much Scott, and thank you for commenting!

[@lawmc7861]

I agree line 2. However try pulling a 30 foot sailboat sideways at a windy dock. I think the part you left out is take stock of the conditions before you attempt to enter a marina or dock at all. Sometimes I find in weather, in a crowded marina the one line to use is the anchor line. Wait for safe conditions. I have only watched a few of your videos but I believe each one should start with the sailors pledge "When in doubt, wait it out."

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Sage advice from someone who has been there and done it! You are 100% right. I have picked up the bodies of several people who could not wait and it cost them their lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing!!!

[@georgeorwell4059]

With a sloop making fast to the mast works wonders. In my ketch the Genoa fairlead does the same job.

[@muskietime]

I have called the Harbor Master to ask for assistance when single handling 40’+ racing sailboats. I will not enter a slip until the boat is rig ready (dock lines and fenders placed) and I fully understand the wind and the water conditions (current, depth and possible obstructions). Often, the safest maneuver is to come in stern first. I have even put a boat on a Temporary Dock if safest until I get assistance if needed. Be well.

[@shawnpollard4481]

@@muskietime Outstanding, thank you so much for sharing. Sage advice. I watched a large (60’+) sailboat dock last week stet into the wind. The guy did a masterful job. I love watching people do things I know are challenging but they make it look easy. Thanks again!

[@molivera11]

Excellent video! learned cleat#2 by instinct on a boat that didn't have a #2 ... I used a winch ( I know ... risky if the wind is strong). When I got my Newport 33 (with no #2's) one of the first additions I did was to install #'2's. Most important cleat, hands down. Agree 100%. I believe a lot of other single-handlers agree too.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

It makes my heart warm to hear about your addition. In fact, I won’t work with new clients until they add a #2 if they’re boat doesn’t have one. Thank you so much for Sharing and for commenting!!!

[@gush7647]

I have a really small 15’ boat with outboard. I had when starting out, always gone for the bow line…risky business in Scottish sea lochs ! Line two, once tried never forgotten ! Great no nonsense education without the faf !

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for commenting. One of these days you’re going to see me and the Mrs kicking around in your country, it’s on both of our bucket lists!!! Thank you so much for commenting!!!

[@tamaralee4108]

Mid cleat also works in slips with piling where the boat ties up between the dock and the piling. With a short line between the mid cleat and the pile you can come up to the pile, tie to the mid cleat, and work the boat around the pile into the slip. Works great in wind because the mid cleat line controls the boat motion around the pile into the slip. You can't get blown into the dock or the other pole. Once you swing around the pile into the slip, you can slip out or take in the mid cleat line to work the boat forward and back to get the bow and stern tied off in the slip.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Outstanding, thank you so much for sharing!

[@geraldpowell2610]

Thank you so much for doing such an amazing job explaining how and why on boating.

[@bojangles8837]

Thank for your excellent commentary, This is a subject I preach myself and amazed at the lack of basic docking and handling skills. A good docking almost always starts off with a spring line. (What did Archimedes say: "Give me a place to stand, a lever long enough, and I will move the world") But in this case not a lever but a spring line. Not just any spring line…a magic spring: the one line that, all by itself, makes all the difference. I’m belaboring the point here because spring lines are the trick to easy docking. The key is to have the aft-running spring should run from a point on the boat that is about one third, or a little more, forward from the stern, not from amidships. With a spring properly secured first on the boat and running to a cleat or bollard ranging from about 8 feet (2.4 meters) to as far as your line (or crew) can run aft-exact position on the dock matters not one wit-you are docked. Doesn’t matter: if the wind is blowing you on or off; how long the crew takes to get the other lines on; if the helmsperson must leave the wheel to hand or throw another line to the crew on the dock. Once that magic aft spring is secured, everything else is just tidying up, with no urgency required.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you Bo Jangles, you definitely have this concept mastered!

[@FireyFlyman]

Thank you for this great content and explaining this so clearly. Thank you - I thought I was good but you will make me a boss!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for commenting!!!

[@Wirenutby]

Spot right on Capt Shawn. Love all your videos.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment!!!

[@nozgear]

went to a restaurant dock in Connecticut recently. had a line ready on the mid cleat for all the reasons you said. Dock hand wanted a bow line and when I said I was going to use the mid cleat they grabbed a line from their dock and tossed it to my wife. I am far from an expert but learned a lot of what you said the hard way of trial and error. every time I leave the dock I learn from the previous trips. wish the friendly and eager dock hands had training.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

I feel your pain! Thank you so much for commenting!

[@belliott538]

So my boat came with cleats at positions 1 & 3… I need to set up cleats at position 2 port & Starboard. Or maybe an eye at position 2 port & Starboard… I have an 18 foot G3 Flat-bottom Aluminum boat. It has a track system on the gunnels. I think an eye would be less obtrusive than a cleat. I’ll have to see what I can come up with. Cheers! From Southeast Texas!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Not necessarily, the point I’m trying to make in this video is the pivot point. In order for your bow to go to the left, the stern needs to go to the right. I know if you have a big enough engine you can power through but we’re talking boat characteristics. If you have a cleat somewhere amidship, you’re fine. I know some sailboaters who use a windless amidship which allows them to take up slack or pay line out. Thank you so much for commenting!!!

[@belliott538]

@@boattrainingonline6561 Yes Sir, I follow you. In my case, or my boat’s case, I have no amidships cleat. Yet… But I have a plan to remedy my lack of attachment, a cleat or eye, so that I will be able to use the method that you’ve so clearly laid out in this video. It will definitely be beneficial for boat handling around docks. Thank you for your reply and this excellent video.

[@johnmanning4895]

I’m building a short Dyneema loop to have at mid ship for docking in tough conditions. Love your videos

[@jackiekyger1968]

A shoe string, Yes! But very likely a double-braided nylon shoestring! Good work here Capt!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you Jack!

[@officialWWM]

I have been using a centre line on my boats for years. It’s so much easier to control the boat and a lot easier to handle it on my own. It just makes sense to me.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

👍Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@DaleBromley-t6g]

Great idea but what if there is no #2 cleat at the center of the dock? Thanks, Dale

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Cleat #2 is on your boat. It’s the cleat that’s at your pivot point. I saw a boat yesterday who’s pivot point was clear #3. If there isn’t adequate cleats on the dock, either install one or find a new place to dock. Thank you so much for commenting!

[@p.kourousias4915]

Congratulations! I have a 6 years experience on a single screw 36.5-ft motor boat (it's my 4th boat in a row, having started with inflatables and speed boats) and I cannot agree more on your pointing out the usefulness of the second line (mid-ship) especially singlehanded. You really do not need any extra line for a quick stop at a dock. I suppose that most people that do not use it is because there is no direct access to it from the helm - as in my case. P.K.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for sharing and for commenting!!!

[@SailingSecondStar-pj3ww]

Excellent! Sailors is my vote for me 😊

[@mohammedalmahmood2486]

Very interesting, I will try it on my next trip. My issue is that may pop-up cleat is small and I cannot have a rope around it to do a figure 8. Any suggestions Captain ?

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment and your question Mohammed. Pop-up cleats can be challenging so first and foremost, make sure you are using the correct sized line. If you are in a high wind situation, consider putting someone on the dock to handle line from the dock. Attach the eye of your mooring line to your #2 cleat and pass them the bitter end. This will allow your boat will maneuver properly. Just give them commands to "take up slack as you get it" and "hold what you've got" with a round turn and figure eights. The big take away from this video is to allow your boat maneuver properly while mooring and that is done by utilizing your #2 cleat in whatever fashion you can come up with. You may even consider making a double eye pendant. Thanks again, great question.

[@mohammedalmahmood2486]

@Boat Training Online Thank you very much Captain for your reply. As you mentioned, #2 cleat will be the one we will focus on. Very informative videos with real life examples , much appreciated.

[@shawnpollard4481]

@@mohammedalmahmood2486 Please call me Shawn. I hope that helped. If you have any other questions and I know the answer, I’d be happy to help.

[@StephenCramer-tw2lb]

Definitely have YOUR person on the dock. Learned that the hard way…

[@db7819z]

Love this! Do you have thoughts on how to deal with inexperienced dock hands? The times I’ve run into trouble are almost always because a dock hand did something I didn’t expect. Usually they are just college kids… I once had my son throw a bow line to a dock hand in Boston and they tied it to a mid cleat on the dock… That’s actually related to this… all the dock hands run to the bow and expect you to throw them a bow line first. Honestly unless the weather is terrible I would rather they just not get involved but there are there… I’ve learned to never trust what they will do… any tips?

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment. Since I retired in May, I’ve worked a couple days for our local HarborMaster. The problem is training. These kids want to do a good job but someone needs to spend the time with them and teach them. That doesn’t help when you’re trying to tie up your boat and the kid is just standing there but truly, that’s the problem. Thank you so much for your comment!

[@janhbhugo5085]

Even coming into a slip my first line to secure is midship ! If the wind is astern i tie my midship line to the first bollard on the dock with rudder pointing away from the dock !

[@Mixdreamer]

Line 2 can be either on port or starboard right? Since depends on the wind

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Absolutely, each side has it’s respective cleats/lines. Call me if it isn’t clear: 508-509-3146 Shawn

[@4tomop]

Great video. For a single screw 65’ yacht, what are your thoughts about backing into the wind on your way to docking and positioning with respect to line 2? Maybe that would add more control in that the bow could not fall off suddenly…

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Tom, thank you so much for your comment! A classic single screw with a right handed prop will always back to port initially, however if you get enough water going pass the rudder, it will become effective and you can use it to steer. Backing into the wind is my second favorite way to deal with the wind, the first being bow on. Line 2 is an absolute game changer. If you can get this line to the dock and you have a good line handler - you are moored. If your bow starts to fall off, hold line 2 and bump it ahead until your yacht is back against the dock. Then resume backing down, taking up slack as you get it. If you have to re-position line 2, do so but don't start putting out your other mooring lines until you get your boat exactly where you want her. Starboard side too with a little left rudder, clutch ahead will keep you yacht tight to the dock and you can easily put out the remaining mooring lines. Where everyone goes over the handle bars is bringing another mooring line to the party too early and this screws up the natural turning points of your yacht. Let me know how you make out.

[@StingrayBay]

I agree the centre cleat is very useful. But just I don't agree with the bow to wind. On a single motor aluminium hard top you have way more control with the motor to wind as this is the pivot point, the bow will always blow down like a flag. If you have the motor to wind you have way more control of low speed manoeuvres in any sort of wind. 👍

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment!!! This video is covering the vast majority of boats but each boat has her own set of issues. I watched a guy dock a 120 ft sailboat last week, stern into the wind and he did a masterful job. It’s my sincere hope that I’m able to put some tools in your toolbox. Your next boat might be completely different. Thanks again!

[@mariorobertocueto4531]

Totally agree. We were told to handle boat in dutch locks with stern line then move it forward with motor to next bollard to fasten bow line. Unfortunately that only works if you have an agile crew that makes its way forward rapidly to catch the bollard precisely. Otherwise the bow will.veer off the lock wall pivoting off the stern line until the bow reaches the opposite wall of the lock..Yes, that happened and the currents from lock.loading.pushed bow into opposite wall and could not be fended off..Result was the pulpit was bent. A costly repairnevent, obviously-apart from.the humilation and apprehension it caused for subsequent lockin required. Eventual.remedy was to install bow thruster which.allows one to singlehandedly approach lock.wall.gently amd peacefully fasten middle cleat on to bollard. I then sit peacefully with the line in my hands while water enters or leaves the lock. Until lock traffic light turns green for exiting..Other useful detail is to place a large ball fender (.45 cm.for a 30 foot boat) inside the bow tip and just inside the stern corner. These two fenders complement the middship fenders to keep your topsides well protected as well as avoiding stress.

[@georgeorwell4059]

I often make fast to the mast. It always works well.

[@CaptTPT]

Mid cleat works well, but only when you can access it. Often your crew is limited to a stern swim platform for getting off the boat onto the dock. In that case you use what you have first, the stern cleat. In my boat the mid cleat is 7 feet off the water. You get off my boat from the swim platform. In small boats your mid cleat ideas work well. In large boats the mid cleat is often only available after the stern cleat is tied.

[@luxorbill269]

I added a mid cleat to my new boat because builder didn't. Just a bit behind pivot point.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment! That is great to hear, you absolutely get it - outstanding. I'm sure i don't need to say this but make sure you have a strong backing plate under those cleats to keep them from becoming a missile hazard.

[@championskyeterrier]

I did the same, just to be able to use an aft spring line from that cleat to dock with. Make the cleat, power slightly forward and boat is pinned to the dock.

[@ericdishington428]

Excellent

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you for commenting!

[@andresll.9366]

Thank you

[@asd67lkj]

One could also instal a fairlead in that position, and run a line back to a cleat near the cockpit/helm. Easier for single handed.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Absolutely! Thank you so much for sharing and for commenting!!!

[@edwardmalthouse973]

Nice video! THank you.

[@wolfgangdeussen224]

Extrem cool!! Well explained

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment!!!

[@GodfreyTempleton]

Maybe the pivot point on a front steering road vehicle is middle between the rear wheels/axle?

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you for your comment!

[@vkorac]

Thank you!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you for your comment!

[@Legnerps]

What if your boat doesn't have a center cleat ?

[@boattrainingonline6561]

You should install one or have your boat yard install one. I work 2 days a week for the Falmouth Harbor Master and they have a boat with only a bow cleat and a stern cleat. I said something to the Harbor Master himself about how unsatisfactory that was. He agreed and we’re installing them this fall. I also had a training client who was in the same situation. I told him I couldn’t work with him and his wife until they had one installed. In a boat, if you want the bow to go to the left, the stern must go to the right unless you power through but sometimes powering through doesn’t work either. The best option is to let the boat be a boat and let it pivot. Thank you so much for your question and for commenting.

[@Legnerps]

@@boattrainingonline6561 I suppose I could do that.

[@markgiomblanco9813]

click bate statement .. but I get you point.. I have to unteach so many novice boaters about that cleat because it's also the most over used Cleat when novice boaters should be not be using it first. especially when you get into the tonnage range of 40 - 100+. I don't have much experience on tonnage over the 200 range so and I the lighter stuff since you can basically pull about to the dock with man power yah Midas well just mid cleat because even if there's a better choice to be made it won't matter much anyway ... you just need any line tied. I really enjoy your channel and can see you at the head of the class teaching at a boating safety course. I wish I knew what you've forgotten about being on the water,,, I'm always learning

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comments and I apologize for my late response, I've had some big life changes in the past couple of months. I would love to talk to you in more detail about this subject if you are willing. My cell phone is 508-509-3146 unless you are close to Cape Cod, in which case - we can talk over coffee.

[@todddunn945]

What you are talking about is getting the aft spring onto a cleat on the dock. The key is to get the aft spring onto a cleat aft of the cleat on the boat. Once that is done you can put the boat in gear forward with no throttle and turn the helm away from the dock. The boat will power ahead and the aft spring will pull the boat into the dock. The key is to have the attachment point of the line on the dock aft of the attachment point on the midships of the boat. You can also use a spring line to get the boat off the dock when a strong wind is blowing you onto the dock. If you have someone on the dock, coming in is dead simple. The trick is docking single handed. On my 33 footer, I leave a spring line on the dock. That line has an eye spliced in the middle and is cleated off at both ends. My boat is set up so that I can lean out the window next to the helm, pickup the spring line with a short gaff and put it on my midships cleat. Once the line is on that cleat, I put the transmission in forward, turn the wheel away from the dock and adjust the throttle to pull the boat to the dock. More wind requires more throttle (not much though). Then I get off the boat and tie the bow and stern lines at my leisure. Alternatively you can do what my slip neighbor does to tie his 40' powerboat up. As he approaches the dock he switches the helm into docking mode and maneuvers the boat into the dock using his joystick control, not the wheel. The boat has an integrated engine and thruster system that gives the joystick full control of the boat. For example, twisting the joystick will rotate the boat in place. Once he is along side, he switches the boat to station keeping mode, steps off and ties up. Station keeping mode will keep the boat properly oriented and within 1' of where it was when the mode was turned on. That is a standard feature the manufacturer of his boat puts on all inboard models. Now to be a bit contrarian. I keep my 36' sailboat on a mooring and never bring it to a dock. The boat doesn't have a midships cleat. So my most important cleat is my heavy duty 15" bow cleat I attach the mooring pendant to. If I ever need a spring line I will tie it off to a stanchion base or chain plate. So far I have managed 29 years without a midships cleat.

[@SailingSecondStar-pj3ww]

We LOVE your channel!! Keep going! Can’t wait for more. Time to retire, you’re going to be huge!!!!🎉

[@davidyoung7868]

Mid first when coming in and mid last when leaving, always!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Absolutely, thank you for your comment!!!

[@4U812-h1l]

Spring lines are the most important to any cleat. Always have your lines at a diagonal so your vessel can travel up and down.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment!!!

[@jennifercheney5229]

Great instruction! Just found your videos. Please keep in mind, though, many of us captains and boat operators are women!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your comment, Jennifer! I apologize if my content appears to not include women - completely NOT my intent. I have served with some of the finest boat Captains, XO's, crewmen, and sailors that were women, all of whom have my deepest respect. My targeted audience (my niche) is first-time boaters, the newer boater and boaters who just plain want some help but don't have anyone to help them. When I speak to the camera, I see a family wanting to have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime but my fear is they don't know what's out there that can harm them.

[@Coyotehello]

I will think that you are talking about being alone on the boat. And yes a boat on a trailer. That tells me the type of boat you are referring to. 15-20...24ft powerboat. With that I would kind of agree with you using the midship cleat. But with the boat getting bigger or with wind pushing you off the dock this midship cleat method will not work. Given that you are alone you want to use your stern cleat. As per your drawing you have room ahead so... Approach the dock parallel, while in gear dead slow and the helm on center-line, with your stern cleat line in hand you jump off the boat and make fast that line on the dock. With that done the engine will gently tug on the stern cleat and hug the dock, you can stay there all day long. Increase throttle if you have a headwind or mild off the dock wind. (or until you run out of fuel!). Now tie your midship as spring lines and your bow and you are done. That is called the Slocum method. If you have no room ahead then I agree with you, mostly: Come into your finger dock as slow as possible with the bow to midship section parallel to the dock (on sail in particular this makes a difference), power in neutral. Have both the midship and stern lines in hand, aim for midship to hit the very tip of the finger, run to midship and jump off the boat as early as possible tying midship line to the tip cleat on the finger dock, stabilize the vessel, walk the boat forward switching the midship line to the stern line on the tip dock cleat. Never pull the line directly from your hand (never handle a live line with no turn on a cleat or post, always have half a turn on a cleat for leverage and stopping power. Now you have only one situation that is challenging: If the wind or current is pushing you away from the finger dock. You might be lucky and the wind or current will be blocked by the big sailboat or powerboat next to your slip in that case its back to the previous method. If you have no luck enter your slip stern or bow first depending on your prop walk and use that to assist you. As with everything in boating there is not 'one' solution. Best of "Luck"!

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for your, very interesting!

[@dadejazzba402]

Makes sense...a line to the center of gravity

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you for your comment Dade! It’s simple and it makes sense but you’d be surprised how many people fight the natural design of their boat. I appreciate your comment!

[@wolfgangpetersen5857]

He's exactly right but....uh....most boats under 30 feet don't have an a midships cleat and most boaters don't own or operate larger (30-40 ft +) boats

[@boattrainingonline6561]

I agree that boat manufacturers have started this trend of not putting them on smaller boats. My strongest recommendation is to add one or don’t purchase the boat until the yard adds one. It’s that important! I had a client who purchased a new boat and I told him I wasn’t going to work with him until he had one installed. Thank you so much for sharing and for commenting!!!

[@captratty2167]

My 30ft keelboat weighs about 5 tons, laden. It has no midships cleats and I am not prepared to drill holes in the deck to fit them. I always sail solo. So, my solution is to run a line from the forward cleat, under the rail, outside everything including the fenders, to the aft cleat. There is just enough slack in this line to bring it back over the top lifeline to hang loose on a cockpit winch, where I can quickly grab it. If it fell in the water it would not be long enough to go far enough under the water to foul the prop or rudder. As well as two fenders on the side, I fit a flat fender at the bow. Coming alongside, I drive the boat close enough to the dock to drop the long line over the first cleat, then step off and run the line over the next cleat on the dock. This ensures that any forward momentum is arrested (most often the wind is from astern). If the wind is blowing hard from the bow, I leave the engine in forward gear and allow the bow to contact the main walkway, protected by the flat fender. In that case I stay aboard, drop the long line over whichever cleat I can reach, and set the tiller to drive the stern in to the dock, leaving the engine in forward gear at idle, before getting onto the dock to fit stern breast line and finally the bow breast line. Of course, for this to work well, it helps if the dock finger is long enough to step ashore from the cockpit.

[@robertwoodroffe123]

The cleatoris in the galley 😂

[@scottfirman]

never leave the boat in gear at the dock, too much can go wrong and will.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

Some small boats don't have a cleat there. And your advice is most applicable to smaller boats.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for commenting!!!

[@craigbrown2978]

ok not bad but a following sea at dock starboard beam ,dock on port side in a very narrow entrance at a boat ramp ,my most important line will always be a port aft line straight onto the first cleat ,the bow will always with the wind will be up against the dock ,,as you know so thats not a bad video you could explain to some of the idiot punters that say I Know Boats cheers

[@boattrainingonline6561]

:) Thank you so much for commenting!!!

[@ReelPerl-u6z]

Leaving the boat in gear to hold tight to the dock could be dangerous. If the line snaps, or the cleat rips out you’re going to hit whatever is in front of you. This method should be used sparingly at best. Otherwise a solid review.

[@steveballard515]

The missus

[@abdulkkhan5095]

He has already confused everyone when he says use line2 ???

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you for your comment!

[@deerfootnz]

My wife's cleat.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

😂😎Thank you so much for commenting!!!

[@AntonioAsun]

Love the lessons but too many commercials. I am out.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

Thank you so much for commenting!!! I don’t control the commercials, KZbin does but I truly appreciate you stopping by!!!

[@patrickarmstrong5514]

Many boats under 30 foot don’t have mid-ship cleats. My advice, sell that toy and get a real boat.🤣😂

[@boattrainingonline6561]

:) Thank you so much for commenting!

[@michaellippmann4474]

Or just add a mid ship cleat? Not hard to do...😅

[@patrickarmstrong5514]

That’s true. Just make sure you don’t attach it with deck screws. Ha Ha! I actually saw someone do that on a Sixty foot junky old cat. I also used to have a 26 foot cabin cruiser that had a midship cleat right in the middle of the catwalk. Every one of my friends has destroyed their toes on the damn thing. Including me.🤣😂

[@CorkBouldering]

Sure, that what happens when someone have no clue about driving 😂 every normal European person know to park the car is easier to go backwards.

[@boattrainingonline6561]

😂Thank you so much for commenting!