Sail cleats

Q: Does Clamcleat® make products for fitting to a sail?

Ans: Clamcleat® make a range of products suitable for fitting to sails both port and starboard side. The cleats are suitable for ropes from 0 to 6mm and are available in Nylon and Aluminum.

Q: Does Clamcleat® make a Leech cleat?

Ans: Clamcleat® make a range of Leech cleats for fitting to sails both port and starboard side. The cleats include CL212, CL214, CL221, CL273 and CL281.

Q: Does Clamcleat® make a sail edge cleat?

Ans: Clamcleat® make 2 different sizes of sail edge cleat CL267 and CL269.

Q: How do you secure a cleat to a sail?

Ans: Clamcleat® has two options for securing the sail cleat to the sail which are Sewn and rivetted. Backing plates and rivets are available.

Q: Why does Clamcleat® not publish safe working loads (SWL) or break loads for its cleats?

Ans: The quality, type and style of the rope or cord plays a major role in the performance of the cleat. Normally the better the quality of the rope the greater holding power, also some cleats are designed to slip once they exceed the desired holding load as a safety feature including securing fabrics such as sunshades or covers.

Q: Do you get a better performance with an Aluminum cleat?

Ans: Aluminum cleats do not improve the performance of the cleat, but they can achieve higher holding loads and they also might improve the lifespan of the cleat especially if the rope will be in contact with the teeth whilst the rope is being pulled through during adjustment.

Q: What different coating are there for the Aluminum cleats?

Ans: The standard coating for the cleat is a Stoving Aluminum silver enamel coating. For extra protection from corrosion and a high-tech appearance the cleats are also available in a dark grey Hard anodized finish. The part no in suffixed with “AN” to identify the hard anodized finish.

Q: Do you need to put a barrier between the Aluminum cleat and the stainless-steel fixing?

Ans: You need to add a inhibitor or barrier compound between the fixings, the Aluminum cleat and the mast or boom. For example, Daralac anti corrosive jointing compound.

Q: How long should a Nylon cleat last?

Ans: This really depends on the usage, the quality and age of the rope used etc. so is very difficult to gauge. The ultraviolet rays will discolor the cleats over time and in very sunny climates may affect the life of the cleat. In extreme climates the life expectancy should be 10 -15 years depending on usage and in more moderate climate 20 + years.

Q: How long should an Aluminum cleat last?

Ans: This really depends on the usage, the quality and age of the rope used etc. so is very difficult to gauge. The ultraviolet rays will discolor the cleats over time and in very sunny climates may affect the life of the cleat. In extreme climates the life expectancy should be 10 -15 years depending on usage and in more moderate climate 20 + years.

Q: What type of rope or cord will give the best performance on my cleats?

Ans: In our experience a braided good quality rope gives you the best holding performance.

Q: Is there any maintenance required to a cleat to keep it performing well?

Ans: We would recommend flushing the with fresh water as often are you can.