Attwood Marine Cast Aluminum Boat Cleats

Overview

The Attwood Marine Cast Aluminum Cleats is a range of fixed boat and dock cleats made for tying off dock lines on small boats, tenders, and dock installations. These cleats use cast aluminum construction and are offered here in 4-1/2 in., 6 in., and 8 in. lengths, with closed-base and open-base styles depending on the size.

Each cleat mounts with two 1/4 in. fasteners, giving the installer a simple two-hole pattern for deck, gunwale, transom, or dock mounting. The 4-1/2 in. and 6 in. versions have a closed base, while the 8 in. version has an open base for a different look and underside access around the mounting area.

Key features

• Cast aluminum construction for a fixed tie-off point on small boats and docks.
• Available here in 4-1/2 in., 6 in., and 8 in. lengths to suit different mounting spaces and line sizes.
• Closed-base options are available in the 4-1/2 in. and 6 in. lengths, with an open-base option in the 8 in. length.
• Pre-drilled two-hole mounting pattern uses two 1/4 in. fasteners.
• Plain cleat shape works for common dock-line handling at the dock, alongside a pier, or on smaller craft where a permanent cleat is needed.

Variants

This product is offered in multiple configurations that change by length and base style. The shorter models use a closed base, while the longer 8 in. model uses an open base.

The cast aluminum material and two-hole mounting layout remain consistent across these listed variants. Fastener selection should match the mounting surface and should be backed properly when installed on a boat deck or thin substrate.

• 12121-3: 4-1/2 in. length with a closed base. This size fits compact mounting areas on small boats, dinghies, tenders, and dock edges where space is limited.
• 12125-3: 6 in. length with a closed base. The longer closed-base format gives more room for handling dock lines while keeping the covered-foot appearance.
• 12127-3: 8 in. length with an open base. The open-base style gives a more traditional cleat profile and suits larger mounting areas where extra line clearance is helpful.

Installation and fit

Plan the mounting location around line lead, hand clearance, and backing access before drilling. On a boat, the cleat should be mounted to a sound surface with backing support where loads may be placed on the deck or gunwale. Bedding the fastener holes helps reduce water intrusion into cored or laminated surfaces.

Use two 1/4 in. fasteners sized for the deck, rail, or dock material. Stainless steel hardware is commonly used in marine installations, but the final fastener choice should match the structure, environment, and load requirements of the vessel or dock.

Use on board

These cleats are a practical match for small boats, utility craft, tenders, and dockside tie-off points where a simple fixed cleat is preferred over folding or pop-up hardware. They can be used where dock lines need a clear horn shape for quick wraps, provided the installation surface and backing are appropriate for the expected load.