Boat Docking Options Compared - OXO V Cleat Hitch

When docking your boat there are two schools of thought on the best way to secure your boat. In todays video we look at both the OXO and cleat hitch method comparing six key factors when considering which option to use.

As with many things sailors usually have a preference and will get passionate about it, calling out anyone who goes with the other option. While the team at bottom up boats has a preference for the OXO method we will recommend using using the cleat hitch when specific situations arise.

In this comparison we walk you through the two options calling up which one we prefer and why. After watching the video we will leave it up to you to decide which knot works best for you. Regardless of your preference we would like to think that every sailor should know both knots leaving your options to tie either depending on the situations you find yourself in. No matter how big or small you yacht or boat is these two methods will always give peace of mind when docking.

Thanks for stopping by and supporting the team at Bottom up Boats we would love to hear of your preference in the comments section or why not stop by our community page and vote in our pole.

[RandolfKlein]

I prefer the cleat hitch with a full turn around the cleat to secure a boat for a longer time. The OXO seems to come off too easily so that I would only use it if I tie of only for a short time and stay with the boat during that short time.

[lars-sp]

Thanks for sharing. These are some other points I’d like to share.

1) ease of execution for the inexperience

When I have guests on board, or inexperience crew, I show them OXO because it’s easy. But as soon as the boat is secure I’d always finally redo all of them into hitches.

2) increased versatility

The clear advantage of using the cleat hitch is that it needs less line.

Sometimes…
- the same cleat is used for 2 lines (fore/aft + spring).
- the the cleat is too small for lines to go around many times or the lines just happen to a bit too thick for the cleat.
- the lines used up to the last bits. Imagine you have only the last meter to cleat off.

In those situations, a hitch allows to apply in the most variety of situation being consistent in using one method.

3) quicker to make

The hitch requires 4 touches on each side of the horn:
1. First contact
2. Around
3. Across
4. Across with the hitch

The OXO requires 7 touches:
1. First contact
2. Around
3. Around
4. Across
5. Across
6. Around
7. Around

[nevillecottee]

During the era of natural fibre rope, a hitch on the horn of a cleat was certain to jam when the rope got wet.
When slippery synthetic ropes were invented, winch drums had to be roughed up or made with ribs, and braided rope became popular. That’s when people started putting hitches on the horns of cleats instead of more figure eights, and a huge variety of cleats became available.
I’ve watched deck hands on small freighters. They belay with figure eights, only. If a line slips, it’s because there isn’t enough figure eights on the cleat.

[kmgy]

In all of the OXO examples, the final O didn't seem to add anything to the end result. The O was loose and I noted that each time, the demonstration included some tidying operation to it. I was not convinced that it would stay.

On the other hand, the cleat hitch, despite the claim that it's difficult to remove, assures that the last bit of line is an integral part of the security. Where assurance that the line will stay put is vital (and what else is important when tying off?) I'll stay with the cleat.

[DavidLDFL]

If you tie the cleat hitch properly whether it be half or full, load doesn't matter because it will still come untied just as easily. I've tested it pretty extensively.

[albertomassi]

Trying to add something to this (presently and hopefully) calm debate... OXO works very well for me. I am also used to use cleat hitch method in someone's else boat as they prefer this, it is nice and works very well. OXO - and this is VERY important for single-handed sailors as I usually am - can be fastened with just one hand while the other one is busy somewhere else. Very, very useful. The final O of OXO usually nicely tightens up between the cleat itself and the underlying rope with absolutely no risk of a real jam, adding security to the knot. Last but not least, OXO can be easily taught to a newcomer fellow sailor with no risk of the "upside down final loop" that can happen trying to unproperly tie the cleat hitch, causing it to become insicure. Should I tie to a cleat for longer times with no people onto the boat, I would just add an additional half hitch to the OXO.

[Skyhawk-NON]

I love these vs videos that end in a tie.

[arkadybron]

I prefer a hybrid of the two. Super reliable and the best of both methods.

[unclebennyslife]

OXO seems like it can slide off if done incorrectly or not pulled tight enough, cleat hitch won't. I don't find it difficult to undo either...

[petersmaritimeskills]

I prefer the OXO every time. The last turn can be 'jammed' in under the previous turn, preventing it undoing itself. The biggest advantage of OXO v Hitch is that OXO can be tied and untied while keeping fingers 0.5m away from the action every time, thus preventing finger injuries.

[travisperry]

The hitch is good for halyards but for mooring you should do 3 figure eights and 2 half hitches for maximum security. Extra figure eights keep the half hitch from binding down.

[SoundzAlive]

The OXO is good but OXXO is the best method. Adding a hitch does nothing when you use this method except to tidy the end of the line. If you use the three quarter wrap then the force is not on the base but the horns and there is force on the hitch. I have never seen a hitch user add full wraps when tying up and I have see a few boats go adrift as they get use to one way and don't know or forget to make a more secure cleat. Fun fact is that all American knot books were written a very long time ago and considered the bible. They did not use modern double braided line then which performs very differently. André in Sydney

[billgiles]

I prefer the OXO as it is easier to teach. If the cleat is shared then a round turn and two half hitches means you leave the cleat largely free and you don’t get trapped under a wrap.

[GlebVS]

OXO seems prone to untie-ing under variable load. Is it?

[nevillecottee]

Motor boat operators love polished chrome. Grab rails and cleats should not be slippery. I presume you selected those particular cleats solely for the demonstration.

[llywelyn]

So the only reason not to oxo is youve rope is too short. Hmmm

[mattsalley]

Lubber apologetics. Could learn to tie a proper clear hitch in the time it takes to rationalize the "OXO."