A Perfect Cleat Hitch

Demonstration of procedures needed to tie a proper cleat hitch, and a review of common errors made when tying a cleat hitch, as generally applicable to small to mid-sized recreational vessels, but not applicable to larger commercial vessels and ships.

[patrickbaynes]

Hey guys, this is a great instruction video that is clearly labeled. All the criticism is uncalled for. He didn’t label the video, how to tie off a 15000 ton barge. This is a specific type tie off. If you do it differently, it’s called a different knot.
The video is well done, clear and helpful. Thanks for sharing.

[wally]

When I found this video I wondered how it was going to take over 10mins to teach a cleat hitch. I watched every minute.

[Arariel]

"If you can't tie a knot, tie a lot." Absolutely beautiful! Thanks.

[tainak]

This is above par for teaching knots... Your slow/steady easy to understand talking, and repeating. and showing whats right and whats not right, and showing from different angles...

Great explanation!!

[peterpostma]

I could not imagine it could take 10 minutes to explain this very simple thing, but every minute was valuable. Thanks!

[maurolawall]

Thank you! I love when people not only teach the correct way, but also show the incorrect ways. This helps a lot understanding the subject.

[markuswelly]

Tom, excellent demonstration on how to tie a perfect cleat hitch. I'm practicing the process from all angles using my girlfriend as the cleat. It works really well.

[cathyreedy]

Thank you, I’ve been boating for 20+ years and I have tied some interesting knots on the cleats. Can’t wait to show my husband what I can do since watching your video.

[kanamasai]

I really appreciate that you explained the REASON why each action (step) is taken. It is much easier to remember when the reason is clear.

[lectro]

I have responded before on this.
But this is my go to video when I think I need a re-fresher.
I seldom get to go out.
But when my Restoration is finished, this is the method I will use until it proves unfit.
Thank you again, and again.

[johnm]

I know this video is 3 years old, but if I had teachers and professor's that were half as patient and taught, so the information will stay with you. God knows what I could've accomplished in this life.
I'm not afraid to admit, that all these years I started on the wrong side every time. Right now actually the boat and ski are sitting there, tied off incorrectly.
I've actually passed that bad information on. Thinking 30 years makes me an expert by default.
What a fantastic video. Simple and yet I know those lessons will stay with me forever.
Thank you so very much!
John M.

[SVBAPAT]

This is by far the best video. Most other videos explain how and what of a particular knot. This explains "why". Its easy to remember now what a cleat hitch is after watching this video.

[umangu]

Beautifully explained. I wish every teacher I ever had was as methodical and detailed as you!

[rover]

After watching this great video instruction, i kept hearing "flip AWAY from the entering line". Will never ever forget this. Thanks!

[dmitriyteslenko]

Thank you so much for not only showing the right way to do it, but also detailing the mistakes, showing exactly why you shouldn't do it that way!

[chrisseymour]

Thank you for a great video. I used it to teach a friend the cleat hitch for mooring. I've been sailing for more years than half of the citicisers on here have been breathing. I was taught ropework by the RNLI. I would ignore fools that criticise this video because it is perfect for its intended use!

[conniec]

Excellent how-to video with clear examples, slow and repetitive demonstrations that teach a clear step-by-step reason for doing it the right way. Now I realize what I've been doing wrong and why it looked right, but may not have been correct. Thank you!!

[ushi]

This is one of the best explanations on YouTube, how to fix a rope to a cleat. I'm a german sailing and powerboat instructor and we teach it the same way.
Recommendation: If you expect heavy loads (wind), use 2 locking hitches.
Some of the comments prefer the british way of tying to a cleat. They call it OXO method. The british sailers don't use a locking hitch, they just go around the cleat twice. One at the beginning, and one at the end. In the middle they use 2 half hitches.
I prefer your method. ;-)
Thx for the video, greatings from germany

[craigbarnett]

Absolutely the best instruction on how to tie the cleat hitch correctly. Thank you!

[frankluzzi]

I have to say, in addition to doing a terrific job of explaining the reason for the knot's design you also demonstrate it beautifully. I am fairly new to boating and I have been trying to follow other videos demonstrating knots and they go so quickly I just end up feeling confused. You make it straight forward. Excellent job! I thank you.