December 10, 2020 3 min read
We sell two types of Harken Cleat in two different sizes at Sailing Chandlery.
In this article we are going to explain the difference between the two types of Harken cleat and also provide you with the vital statistics so you can choose the right cleat for you and your boat.
Harken cleats are made in two material variations, aluminium or a plastic carbo-matrix.
As you would imagine the aluminium cleats are harder wearing and they should be used for lines which are frequently adjusted or pulled through the cleat constantly. They also come with a higher working load so make sure you think about the load that will be put onto the cleat by the rope.
The carbo-matrix cleats won't last as long but have the advantage of being lightweight. If you're looking for weight gains on your boat and have lots of cleats this could save you quite a bit of weight.
There is one simple difference between the cleats which you can see from the top. The aluminium cleats have red centres, the carbo-matrix cleats have black centres.
If you have fairleads on the cleats and can't see the top then the other way is to look for the slight difference in colour. The aluminium cleats are a dark grey and the plastic cleats are solid black. Below are images where the two types of cleat are shown.
Two sizes are available for your cleats.
Here are the key statistics and specifications for the larger cleat size:
The product codes for the larger cleats are:
Here are the key statistics and specifications for the smaller cleat size:
The product codes for the smaller cleats are:
There are three main things that will help you with your decision on which cleat to buy:
If the holes are there already then check out the specifications of the cleats and work out which cleat is going to fit on top of the existing holes. Do make sure you think about the loads running through the cleat to pick the correct material.
If you're using a rope that's over 6mm you'll need to go for the larger size cleat as the smaller cleats won't support that size rope. The larger 150 and 365 cleats are used for mainsheet jammers, think of a Solo mainsheet cleat for example.
The smaller 468 and 471 are used for smaller systems such as control lines, think Solo dinghy side adjustments for outhaul, kicker and downhaul. In some instances the smaller cleats are also used for mainsheets, such as on the Laser where the 471 cleat is issued as standard with new boats.
In terms of load being supported by the cleats, here are the maximum working loads for each of the Harken cleats:
You can see that there is a 25% difference in the smaller cleats and a 33% difference in the larger cleats.
We hope this article has given you enough information to help with your decision. Our friendly team are here and are always happy to answer your questions if you want to bounce some ideas around of validate your thinking.
We can also support you with the fixings and accessories for your cleats.
Explore the full range of Harken cleats and accessories at Sailing Chandlery.
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we order some stainless beta pins, good price and very quick delivery.
Zhik described this range as medium waterproofness. Unsure what this means and whether I need a spare set of gear for stronger weather. Not convinced but it fits well and it’s a good make. Would be good to see a long term review
The Inglefield clip was invented by Lieutenant Edward Inglefield RN in the 1890s, it has been standard issue to British warships since 1895.
The idea was to make a reliable and fast way of assembling a hoist of signal flags, which they do very well.
I have had a long involvement with these clips, mostly for flags, but they have other uses, for example the West Lancashire Seabird One Design (a half rater) use the clips for their spinnaker halyard attachment to the sail, and I have seen a big version cut out of steel plate for a special job.
The standard clips are made from brass, these medium size nylon ones are clearly not as strong as brass, but they are good for small flags.
A further advantage is the avoidance of metallic stains on the bunting.
I don't think they would be strong enough for a big flag in windy conditions, but that isnt what i purchased them for.
Brilliant rope pack - thanks
Well made and arrived well within time frame really happy with the cover and service highly recommended
Many thanks to the team for advice on which products are in stock and which is most suitable.
This part fitted exactly.Excellent expert advice. Promptly delivered.
Regards Martin
Buoyancy aid arrived nice and quickly, and a nice little park of love heart sweets. Haven’t had chance to sail in it yet, but it’s a nice fit and great quality. Should be testing it out this Sunday.
Quick delivery, well made product and perfect for my purposes.
Goods as described. Arrived promptly. Everything as expected.
I bought the rope to replace rope for stage curtains at our village hall. It was speedily delivered in time for the panto and is smooth to use and does the job perfectly!
Great easy to use web shop, delivered on time exactly as described, will deffo use again
Finding it difficult to refuel & surprised how quick the fuel runs out
Came exactly as described --work well--delivered promptly
I haven’t used it yet but will be in a month or so on a trip up the east Greenland coast.
Service and delivery from Sailing Chandlery was excellent. Delivered when promised.
I had forgotten how much I love Sailing Chandlery. I think it's partly the sweets I get with my orders! Great service.