For dinghy sailors, having reliable deck hardware is essential. A well-chosen cleat keeps your lines secure, allows smooth adjustments, and can even enhance your sailing performance. Among the most trusted options, Harken cleats stand out for their durability, precision, and ease of use.

At Sailing Chandlery, we stock a wide range of Harken cam cleats, including cam cleats suitable for everything from small control lines to mainsheets on performance dinghies. In this guide, we’ll explain the two main cleat sizes, the types available, their measurements, and the accessories that can optimise your sailing setup

Harken has been a leader in sailing hardware for decades. Their cleats are engineered for performance and reliability, making them perfect for dinghy sailors who demand the best from their equipment.

Key benefits of Harken cleats include:

• Durability: Aluminium or Carbo-Matrix construction ensures long-lasting performance.

• Smooth operation: Designed for easy cleating and releasing under tension.

• Lightweight: Ideal for competitive dinghies where every gram counts.

• Precision: Helps you control your lines accurately, improving boat handling.

Harken cam cleats for dinghies generally come in two primary sizes: Small and Medium. Selecting the right size is crucial to ensure your lines fit securely without slipping and that adjustments are smooth.

Small cam cleats are designed for lighter lines and control lines such as halyards, outhauls, or fine-tuning lines on smaller dinghies like Laser Pico, Optimist, or ILCA 4.

Example Product: Harken Micro Cam-Matic Cleat 468

Features:

• Line diameter : 2–6mm

• Dimensions : 22mm height × 48mm length × 24mm width

• Lightweight aluminium construction

• Ball-bearing cams for smooth operation

Use Case: Small cleats are ideal for control lines that require frequent, precise adjustments. Their compact size keeps the deck uncluttered while offering a reliable grip.

Medium cam cleats are designed for heavier lines, such as mainsheets, spinnaker sheets, or larger control lines on dinghies like ILCA 7, 420, or SB20.

Example Product: Harken Standard Cam-Matic Cleat 150

Features:

• Line diameter : 3–12mm

• Dimensions : 30mm height × 65mm length × 32mm width

• Robust aluminium construction for high-load applications

Use Case: Medium cleats are perfect for lines that experience higher tension. They provide easy engagement and secure holding power, even under heavy loads or choppy conditions

Harken cam cleats come in two main types:

1. Standard Cam Cleats
2. Carbo - Cam Cleats

Standard cam cleats are made from aluminium and deck-mounted cleats used for most control and mainsheet lines.

Key Features:

• Screws directly onto the deck

• Low profile design to avoid tripping or snagging

• Smooth cam grooves for reliable line holding

• Available in both small and medium sizes

Best For: Mainsheets, jib sheets, halyards, and other lines that need secure but easily adjustable tension

Carbo-Cam cleats use Harken’s lightweight Carbo-Matrix material. They are stronger and lighter than traditional aluminium cleats, ideal for competitive racing dinghies.

Key Features:

• Reduced weight without sacrificing strength

• Suitable for lines 3–10mm in diameter

• Smooth cam action ensures precise control

• Available in small and medium sizes

Best For: Racing dinghies where reducing weight is critical, but reliability cannot be compromised

Using the right accessories with your cam cleats can improve performance, make handling easier, and extend the cleats’ lifespan.

1. Cleat Covers

• Protects the cleat when not in use

• Prevents accidental snagging of lines or clothing

• Increases the longevity of the cleat

2. Mounting Kits

• Include stainless steel screws and backing plates

• Ensure secure installation on the deck

• Prevent deck damage under high tension

3. Fairleads

• Guides lines into the cleat without twisting or tangling

• Ensures smooth adjustment at angles up to 90°

• Often paired with Micro Cam Cleats for tight deck space

4. Line Guides and Blocks

• Reduce friction and wear on ropes

• Route lines efficiently to the cleat

• Allow precise adjustments under load

Here are some of the popular Harken cam cleats we stock:

• Harken Micro Cam-Matic Cleat 468– Small, lightweight, ideal for control lines.

• Harken Standard Cam-Matic Cleat 150 – Medium, versatile, suitable for mainsheets.

• Harken Standard Carbo-Cam Cleat 365 – Medium, lightweight racing cleat.

• Harken SB20 Carbo Cam Cleat Plastic – Medium, designed specifically for SB20 lines.

• Harken Micro Cam-Matic Cleat & Fairlead Kit 470 – Small, includes fairlead for angled line routing.

By matching cleat size, type, and accessory to your sailing needs, you can create a deck layout that is both efficient and high-performing

Installation Tips:

• Choose a location with a clean line run to the cleat.

• Drill pilot holes to prevent deck splitting.

• Use backing plates for extra strength on high-load lines.

• Secure with stainless steel screws to resist corrosion.

Maintenance Tips:

• Rinse with fresh water after sailing to remove salt and grit.

• Check screws and backing plates regularly.

• Inspect cam grooves for wear and replace cleats if necessary.

• Lightly lubricate moving parts if cams become stiff.

Proper installation and maintenance ensure long-lasting performance and safety

Harken cam cleats are a must-have for any dinghy sailor, whether you’re cruising or racing. Understanding the two main sizes , types, and accessories allows you to select the right cleat for your boat. By investing in quality hardware and maintaining it properly, you’ll enjoy smoother adjustments, safer sailing, and better overall performance.

With the range of Harken cam cleats at Sailing Chandlery, you can outfit your dinghy confidently, knowing you have durable, high-performing gear designed for your needs. From small control lines to heavy mainsheets, there’s a cleat to suit every situation

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