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Allen cam cleats are fitted to dinghies and keelboats around the world, and like Allen blocks they are designed and made in Essex. They hold a rope securely and release it the moment you need to ease.
Choose from small and medium cam cleats to suit your rope diameter. Allenite cleats are light and cost effective for most control ropes and sheets, while aluminium ball bearing cleats are built for higher loads and heavy use.
To complete the installation we stock Allen fairleads, wire fairleads and the Mega Pro-Lead to guide the rope into the jaws, plus cleat lifters to set the right cleating angle. Servicing kits keep older cleats working smoothly.
Looking for blocks to match? Explore our Allen Blocks page, or see all Sailing Cleats.
Some frequently asked questions that other customers have asked us about Allen Cleats.
What is the difference between Allenite and aluminium Allen cam cleats?
Allenite cam cleats use Allen's own composite material for the cams, which keeps them light and makes them a cost effective choice for most dinghy control ropes and sheets. Aluminium cam cleats have metal cams running on ball bearings, so they resist wear better and suit higher loads and heavy use. Both types are available in small and medium sizes.
What size Allen cam cleat do I need?
Choose your Allen cam cleat by rope diameter. The small cam cleat suits thinner control ropes, such as kicker, cunningham and outhaul systems, while the medium cam cleat suits thicker ropes such as mainsheets and jib sheets. Check the rope range on each product page, as a rope that is too thin won't hold and one that is too thick won't seat properly.
What does a fairlead do on a cam cleat?
A fairlead fits to the front of a cam cleat and guides the rope into the jaws, so it cleats cleanly even when pulled from an angle. It also keeps the rope captive, ready to hand when you need it. Allen offers standard fairleads, low profile wire fairleads and the Mega Pro-Lead for ropes that are led from wide angles.
Can you service an Allen cam cleat?
Yes, Allen cam cleats can be serviced instead of replaced. Allen servicing kits are available for the small and medium cleats in both Allenite and aluminium versions, so you can restore a cleat that has become stiff or lost its spring. Rinsing cleats with fresh water after sailing helps keep salt and sand out of the mechanism.
What is a cleat lifter used for?
A cleat lifter is a spacer that sits under a cam cleat to raise it off the deck. Lifting the cleat changes the angle at which the rope enters the jaws, which makes it easier to cleat and release from your sailing position. The Allen cleat lifter raises the cleat by 22mm and can be stacked or trimmed to suit.
