Boat is on the coast. Making some docklines, looking for size of bow & stern cleats on Adventure 208 so I can make eye splices correct size. Thanks in advance.
Cleat size Adventure 208
- Thread starter Sapelo20
- Start date
Cleat size doesn't really matter in terms of eye size for the line. The eye can be longer with no effect on holding power. Besides, making it too small can only make it more difficult to put on/off. Don't overthink this one 
Thanks Dennis, I understand that the size of the eye does not affect holding. Not overthinking - keeping it simple. Since we splice our own, I like to make them sized to the boat cleat. If oversized, there is a greater chance of them slipping off - especially when the boat shifts with tide or wake.
I know some prefer to put the eye on the dock cleat and adjust the length at the boat end. We often dock short handed so I prefer to adjust at dock end.
I know some prefer to put the eye on the dock cleat and adjust the length at the boat end. We often dock short handed so I prefer to adjust at dock end.
I think the cleats are 6 inch. I am not near the boat at the moment.
Note that the loop's inside opening doesn't have to be equal or greater than the cleat length in theory. It has to be as long as the distance from one end to the far side of the base plus 2diameters of rope
My point is that a 6 inch+ loop will work on an 8 inch cleat.
That said make the loop longer, it will be easier to tie up. 3/8 inch rope is the correct size for the 208 cleats and bigger is not necessarily better.Finally, even a really big loop will not come off if it is passed through the open base of the cleat first and then looped around the wings.
Note that the loop's inside opening doesn't have to be equal or greater than the cleat length in theory. It has to be as long as the distance from one end to the far side of the base plus 2diameters of rope
My point is that a 6 inch+ loop will work on an 8 inch cleat.
That said make the loop longer, it will be easier to tie up. 3/8 inch rope is the correct size for the 208 cleats and bigger is not necessarily better.Finally, even a really big loop will not come off if it is passed through the open base of the cleat first and then looped around the wings.
There is no chance of a larger loop slipping off. Not gonna happen. Not ever. The only way it slips off is if someone doesn't put the loop over both horns after pulling through the center. Now, if you're just quickly lasso'ing the loop over the horns... then yes, but that's user error. 
I have made, literally, well over 1,000 splices (some for fun, many for work) and I have never actually measured. But I'd say between 8" and 12" seems about right.
But, yes, we ARE overthinking that... we already have 4 posts on a subject that really doesn't need to be discussed. FYI, don't take any offense to that - I mean that in a "jesting" way
I have made, literally, well over 1,000 splices (some for fun, many for work) and I have never actually measured. But I'd say between 8" and 12" seems about right.
But, yes, we ARE overthinking that... we already have 4 posts on a subject that really doesn't need to be discussed. FYI, don't take any offense to that - I mean that in a "jesting" way
PointedRose
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I kind of enjoy splicing lines.
Sapelo, just use some electrical tape to measure what feels right to you and get after it. I make a couple that fit ‘just right’ with the bow cleat at the distance I want, then stern and spring lines from midship are adjustable with the dock finger cleats. I keep a few extra lines on board so I leave the usual lines at the dock.
Sapelo, just use some electrical tape to measure what feels right to you and get after it. I make a couple that fit ‘just right’ with the bow cleat at the distance I want, then stern and spring lines from midship are adjustable with the dock finger cleats. I keep a few extra lines on board so I leave the usual lines at the dock.