Swim Platform Cleats

[rpmerrill]

I realize the swim platform cleats are pretty good sized and the swim platform seems solid. However, I have been using the transom area cleats for my stern dock lines. With criss-crossed lines the swim platform becomes a real obstacle course. Can anyone out there give me some words of assurance that the swim platform cleats will be ok for daily use. (except maybe during heavy storms) If Alice "crashes" getting on or off the boat, that would quickly end my short boating career.
Help !

 

[knotflying]

I have used the swim platform cleats on several occasions when I needed that extra reach when toeing to a dock. Never had an issue. In heavy winds I would rely more on the stern ties.

 

[SnugTug]

I use the swim platform cleats crisscrossed and never had any issues. We had a stretch of high winds at end of last season and I added extra lines on port and starboard transom cleats. If you want to take some load off of the swim platform cleats you can add line snubbers to give a little stretch.

I'm in a fixed dock, so having the lines lower on the platform cleats is a better mid-point for tides changes.

 

[Connerkip]

I used the swim platform cleats everyday in a marina in Annapolis. Crisscrossed stern tie, with port stern spring line,and two bow lines. I have not had any problems. For pending rough wether I switched the lines to the stern cleats.

 

[Bruce Moore]

We rely on the stern cleat for a solid stern breast tie. But we often use the swim step cleat to keep the boat close to the dock for easy/secure boarding, dock cleat placement allowing.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[coreychamness]

I used the swim platform cleats for crossing lines at stern a few times and I think it led to a loosening of the swim platform. I need to remember to figure out how/where to tighten before I take the boat out for the spring. Does anyone know how the platform is fastened to the stern?

Corey

 

[Spinner]

I use the swim platform cleats for tying dinghy, kayak, etc when they are in the water. I have sometimes used those cleats for pulling the stern in closer for ease of boarding. However, those really are small cleats, and so I never use them for a primary tie to the dock.