If you've ever walked past a marina or docked a boat, you've probably noticed all kinds of equipment—lines, ropes, and metal fittings sticking out of decks and piers. Two common ones you'll often see are bollards and cleats. They both serve a similar purpose—to secure boats—but they're not quite the same thing.
So, what's the difference between bollards and cleats on a boat? And how do mooring bollards come into play? Let's break it down in simple terms.
A cleat is a small, often T-shaped metal or plastic fitting found on boats and docks. It's specifically designed to secure ropes (also called lines in the nautical world). You'll usually see them on the edge of a boat's deck or along a dock.
Typically T- or horn-shaped
Used for tying off smaller boats
Installed on both boats and docks
Great for quick rope adjustments
Think of a cleat like a coat hook for ropes—it gives you a sturdy place to wrap a line securely in a figure-eight pattern.
A bollard is a heavy-duty post used primarily for mooring larger vessels. While cleats are often found on boats, mooring bollards are mostly fixed to docks, piers, or wharves. They can withstand much greater forces, making them ideal for industrial and commercial shipping operations.
Heavy, cylindrical or mushroom-shaped
Usually made of cast iron or steel
Designed for securing large ships
Typically installed on docks or wharves
Unlike cleats, mooring bollards don't have "horns" for wrapping lines around. Instead, lines are looped around the base or stem of the bollard itself.
| Feature | Cleat | Bollard |
Shape | T- or horn-shaped | Cylindrical or mushroom-like |
Material | Metal or plastic | Cast iron or steel |
Used on | Boats and small docks | Piers, docks, and wharves |
Boat size | Small to medium boats | Large ships and commercial vessels |
Strength | Moderate | High – heavy-duty |
You'll typically spot mooring bollards in:
Commercial ports where large vessels dock
Shipping terminals handling heavy cargo ships
Marinas that accommodate yachts or superyachts
They come in various styles too—single bitt bollards, double bitt bollards, T-head bollards, and more—each designed for different load conditions and mooring requirements.
The decision really comes down to the size of the vessel and the mooring situation:
If you're tying off a small recreational boat at a marina, cleats are more than enough.
If you're docking a large vessel or ship, you'll need to use mooring bollards to handle the higher loads and tension.
Let's go a bit deeper into the types of mooring bollards you might encounter:
These have a crossbar at the top and allow for multiple mooring line connections. They're common in heavy-duty ports.
Two posts joined at the base—ideal for controlling multiple lines or heavy loads.
These are more compact but offer high strength. Perfect for tight spaces.
A simple vertical post, most often seen on older docks.
Each type of mooring bollard has specific benefits depending on tidal movements, vessel size, and wind load.
Yes, but it's rare. Some large ships may have bollard-style fittings onboard to handle their own heavy-duty lines. However, most smaller boats rely on cleats.
To a cleat: Use a figure-eight wrap with a locking hitch at the end. It's quick and secure.
To a bollard: Make several full loops around the base. No need for intricate knots; friction does most of the work here.
Remember: mooring bollards are made to hold the load, so the technique is more about stability than speed.
To sum it all up:
Cleats are great for smaller boats and flexible line handling.
Mooring bollards are the go-to for heavy-duty vessel mooring.
The right choice depends on the vessel size, dock conditions, and safety requirements.
Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just curious about maritime gear, understanding the difference between cleats and mooring bollards is key. It's a classic example of how function shapes design—one built for convenience, the other for brute strength.
Next time you're at the harbor, take a look around. Spotting a cleat vs. a mooring bollard might just make you feel a bit more like a pro.
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