Cam Cleats
High-performance boat cam cleats are essential for precise, efficient line management on any sailing vessel. Composed of two spring-loaded jaws featuring ridges or teeth, cam cleats firmly grip your running rigging under load. They allow you to secure mainsheets, jib sheets, vangs, and control lines on your boat with a simple downward flick.
Choosing the Right Cam Cleat for Your Boat
When selecting a cam cleat you need to consider several key points to ensure you make the right choice. Think about matching the hardware material to your sailing application, load requirements and line diameter.
Alloy & Aluminium Cam Cleats
Engineered for high-load applications and rapid line speeds. Alloy constructed ball-bearing cam cleats (such as the Harken Cam-Matic or Allen Alloy ranges) offer maximum durability and exceptional UV resistance. They are the ideal choice for highly tensioned rigs on competitive racing dinghies and yachts.
Composite & Carbo Cam Cleats
A great option if you are looking to shed weight or manage lower-load control lines. Composite or carbon-reinforced models (like the Harken Carbo-Cam or Ronstan C-Cleat) offer a cost-effective, lightweight alternative. These are highly popular for frequently adjusted, hand-held lines where ease of release is prioritised over sheer load capacity.
Essential Cam Cleat Accessories
Optimise your deck layout by pairing your hardware with specialised accessories. Use fairleads and pro-leads to guide ropes cleanly into the jaws from extreme angles. Install wedges and risers to adjust the mounting angle, ensuring an effortless release from anywhere in the cockpit.
