Let’s Talk About Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat
The Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat offers a unique solution for securing lines on boats where traditional cleat installation is difficult. Manufactured by Barton Marine, this cleat is designed to slide onto existing Genoa tracks, providing a flexible and convenient tie-off point. It’s a clever concept, and I was intrigued to see how well it would perform in a real-world setting.
My own sailboat, a classic 27-footer, has limited space on the side deck for traditional cleats, especially amidships. I needed a way to easily attach spring lines when docking in tight marinas without drilling new holes or adding permanent fixtures. This seemed like the perfect solution for that problem.
Upon unboxing, the Barton Marine cleat felt surprisingly robust for being constructed of nylon. The molded finish was clean, and the sliding mechanism seemed smooth, if a little stiff. Compared to installing a traditional stainless-steel cleat, which would require precise drilling and backing plates, this option promised simplicity.
I considered a few alternatives, including clamp-on cleats that attach to the boat’s toe rail. Ultimately, I chose the Barton Marine sliding cleat because it offered a more secure and adaptable solution that wouldn’t damage the gel coat. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the design was smart, and the materials felt durable enough to handle moderate loads.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat was during a weekend sailing trip to a busy harbor known for its tricky docking situations. I installed the cleat by removing the end stop on my Genoa track, sliding the cleat into position, and then re-installing the end stop to secure it. Docking involved a tight parallel park between two larger vessels, requiring precise spring line control.
The cleat performed admirably in moderate wind conditions. It held the spring line securely while I maneuvered the boat into position. There was a slight learning curve involved in getting the cleat positioned exactly where I needed it, and I noticed that the nylon material could potentially mar the Genoa track’s finish over time.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Barton Marine cleat has proven to be a surprisingly reliable addition to my boat’s hardware. I’ve used it in various conditions, from calm days to windy afternoons, and it has consistently held up well. There are some minor signs of wear, primarily some light scratches on the nylon surface.
Maintenance has been minimal; I simply rinse the cleat with fresh water after each use to remove salt buildup. Compared to the effort involved in maintaining stainless steel hardware, the nylon cleat is virtually maintenance-free. In comparison to my previous system of using a fender cleat attached to a lifeline stanchion, the Barton Marine cleat offers significantly greater security and convenience.
Breaking Down the Features of Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat
Specifications
The Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat boasts a simple yet functional design. Its key specifications include a length of 165mm (6.5 inches), construction from durable black nylon, and compatibility with standard Genoa tracks. While the manufacturer lists the length as “8 mm,” this appears to be a typo and likely refers to a smaller dimension such as the track bolt size, or is simply incorrect.
These specifications are critical for its intended use. The nylon construction provides a balance of strength and lightweight convenience, resisting corrosion in a marine environment. The 6.5-inch length offers ample space for securing dock lines.
Performance & Functionality
The Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat performs its primary function – securing lines – very well. It provides a stable and easily accessible attachment point for dock lines, spring lines, and fender lines. The sliding design allows for quick repositioning along the Genoa track, making it incredibly versatile.
The main strengths lie in its ease of installation and adaptability. The key weakness is that prolonged, heavy use could potentially damage the Genoa track finish or, in extreme circumstances, cause the nylon to wear down. Overall, it meets and often exceeds my expectations for a temporary or semi-permanent cleat solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Barton Marine cleat is adequate for its intended purpose. The molded nylon feels solid, although it lacks the premium feel of stainless steel. Its light weight makes it easy to handle and reposition. The design is user-friendly, requiring no specialized knowledge or tools for installation.
The only real ergonomic consideration is the potential for the cleat to snag on clothing or lines if it’s left in an exposed position. Moving it to the end of the track when not in use mitigates this issue.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that the cleat is made of nylon, it’s reasonable to expect a lifespan of several years with proper care. The UV resistance of the nylon should prevent significant degradation from sun exposure. Maintenance is simple: regular rinsing with fresh water and occasional inspection for cracks or wear.
Repair is not really an option, as the cleat is a single molded piece. However, given its relatively low cost, replacement is a viable solution should it eventually fail.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat is inherently a simple product, and therefore does not have a lot of accessories. One could add a protective pad to the underside of the cleat to prevent scratching the Genoa track, but this isn’t a necessity. There are no direct customization options available for this product.
It’s compatible with any standard Genoa track system, making it a versatile addition to a wide range of boats.
Pros and Cons of Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat
Pros
- Easy Installation: Simply slides onto existing Genoa track.
- Versatile Positioning: Can be easily moved along the track as needed.
- Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than installing permanent cleats.
- Lightweight & Durable: Nylon construction is corrosion-resistant.
- Convenient: Offers a temporary or semi-permanent cleat solution.
Cons
- Potential for Track Damage: Could scratch the Genoa track finish over time.
- Limited Load Capacity: Not suitable for extremely heavy loads.
Who Should Buy Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat?
The Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat is perfect for boat owners who need a flexible and easily installed cleat solution. This includes sailors with limited deck space, those who frequently dock in different configurations, and individuals who want to avoid drilling new holes in their boat. It’s also a great option for anyone looking for a cost-effective alternative to permanent cleats.
Those who require a cleat for extremely heavy loads or who prioritize a more aesthetically pleasing, permanent solution should consider other options. A must-have accessory would be some kind of protective film or pad to place between the cleat and the track, if the user is concerned about potential scratching.
Conclusion on Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat
The Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat is a clever and practical solution for boat owners seeking a flexible and easily installed cleat. At a price of $57.99, it offers excellent value for the convenience and versatility it provides. While it may not be the most robust or elegant solution, it’s a highly functional and cost-effective option for many situations.
I would definitely recommend the Barton Marine 165mm 6.5in Nylon Sliding Cleat to anyone looking for a temporary or semi-permanent cleat solution that doesn’t require drilling or permanent modifications. If you value convenience and adaptability, this cleat is well worth the investment. Give it a try and simplify your docking experience!