Let’s Talk About Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye is a deceptively simple piece of kit that solves a common problem on sailboats and other marine vessels. From Barton Marine, this handy little cleat offers a way to secure lines directly to your shrouds, eliminating the need for running lines back to the cockpit or other fixed cleats. It’s compact, lightweight, and designed to clamp onto the shroud wire without causing damage, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to streamline their rigging.
My sailboat, a vintage Pearson 30, is a constant work in progress. One of my ongoing challenges has been finding convenient and accessible locations to tie off various lines – fender lines, sail ties, or even a temporary boom preventer. The limited number of existing cleats always seemed to be in the wrong place or already occupied.
Upon receiving the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye, I was immediately struck by its simplicity and robust construction. The black finish gave it a sleek, professional look, and the clamping mechanism felt surprisingly secure. It was significantly lighter than I expected, a definite plus when considering weight aloft.
I considered a few alternatives before settling on the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye. Some options involved adding permanent cleats to the deck, which I wanted to avoid due to the hassle of drilling and potential for leaks. Others were more elaborate clamping systems that seemed overly complex and expensive for my needs.
My first impression was definitely positive. The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye appeared to be a well-designed, practical solution to a problem I’d been wrestling with for some time. I was excited to see how it would perform in real-world conditions.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye on a weekend sailing trip in the Chesapeake Bay. The conditions were mixed, with periods of light air interspersed with gusts up to 20 knots. I used the cleats to secure fender lines when docking and to temporarily tie off a preventer line to help stabilize the boom in the gusty conditions.
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye performed admirably in both situations. The clamping mechanism held securely to the shroud, even under the load of the preventer line. I did find that tightening the clamp took a bit of effort, but once in place, it stayed put.
Using the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye was straightforward. It took only a few seconds to attach and detach, and the integrated eye provided a secure attachment point for the lines. There were no initial surprises, and it seemed to perform exactly as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye continues to impress. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, from calm summer days to blustery autumn afternoons, and it has consistently held up well. The black finish shows no signs of fading or corrosion.
The only sign of wear is a slight marring of the shroud wire where the clamp is tightened, but this is minimal and doesn’t appear to affect the integrity of the wire. Maintenance is simple – a quick rinse with fresh water after each outing is all that’s needed. The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye is exceptionally easy to clean and requires almost no maintenance!
Compared to previous attempts at securing lines in convenient locations, the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye is a clear winner. It’s far more secure and reliable than improvised solutions like tying lines directly to stanchions or lifelines. It offers a simple, elegant, and effective way to add convenient attachment points where needed.
Breaking Down the Features of Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Barton Marine. This established company is known for producing reliable marine hardware.
- Length: 16 mm. The compact size keeps it unobtrusive.
- Color: Black. The black finish blends well with most rigging.
- Maximum Shroud Diameter: 8mm (5/16″). This is a crucial specification to ensure compatibility with your boat’s rigging.
These specifications matter because they determine the suitability of the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye for a particular application. The compact size ensures it doesn’t add unnecessary weight aloft, while the shroud diameter specification guarantees a secure fit. The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye’s compatibility with an 8mm shroud is crucial to prevent damage to the rigging and ensure a safe, secure hold.
Performance & Functionality
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye performs its job exceptionally well. It provides a secure and convenient attachment point for lines directly on the shroud. The clamp is strong enough to hold under moderate loads, making it suitable for fender lines, sail ties, and light-duty preventer lines.
The main strength is its simplicity and ease of use. The only potential weakness is that the clamping force may not be sufficient for extremely heavy loads. The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye exceeds expectations for a product of its size and price!
Design & Ergonomics
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye features a straightforward and functional design. The materials used appear to be high-quality and corrosion-resistant. The compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to handle and install.
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye is very user-friendly. There’s no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye should last for many years with proper care. The materials are resistant to corrosion, and the clamping mechanism is simple and robust. The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye is easily maintained, requiring only a rinse with fresh water after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye doesn’t come with any specific accessories, nor does it require any. The beauty of its design is its simplicity – it’s ready to use right out of the package. It is compatible with any type of rope or line that can be easily tied or spliced to the eye.
Pros and Cons of Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye
Pros
- Simple and easy to use. The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye’s design requires minimal effort.
- Secure clamping mechanism. Its secure design provides excellent stability.
- Durable and corrosion-resistant materials. Its rugged construction ensures longevity.
- Lightweight and compact design. The small size does not add unnecessary weight.
- Provides a convenient attachment point for lines. Increases efficiency and convenience.
Cons
- Clamping force may not be sufficient for extremely heavy loads. This may be a consideration for high-stress applications.
- Limited to shrouds with a maximum diameter of 8mm. This is important to verify before purchase.
Who Should Buy Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye?
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye is perfect for:
- Sailors looking for a convenient and non-permanent way to add attachment points to their shrouds.
- Boat owners who need to secure fender lines, sail ties, or light-duty preventer lines.
- Anyone who wants to streamline their rigging and reduce clutter on deck.
This product might not be ideal for:
- Boat owners who require attachment points for extremely heavy loads.
- Those with shrouds larger than 8mm in diameter.
A must-have modification would be to add a small tether to the cleat, preventing it from being dropped and lost while attaching or detaching it aloft.
Conclusion on Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye
The Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye is a well-designed and practical piece of hardware that solves a common problem for sailors. Its simplicity, durability, and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any boat. At a price of $18.99, the value proposition is excellent.
I would definitely recommend the Barton Marine Shroud Cleat w/Eye to anyone looking for a convenient and non-permanent way to add attachment points to their shrouds. If you need a simple, effective solution for securing lines on your boat, this is it. Add it to your cart today, and you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!