Stainless-Steel Boat Cleats vs. Brass Boat Cleats: Which Are Best?

A boat cleat is an essential piece of marine hardware that is called upon to do an important job. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to secure your vessel to a dock or mooring. However, many boat owners fail to pay attention to the condition or quality of their cleats until something goes wrong. Of course, one of the most frightening sights for any boat owner is their vessel floating away into open waters, and no one wants to get a call from the marina saying that their boat has come loose and sustained damage after a storm.

Just like it’s crucial to use strong ropes and lines to tie your boat to the dock, it’s also important to ensure that the cleats you have installed on your boat are up to the task. Cleats are manufactured from a variety of materials, including wood, nylon, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel.

Below, we’re taking a closer look at two common materials, stainless steel and brass, so you can make the best choice for your vessel.

Why Stainless Steel Is Superior

Although brass boat cleats have become increasingly popular in recent years, stainless-steel options remain the top choice of experienced boat owners who want to ensure their vessels are as secure as possible. Many also prefer the aesthetic appeal of stainless steel, which adds a sleek, modern touch to any boat.

Below are a few more reasons why stainless-steel boat cleats are an excellent choice:

1. No Corrosion

One of the most appealing aspects of using stainless-steel components in a marine environment is that the material is highly resistant to corrosion, and (with proper care) won’t leave you with weak, rusty cleats. Because corrosion can lead to breakage, it’s particularly important for any safety items used on your vessel to be able to withstand humid and wet conditions.

2. Superior Tensile Strength

Stainless steel provides better tensile strength than brass, aluminum, wood, and all other materials commonly used to craft marine cleats. This type of durability is crucial because when boats are tied up at the dock, their cleats are subject to near-constant pressure. For example, incoming and outgoing vessels can cause the docked boat to move around in its slip. As the lines stretch, pressure is put on the cleats, which can weaken over time if they’re made from inferior materials.

3. Easy to Clean

Not only does stainless steel look great, but it’s also extremely easy to clean. GemLux offers a Super Stainless Cleaner that can remove rust and other stains. To clean your stainless-steel boat products, all you have to do is brush the cleaner on, wait 45 minutes, and rinse it off.

Stainless Boat Cleats from GemLux

GemLux specializes in providing boat owners with high-quality stainless-steel marine accessories. We offer a variety of top-of-the-line boat cleats, including:

• The Cutting Edge Pull-Up – This option utilizes a state-of-the-art manufacturing process to ensure a flush fit, which provides a rattle-free experience for all marine environments. They can also be pushed down when not in use.
• Flat Cleats – Our flat cleats come in 11 sizes to meet any personal need or preference. Because they provide an even distribution of stress, they are excellent for tying up large, heavy vessels.
• Hollow Base Cleats – These cleats come in five sizes and are lightweight yet durable enough to keep boats of all sizes in place.
• Standard Cleats – Looking for a classic deck hardware option? Our standard cleats are strong, corrosion-resistant, and versatile enough for use under a variety of conditions.

Marine cleats come in several different sizes and designs, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep your boat secure when not in use. Whether you prefer recessed boat cleats, flush-mount boat cleats, flat boat cleats, or another style, choosing products make from stainless steel provides a higher level of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Interested in learning more about our stainless-steel boat cleats? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the GemLux team today!