316 Stainless Steel Boat Folding Cleat 5 in - Flip Up Dock Cleat

In this review of the 316 Stainless Steel Boat Folding Cleat 5 in, the bottom line is simple: it is a heavy-duty, saltwater-capable folding cleat best suited for boat owners and dock builders who want a low-profile, durable mooring point. The reviewer found the cleat's 316 stainless steel construction and polished finish to be the single biggest reason to buy, since that material resists corrosion and keeps the cleat looking good season after season. Installation is straightforward and the flip-up design removes a common tripping hazard while still providing secure holding power for dock lines.

Key Features

• 316 stainless steel construction: Offers high corrosion resistance in saltwater so the cleat stays functional and attractive over many seasons.
• Fold-up design: The cleat folds down flat when not in use to reduce tripping hazards and protect swimmers and divers.
• Polished finish and craftsmanship: A mirror-like surface and smooth edges enhance deck appearance and avoid cutting rope or bare feet.
• Included fasteners: Comes with stainless steel bolts, nuts and screws so most users can mount without buying extra hardware.
• Compact footprint: The 5 in overall length and back panel design let the cleat mount on limited deck or gunwale space while remaining stable under load.

Who It's For

This cleat is ideal for boat and yacht owners, kayak users and dock installers who need a compact, attractive and corrosion-resistant mooring solution. The folding feature suits locations where a low profile is important, such as swim platforms, small docks and crowded decks.

Those who need very long bolts for thick decking or custom through-bolt installations should double-check bolt length before assuming the supplied hardware will work; some users reported mixed fit for deeper mounting. If you require an extra-large cleat for heavy commercial mooring, consider a larger fixed cleat designed for higher line loads.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality and polished appearance that matches modern boats and decks.
• 316 stainless material performs well in saltwater and reduces long-term corrosion concerns.
• Fold-down design eliminates a tripping hazard and protects swimmers.
• Hardware included for straightforward surface mounting without special cut-outs.

Cons

• Some buyers reported the supplied bolt and screw lengths were too short for thicker decks, so check mounting depth before installing.

Specifications

Material	316 stainless steel
Overall length	5 in
Total width	1-3/4 in
Raised height	1-1/2 in
Folded height	3-5/8 in
Bolt hole spacing	2-3/4 in center to center
Hardware included	Stainless steel bolts, nuts and screws

Our Verdict

The 316 Stainless Steel Boat Folding Cleat 5 in is a well-made, attractive folding cleat that delivers reliable corrosion resistance and sensible design for most recreational boats and docks. It is good value for owners who want a low-profile, durable mooring point, though anyone mounting into thick decking should confirm bolt length or supply longer fasteners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cleat resist saltwater corrosion?
Yes. The cleat is cast from 316 stainless steel and polished to improve resistance to corrosion in marine environments.

Is mounting hardware included?
Yes. The package includes stainless steel bolts, nuts and screws for surface mounting without the need for additional fasteners in most installations.

Will it fold flat when not in use?
Yes. The flip-up design folds down to reduce tripping hazards and protect swimmers, and it flips up quickly when you need to tie off.