What is a cleat hitch?

• A. A knot used to join two lines.
• B. A knot used to secure a line around a post.
• C. A knot used to tie a line to a cleat.
• D. A secure way to tie a line to a cleat using a round turn and two half-hitches.

Answer: (D)

A cleat hitch is the standard way to fasten a line to a boat cleat, designed for a secure hold that’s easy to release. It works by wrapping the line around the cleat in a round turn to grab the horn and distribute the load, then locking it in place with two half-hitches in opposite directions. This combination—round turn plus two half-hitches—keeps the line from slipping under tension when the boat moves and makes it quick to undo when you want to let go.

Other descriptions describe knots that join lines, or simply secure around a post, or state tying to a cleat without specifying how. Those don’t capture the specific, reliable method that makes a cleat hitch both secure and easy to release, which is why this description is the best fit.