Sea Sense Cleat 4.5" Hollow Base

A Sea Sense Cleat 4.5" Hollow Base is a marine-grade deck fitting built to handle the constant wet environment of saltwater boating. This chrome-plated Zamak cleat delivers the corrosion resistance you need for reliable line handling and tie-off security on deck, whether you're docking, anchoring, or managing sail hardware. The hollow base design reduces weight and material while maintaining solid functionality—a practical choice for boat owners who want dependable hardware without unnecessary bulk.

Chrome plating at 20 microns minimum thickness is the real workhorse here. That's a substantial protective layer that stands up to salt spray, UV exposure, and the constant splash and splash-dry cycle that breaks down lesser hardware. Zamak, a zinc-aluminum alloy, is a proven marine metal that resists corrosion far better than bare steel, and paired with chrome plating, it becomes genuinely low-maintenance over seasons of use.

Installation is straightforward: the open base allows you to secure it directly to deck, rail, or bulkhead with fasteners appropriate to your boat's material and location. Whether you're setting up a cruising boat, adding extra tie points to a center console, or rigging out a smaller sportfisher, a 4.5-inch cleat is a versatile size that fits most deck layouts and line work. Keep it clean with fresh water after saltwater use and it'll outlast neglected hardware by years.

Key Features

• Chrome-plated Zamak construction for superior saltwater corrosion resistance
• 20 micron minimum plating thickness for long-term durability
• Hollow base design reduces weight while maintaining strength
• Open base allows flexible mounting on deck, rail, or structure
• 4.5-inch size suits most boat layouts and standard line handling

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a 4.5-inch cleat work on my boat?

A 4.5-inch cleat is a mid-range size suitable for most recreational boats—from center consoles and fishing boats to small cruisers. Check your existing deck hardware or the manufacturer's guidance for your boat model. If you're adding cleats in new locations, make sure you have solid mounting substrate (fiberglass, aluminum, or wood) and room for fasteners underneath.

How does chrome plating protect against saltwater rust?

Chrome plating creates a hard, non-porous barrier that prevents salt water and oxygen from reaching the base metal. The 20 micron thickness on this cleat is substantial enough to withstand years of marine exposure without pitting or corrosion, provided you rinse it with fresh water regularly and keep it clean.

What fasteners do I need to install this cleat?

The facts provided don't include fastener specifications. Refer to the product manual or Sea Sense Marine's installation guide for the correct bolt or screw size, and use marine-grade stainless steel fasteners to avoid corrosion at the mounting points.

Is a hollow-base cleat as strong as a solid one?

The hollow base design reduces weight and material without compromising the strength needed for standard deck line handling and tie-off loads on recreational vessels. For specialized heavy-duty applications (tugboats, commercial fishing rigs), consult the manufacturer's load ratings.