The downhaul/halyard cleat bolted in the mast luff track of my Hobie 16 broke this weekend. Would you replace it with a nylon or aluminium (or other) cleat?
the regular plastic should last a decade or so.. doesn't really matter much (imho)
1. Replace the whole deal with the class legal Harken multi-part system.
2. Aluminum. Plastic cleats have no place on a race boat.
You're welcome.
Both plastic and aluminum are subject to fatigue and failure. Beyond personal preference, it comes down to boat maintenance and an ongoing inspection process.... Bow to stern 🙂
MHO
Mark C
IMHO- there is no need to spend money on an upgraded downhaul here unless you have endless money you wish to burn, you will still want a cleat there for the halyard ... what do you do with that?
1. Replace the whole deal with the class legal Harken multi-part system.
2. Aluminum. Plastic cleats have no place on a race boat.
I went with the $2.69 nylon cleat from West Marine. I think MN3 is right, it should be good for a decade, I think I got almost two decades out of the last one.