One of the projects this winter is to install bow cleat(s). There is good backing along the king plank in the middle of the deck. If this option were chosen, only a single cleat would be installed. This is a good strong option – the windlass has already proven it’s strength under tow with a similar configuration. In this location, caps over the ends of the cleats would be put on when sailing.
With some effort, two cleats could be installed just inside the white covering board (see the thumbnails below). This option is very strong as two of the bolts would go right through the sheer clamp. The cleats are fairly out of the way in this location, but would want caps when sailing.
The strongest option of all would be to install a Samson post that is let into the stem at the bottom and braced forward as well.
