Attwood Boat Cleats: Flush vs Neat Cleat Sizes & Mounting

Attwood makes two different low-profile marine cleat styles: Flush Cleats that retract into a cast body, and Neat Cleats with two retracting stanchions. Their deck cutouts, installation depths and fastening arrangements are different. Compare the actual mounting layout and full manufacturer number before replacing a boat cleat.

Flush Cleat versus Neat Cleat mounting

Flush Cleat — recessed body Look for the cast recess and either countersunk fasteners or hidden mounting studs.
Neat Cleat — twin retracting posts Two retracting stanchions use a specific centre-to-centre spacing and need space beneath the deck.

Conceptual identification illustrations only; they are not scaled manufacturer drawings or drilling templates.

Deck thickness and drainage matter. Attwood Neat Cleat installations use drainage receptacles to direct water away from the post openings. Drain tubing is separate. Follow the correct model's mounting instructions and confirm reinforcement, sealing and access below deck.

Attwood boat cleat size and mounting chart

The Neat Cleat figures identify stanchion-centre spacing and the published installation depth. Flush Cleats use different mounting hardware; their nominal cleat length alone does not specify a replacement cutout.

Part number Style Size Mounting Stanchion centres Install depth
66510-7 Flush 4½ in Countersunk Check original fastener layout Model-specific
66514-7 Flush 6 in Countersunk Check original fastener layout Model-specific
66524-1 Flush 8 in Concealed studs Check original stud pattern Model-specific
66515-7 Neat 4½ in Two retractable stanchions 1¾ in 3⅛ in
66517-1 Neat 6 in Two retractable stanchions 2¼ in 3⅛ in
66517-7 Neat 6 in Two retractable stanchions 2¼ in 3⅛ in
66519-1 Neat 8 in Two retractable stanchions 2 13/16 in 3¾ in
66538-1 Neat 10 in Two retractable stanchions 3½ in 5¼ in

Neat Cleat measurements follow Attwood's dimensional catalog. The Flush Cleat's fastener position and recess must be confirmed from the exact original model and its installation instructions.

Five things to check before installing a marine cleat

  1. Determine whether you are replacing a flush recessed body or a two-post retractable Neat Cleat.
  2. Measure the overall cleat length and width, then check the pattern and space underneath the deck.
  3. For Neat Cleat models, compare the stanchion centres: 1¾ in (4½-inch), 2¼ in (six-inch), 2 13/16 in (eight-inch) or 3½ in (ten-inch).
  4. Check mounting hardware. Attwood's countersunk Flush Cleats require separate fasteners; the listed stud-mounted flush model uses hidden mounting hardware.
  5. Use an appropriate structural backing arrangement and water sealing. Neat Cleats are intended for recreational line securing, not towing or lifting a watercraft.
Use the cleat for its intended purpose. Cleat size alone does not establish a safe working load. Do not use a Neat Cleat for lifting or towing a watercraft. Confirm deck strength, backing and the manufacturer's intended application.

Compare Attwood marine cleats with catalog photographs

These links open the corresponding products in NewRVParts. Match the mounting geometry before choosing one for your deck.

Recessed Flush Cleats

Two countersunk models and one stud-mounted model are shown. The mounting hardware is not interchangeable across types.

Two-post retractable Neat Cleats

The two six-inch entries are the manufacturer bulk and retail packaging versions of the same size and centre-spacing arrangement.

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