If the original boat cleat is missing or jammed, the shape of the remaining deck fitting is your best clue. An Attwood Flush Cleat has a recessed cast body; a Neat Cleat raises on two posts. This guide helps identify the existing style from its hardware pattern, size and available room below deck.

Which retracting cleat type is on the boat?

Flush Cleat — recessed body A broad recessed body remains on the deck with either visible countersunk screws or concealed studs.
Neat Cleat — twin retracting posts Measure between the two stanchion centres and check the under-deck cavity.

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

Check below deck before drilling. 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.

Identify the original mounting without guesswork

  1. Photograph the top fitting and, if accessible, the underside hardware before removing anything.
  2. Count the deck openings, compare screws against concealed studs, and measure the post centres if the cleat raises on two shafts.
  3. Measure below-deck clearance and whether drainage receptacles or hoses are present.
  4. Distinguish the six-inch 66517 bulk and retail packaging versions from the differently mounted six-inch Flush Cleat.
  5. Confirm the complete MPN, backing support and the proper manufacturer mounting instructions; do not drill holes based on the size name alone.
Load information must be verified. 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.

Reference Attwood cleats by size and mounting points

An eight-inch cleat is not necessarily a drop-in replacement for another eight-inch cleat. The two mounting designs below require different deck preparation.

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.

Look up the exact replacement cleat

Follow the exact part number to review its listing and current availability. Product photos help compare the mounting body with the original part.

Recognize cast-body Flush Cleats

These three recessed models have different lengths and fastening arrangements; compare the underside first.

Compare retracting Neat Cleat sizes

For Neat Cleat replacements, the post centre distance is more informative than the overall cleat length alone.

Check individual UsedRVParts listings for condition and availability. In-person viewing and pickup are by appointment in Kelowna.

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