If you've got 2 x6 boards which surround the edge of the dock,
couldn't you just mount cleats to those boards, which are in a
vertical orientation? In other words, you'd be mounting the cleats to
the SIDE ("edge") of the dock. They would not be on a walking deck
surface, so no stubbed toes. You'd probably then have to surround
these cleats with buoys or vinyl "bumpers" so that you don't damage
your boat on them, but many people do that anyway and it's not a bad
idea....


Thanks - I hadn't thought of that approach, and will certainly consider
it. In my case it would involve routing 'cleat recesses' in the 2x6
boards which surround the edge of the dock and mounting the cleats to
the 8x12 beams underneath. I can see that looking quite attractive - but
the recesses would accumulate ice and snow and likely become unusable in
fall.

As far as strength, don't attach cleats with wood screws. Use the thickest
bolts that'll fit the cleats properly, and back the wood with big washers,
or even a plate of metal. Most home centers sell bars of steel that aren't
so hard to cut. I just saw some at Home Depot. Be sure not to buy toy
cleats - the kind that don't fit any rope a smart person would ever use. If
a cleat won't accept 1/2" rope, it's nonsense.