Ronstan Sailing Hardware

Beyond blocks, a sailboat runs on a lot of small, hardworking hardware, and Ronstan builds it to last in a saltwater environment. This collection covers cam cleats, fairleads, padeyes, deck organizers, boom hardware, and trapeze gear. Choosing right comes down to matching each piece to your line diameter and the load it carries, then mounting it where it leads cleanly.

Cam cleats hold the line

A cam cleat grips a line under load and releases with a flick, which is what you want for sheets and control lines you adjust often. Match the cleat to your line diameter range, since a cleat sized wrong either slips or chews the line. Ball-bearing cam cleats engage easier under load, and a swivel base lets you set the lead angle. Add a fairlead ahead of the cleat to guide the line in cleanly.

Fairleads and organizers route the line

Fairleads and deck organizers steer lines along the deck and around corners with minimal friction, which keeps a cockpit tidy and lines running free back to the cleats and clutches. Plan the lead from each block or clutch to the trimmer so lines do not cross or chafe. A clean run is faster to trim and easier on the line.

Padeyes and attachment points

Padeyes give you a strong anchor for blocks, lashings, and tackle. Match the padeye to the load and through-bolt it with a backing plate on anything that carries real force, because a padeye that pulls out under load is dangerous. Bolt-through deck hooks and boom hangers handle specific jobs like stowing a boom or rigging a vang.

Match the load to the boat

Hardware is rated for a working load, and bigger boats and higher-load positions need stronger gear. Do not undersize a fitting at a high-load point. When in doubt, step up to the next size for margin.

Mounting matters

Through-bolt load-bearing hardware with backing plates rather than relying on screws into a cored deck. Bed the fasteners to keep water out of the core, and you get a fitting that holds and a deck that stays dry.

Not sure which hardware your rig needs? Tell our crew your line sizes and where the gear goes, and we will match the cam cleats, fairleads, padeyes, and organizers so your running rigging leads clean and holds.