Bollard versus Cleat

[benz]

Hi Bill,

Cleat or bollard matters less than having the proper size fitting for the line to be used. Nothing worse than trying to belay a half-inch line to a four-inch horn cleat. After that it's really just preference and aesthetics: whatever you're most comfortable with. I like to have mooring bitts as big as as will fit without looking ridiculous, since sometimes you want three or four lines belayed to them, and I really like the traditional keel-stepped double bitt that goes on either side of the bowsprit and has a crossbar--your belaying options with that are limited only to your imagination. Bigger is also easier to belay to quickly, and harder for ropes to jam on, and generally more load-spreading.
So go with whatever method best fits the motif of your boat and your preference, making sure only that it is sufficiently large and properly fastened.
Best,
Ben