[header] How to tie up a boat [title] Check that your boat has cleats on all sides. [step] Cleats are t-shaped metal hardware that are usually placed on the sides of the boat, close to the edge. There will also be cleats on the sides of the dock. 
The dock lines on the boat must be attached to the cleats to the dock to keep the boat in place. Most boats will have cleats on the bow, stern, and sides for docking.