It is the most basic of knots, yet even many lifelong boaters get it wrong. One reason is that it defies common logic. One would naturally think that the more figure-8 wraps are taken on a cleat, the more secure it will be. But when it comes to knots, that is usually not the case. Knots have been devised to serve certain functions as efficiently and securely as possible. Nowhere is this more true than with the Cleat Hitch.