Mariners have brand-new cleats to secure their boats while berthed at the Charlotte Amalie waterfront, the V.I. Port Authority said in announcing the completion of its Cleat Replacement Project.
VIPA replaced 77 rusty and broken cleats with brand-new, weather-resistant ones with a 10-year life expectancy, the agency said in a news release issued Monday.
The new cleats have a maximum allowable line pull of 23 metric tons, or 50,700 pounds.
“These new cleats are an essential amenity to have available at our waterfront as we continue to improve our infrastructure to attract yacht and charter boat owners as well as interisland ferry companies to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe.
“The picturesque Charlotte Amalie Harbor is in the heart of downtown Charlotte Amalie and the waterfront is an ideal location for yacht and boat owners,” the VIPA news release said. “It is adjacent to restaurants, the Main Street shopping district, a grocery store, banks and other attractions. Fueling and water services are also provided for boats that berth at the waterfront.”
VIPA’s contractor is now replacing the cleats at ferry and cargo docks in Red Hook and the Crown Bay excursion dock on St. Thomas, and ferry and cargo docks in Cruz Bay, St. John. VIPA will also replace cleats at its seaports on St. Croix.
