What is the fitting typically used for mooring lines?

The fitting typically used for mooring lines is a cleat. Cleats are designed to provide a secure point to which a mooring line can be tied. They typically have two opposing horns that enable the line to be wrapped around and secured effectively, which prevents the line from slipping off under tension.

Mooring lines are critical for securing a vessel to a dock or another vessel, and the cleat allows for quick and efficient fastening and unfastening. This makes it a standard choice in mooring situations where time and efficiency can be crucial.

While other fittings such as shackles, blocks, and pulleys play important roles in various rigging and towing applications, they do not serve the primary function of securing mooring lines in the same straightforward manner that cleats do. Shackles are mainly used for connecting chains or lines, and blocks and pulleys are used to change the direction of force or to increase mechanical advantage, but they do not provide the dedicated point of attachment for mooring lines that cleats do.