Fairleads: Bullseye, Cam Cleat, Jib Lead and Stanchion Types
A fairlead guides a line across the deck without a sharp turn, holds the lead angle where you want it and keeps the line off the edges that would chafe it. This is the parent category, so the fairleads themselves sit in the sub-collections below, split by type and by brand.
Fairlead Types in This Category
- Bullseye fairleads: a smooth eye the line runs through on a shallow deflection. Harken makes them in aluminum (12, 14 and 16 mm inside diameter, in single, double and triple versions, plus 14 mm multi-hole versions with 4, 5 or 6 holes) and in composite (a micro 6 mm and a 25.4 mm). Spinlock uses a stainless steel inner in 6, 10, 12 and 16 mm; Ronstan in 8, 11.5, 13.5 and 16 mm. Lewmar sells medium (12 mm) and large (18 mm) stainless-inner bullseyes in pairs, and Tylaska makes 12 mm and 16 mm deck fairleads in single, double and triple. By brand: Harken, Spinlock, Ronstan, Tylaska and Lewmar.
- Cam cleat fairleads: the fairlead that feeds the line squarely into the cam jaws. Harken lists standard, micro, fast-release, wire and X-Treme angle versions for its Carbo-Cam 365 and 471, Ronstan makes front-mount fairleads for its small and medium C-Cleat and T-Cleat, Lewmar has cam fairleads for its small and medium cleats, and Schaefer offers plastic and wire fairleads for 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 12 mm) line.
- Jib leads and deflectors: Harken Grand Prix jib leads in a midrange (12 mm) and a big-boat (22 mm) size, which deflect the jib sheet toward the winch and prevent overrides, and Antal jib deck rings from 12 to 20 mm in aluminum and stainless steel, single and double. See also the Antal jib fairleads.
- Stanchion mounts and fairleads: leads that carry the furling line aft along the stanchions — Harken Reflex and lead-block kits, the Spinlock WL furling line lead for 1.0 in (25 mm) stanchions, Facnor double fairleads for 25 mm and 28 mm stanchions, and Schaefer furling leads.
How to Choose a Fairlead
- Inside diameter: it is in every title. The line has to run through freely, so allow for the line itself and for any splice or whipping that has to pass through.
- Angle of deflection: Harken describes its aluminum fairleads as shallow-angle line deflectors, and says its composite 237 and 339 suit lines with little deflection, such as a spinnaker pole foreguy led aft along the cabin top. If the line turns sharply under load, look at a block or roller type instead.
- One line or several: single, double, triple and multi-hole bullseyes let you run neighbouring lines side by side from one base.
- Material: Harken aluminum fairleads are 6061-T6 hard-anodized aluminum with radiused centre holes to minimize line wear; Spinlock, Ronstan and Lewmar use a stainless steel inner; Harken also makes composite fairleads.
- Fasteners: check the listing. The Spinlock BE10/TF notes that fasteners are not supplied, while the Tylaska deck fairleads with mounting hardware come with the bolts (M6 for the 12 mm, M8 for the 16 mm). Our deck fittings guide covers backing plates and bedding.
Who It's For
Owners rerouting halyards, sheets and control lines, racers setting up jib sheet leads, and cruisers running a furling line along the stanchions or adding a cam cleat fairlead on a control line. Start with the sub-collection that matches the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fairlead do on a sailboat?
It guides a line across the deck, keeps the lead angle where you want it and protects the line from chafe. It does not reduce load the way a block does; it keeps the line on a fair path.
What is the difference between a bullseye and a cam cleat fairlead?
A bullseye is a free-standing eye that guides a line. A cam cleat fairlead mounts on or beside a cam cleat so the line enters the jaws squarely, and each one is made for specific cleat models (for example Harken Carbo-Cam 365 or 471).
Which fairlead do I need for a jib sheet?
Look at jib leads and deflectors. Harken's Grand Prix jib leads deflect the sheet toward the winch to prevent overrides, and Antal's jib deck rings come in sizes from 12 to 20 mm.
How do I lead a furling line along the stanchions?
Use a stanchion mount or furling line lead sized to your stanchion diameter, such as the Spinlock WL lead for 1.0 in (25 mm) stanchions or a Facnor double fairlead for 25 mm or 28 mm. Check the diameter before you order.
Are mounting bolts included with a fairlead?
It depends on the listing. Some are sold without fasteners (the Spinlock BE10/TF, for example) and the Tylaska deck fairleads come with or without mounting hardware, so read the title and description for the model you pick.