Hi, Jon.

First, regardless of my visceral views of Hunter, God save them and keep them. They are one of the few US boat builders out there.

I certainly don't think much of that application for a folding cleat or it's installation. I have no idea why it should be there vs. more traditional locations; and, if it should be there, why it shouldn't be installed so that its in the "right" direction to securely function.

However, for many years, there Nautor Swans that demonstrated how to design, detail, and install folding and pop-up cleats. They've had blocks and various devices that meld into the deck in pretty magical ways.

P.S. - Having said that, as you and I have discussed in the past...when Carolyn and I have looked at Swans we both came to the same conclusion that we'd not really want to own one, price aside. The reason is simply that they aren't really designed for one or two people to sail them. Further, most until they very long, have Teutonic transitions between the deck and cabin in the form of ladders and companionways that can only make us shudder in a seaway before heading in- or out-.

http://www.nautorswanusaeast.com/boat-for-sale/swan-66-lionessa/1-swan-66-lionessa

http://www.nautorswanusaeast.com/images/brokerage/66.701.Lionessa.Exterior/image044.jpg