I really do not like the cleat locations at all. The back cleat location cause the ropes to rub right into the plastic vents, if tied up at a dock where the dock cleats are lower then the boat. Which is a lot of the docks at lake of the ozarks. Midship cleats, the grab rail interferes with the ropes. Either tie over the handle with you take a risk that if a big wave comes forcing boat up you run the risk of bending the rail down. If ya tie under the rail risk bending rail upward....I know I'm overthinking things...just thoughts I have I guess. Could have maybe placed cleats in other locations on boat.

You may look into some pull up line chocks:

http://www.boatoutfitters.com/line-chocks

http://www.fishing-catalog.com/Accon...l_up_chock.htm

http://www.marineindustrieswest.com/...98&CFTOKEN=424

Also, when you are backing into a slip, do you crisscross the aft lines?

Those wont really work cause it will still be pulling over or under the rail.

And docking at lake of the ozarks you cant cross the lines usually. At all the bars its mainly one large well dock that fits two boats in side by side. So you only tie the boat off too one side.

I agree, the cleat is too far aft, I wish it was 12 to 18 inches ahead of where it is

Rear cleats yes... But if you think you are going to bend the rail by going over it that's never going to happen!

you can add height to the line when tying to the cleat if you take the eye of the line through the center of the cleat starting from the backside of your cleat. This way the line will lays on top of the cleat. It doesn't give you much, maybe an inch or so, but might be enough to clear the vent guards or to not put as much pressure on them

I never had an issue but I also use spring lines.