Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 12, 2026 · Cleat is in public beta
Cleat is a live map of who's out on the water. This policy explains, in plain language, what we collect, why, and what other people can and can't see. If anything here is unclear, email us at support@oncleat.com.
What we collect
- Your email address — to verify you're a real person and to sign you in. Only you and Cleat ever see it.
- Your name and boat name — the display name you enter. This is shown to other boaters.
- Your location, only when you check in — your device's GPS at the moment you tap "Check In" or post a photo. We do not track you continuously or in the background.
- Your live position, only in Underway mode — if you turn on "Go underway," your position updates while the app is open so you appear as a moving boat on the map. It's anonymous by default (other boaters see a boat icon with no name unless you choose to show it), it never runs in the background, and your boat disappears from the map within a few minutes of closing the app or tapping stop.
- Photos you choose to upload — shown on the map for a limited time.
- Private safety reports — when you report content, we retain the reason and details so Cleat can review it. The reported person does not see who submitted the report.
- Basic technical data — standard server logs (e.g., IP address) used to keep the service running and prevent abuse.
What other boaters can see
- Your display name and boat name.
- The named spot you checked in at (e.g., "Chester Frost Sandbar") — not your exact GPS coordinates.
- Photos you upload, and any crews you join (visible to that crew).
Your email is never shown to anyone. You only appear on the map while you're checked in (named spot only — never exact GPS, gone after about 3 hours) or while you've turned on Underway mode (a live boat position, anonymous unless you opt to show your name, gone minutes after you stop or close the app).
How long we keep it
- Check-ins expire and drop off the map after ~3 hours.
- Photos are shown for ~24 hours.
- Your account (email + display name) persists until you delete it.
- Moderation records may be retained when reasonably necessary to prevent abuse, meet legal obligations, or protect Cleat users.
What we don't do
- We don't sell your data or share it with advertisers.
- We don't track your location in the background or when you're not checked in.
- We don't show your email or precise coordinates to other users.
Your choices
You're only on the map when you choose to check in — stop checking in and you disappear. You can permanently delete your account and associated data from My profile or our account deletion page. If you cannot sign in, email support@oncleat.com.
Children
Cleat isn't directed at children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect their information.
Changes
Cleat is in active beta, so this policy may change as the app evolves. We'll update the date at the top when it does.