I find our bow T-stud the very devil to get at, mainly because of the design of our cratch cover which covers the gunnel. I do plan to fit another further back from the bow on each side, when I can buy some, so that one can be more easily reached from the bank. I certainly don't want a centre cleats on the gunnel, they would be a real trip hazard. We already have a T-stud either side at the rear of the boat which are easy to reach from the bank-side. I too use the illustrated hitch to secure my mooring lines.