What Am I?

[BlowingOldBoots]

Security is my game.
Done up tight, is usually right
No need for much
Yet in a bind you may find
High and dry
But if not enough let fly

A cleat!

[BlowingOldBoots]

I am sturdy and strong
And need to be long
Without me you can try
But you will probably cry
When a time piece will not unfly!

[DaveS]

I am sturdy and strong
And need to be long
Without me you can try
But you will probably cry
When a time piece will not unfly!

A mast?

[BlowingOldBoots]

I am sturdy and strong
And need to be long
Without me you can try
But you will probably cry
When a time piece will not unfly!

A mast?

Nice try but I am not a mast. The last line is an oblique clue.

[cpedw]

A pendulum?

[DaveS]

Second go. A boat hook?

[BlowingOldBoots]

A pendulum?

I am not a pendulum, but that motion is an undesirable characteristic that leads to the oblique clue of the last line.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Second go. A boat hook?

Not a boat hook but boat hooks have been used as substitutes for a related item.

[Burst Boiler]

Lead line.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Lead line.

Not a lead line. The item is used in the other element.

[Aja]

Watch or clock tower?

[Burst Boiler]

Whisker pole.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Watch or clock tower?

It’s always boaty, but not a watch or clock tower.

[BlowingOldBoots]

Whisker pole.

Not a whisker poke, but similar and the last line should clinch it now!

[BlowingOldBoots]

I cant' guess, I already see the answer in the replys, it is an anchor
but thanks for this.

There have been a few more 'What Am I's since the anchor. You are welcome it's just a bit of fun. A new clue below and then a brand new what am I. The anticipation is palpable.