Best Boat Cleats & Chocks of 2026

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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Boat cleats and chocks are essential hardware pieces for securing ropes and lines on boats of all sizes. Cleats are typically made from durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminum and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of lines. Chocks, on the other hand, are designed to guide ropes and lines in a specific direction, preventing them from shifting or rubbing against other parts of the boat. Both cleats and chocks are crucial for safe and efficient docking, anchoring, and mooring of boats.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Hillman 852714 Antique Brass Rope Cleat 2-Pack Cover #TOP 1
Hillman 852714 Antique Brass Rope Cleat 2-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Champro Cleat Cleaner Cover #TOP 2
Champro Cleat Cleaner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
National Hardware N223-339 3200BC Nickel Rope Cleat Cover #TOP 3
National Hardware N223-339 3200BC Nickel Rope Cleat
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Boat Cleats & Chocks

#TOP 1

Hillman 852714 Antique Brass Rope Cleat 2-Pack

852714
Brass
2-1/2 Inch
Hillman 852714 Antique Brass Rope Cleat 2-Pack Cover
Amazing Drapery Hardware Essentials 852714 Rope Cleat Antique Brass 2-1/2' - 2 Pack

The Hillman Rope Cleat 2-Pack is made from sturdy steel, ensuring durability and long-lasting use. These cleats are designed to help you easily secure ropes by providing a horn where you can tie knots, which is especially handy if you often work with ropes or need reliable fastening. Available in an attractive antique brass finish, these cleats not only perform well but also add a classic look to your setup. With two pieces included, you get a convenient set that suits a variety of rope sizes and uses, making it a practical choice for your hardware needs.

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Easy rope knot tying
Attractive antique brass finish
Includes two cleats
#TOP 2

Champro Cleat Cleaner

WHITE
Champro Cleat Cleaner Cover
Champro Cleat Cleaner (White)

The Champro Cleat Cleaner is a durable all-rubber construction that lasts for seasons, making it perfect for frequent use. With 84 spikes, it's excellent for removing mud from cleats. The built-in handle makes it portable and easy to transport to every game and practice, and it can be mounted to treated wood and buried for permanent installation.

What We Like
Durable all-rubber construction lasts for seasons
84 spikes for removing mud from cleats
Built-in handle for portability
#TOP 3

National Hardware N223-339 3200BC Nickel Rope Cleat

N223-339
Nickel
4 in - 1/2 in
National Hardware N223-339 3200BC Nickel Rope Cleat Cover
National Hardware N223-339 3200BC Rope Cleat in Nickel,4 Inch - 1/2 Inch

The National Hardware Rope Cleat is a handy tool designed to help you fasten ropes securely, making it ideal for tying down sun screens, awnings, tarps, and small boats. Made from durable zinc die-cast material, it ensures long-lasting use even in outdoor environments. This cleat allows for quick and easy attachment, saving you time and effort whenever you need to secure your gear. Plus, it’s built for exterior use, so you don’t have to worry about weather damage. With the National Hardware Rope Cleat, you get a reliable and convenient solution for all your rope fastening needs.

What We Like
Durable zinc die-cast build
Quick and easy attachment
Suitable for outdoor use
Secures various items
#TOP 4

Propel Paddle Gear Kayak Cleat Quick Grip

PROPEL PADDLE GEAR BY SHORELINE MARINE
SLPG76673
Black
One Size
Propel Paddle Gear Kayak Cleat Quick Grip Cover
Propel Paddle Gear Kayak Cleat Quick Grip | 2 Pack | Lightweight & Strong | Easy Release | Excellent Holding Power, Holds Lines 5/32" - 5/16" | Kayak Accessory

The Propel Paddle Gear Kayak Cleat Quick Grip is a versatile and high-quality boating accessory that provides an excellent holding power for kayaks, canoes, inflatable boats, dinghies, yachts, or mooring deck mount. It is made of lightweight, strong, and durable material, which makes it an excellent choice for emergency situations. With a quick-grip and easy release design, this cleat can be used to lock kayak rudders, tie a kayak anchor, or hold lines ranging between 5/32" - 5/16".

What We Like
Lightweight and strong
Easy to install and use
Excellent holding power
#TOP 5

AMYSPORTS 316 Stainless Steel Marine Rope Cleat 2-1/2 inch 4pcs

CYBSG-2-1/2inch-6PCS
2-1/2inch 4pcs
AMYSPORTS 316 Stainless Steel Marine Rope Cleat 2-1/2 inch 4pcs Cover
AMYSPORTS Marine Hardware Rope Cleat Steel Heavy Duty Rope Cleat Marine Stainless Deck Boat Cleat Mooring 2-1/2inch 4pcs

The AMYSPORTS Marine Rope Cleat is made from high-quality 316 stainless steel, ensuring it resists rust and corrosion even in harsh saltwater environments. This makes it a reliable choice for outdoor marine use, giving you peace of mind about its durability. Its polished surface not only looks great but also enhances its resistance to wear and tear. The cleat is designed to hold ropes securely, preventing them from loosening or blowing away in the wind. Plus, it comes with screws for easy installation on boats, docks, or other surfaces, so you can set it up quickly and confidently.

What We Like
316 stainless steel durability
Corrosion and rust resistance
Secure rope fastening
Mirror polished finish
Easy installation with screws
#TOP 6

VTurboWay Nylon Black Rope Cleat

Black
4 inches x 4 inches
VTurboWay Nylon Black Rope Cleat Cover
2 Pcs 4" Nylon Rope Cleat Marine Grade, Black

The VTurboWay Nylon Black Rope Cleat is a versatile product that can be used to secure tarps, clotheslines, awnings, summer shade cords, patio shades, and flagpoles. It is perfect for small boats, mini tugboats, yachts, and even for craft projects, DIY projects, and home decor. It has two mounting holes with stainless steel mounting screws, and its nylon material is lighter and less expensive than stainless steel while maintaining the same strength and service life.

What We Like
Versatile product for various applications
Lighter and less expensive than stainless steel
Comes with stainless steel mounting screws
#TOP 7

SeaSense 10IN Galvanized Boat Cleat 50062488

50062488
Grey
10 - Inch
SeaSense 10IN Galvanized Boat Cleat 50062488 Cover
SeaSense 10IN Galvanized Cleat Grey

The SeaSense Galvanized Cleat is a reliable piece of fishing equipment designed to secure your boat safely. It comes as a single unit, making it easy to install exactly where you need it. Weighing just 1 pound, it is lightweight yet sturdy, so you can handle it without hassle. The 10-inch size gives you plenty of space to tie ropes securely, helping you keep your boat stable in various water conditions. This cleat is a practical choice for anyone looking to enhance their boating setup with a dependable and easy-to-use accessory.

What We Like
Durable galvanized material
Lightweight design
Single unit package
10-inch size for secure tying
#TOP 8

VTurboWay 5" Folding Cleat

ATT 120484
Black
VTurboWay 5" Folding Cleat Cover
4 Pcs 5" Folding Cleat, Flip-up Dock Cleat with Long Screws and Short Screws(M6). Marine Grade Nylon, Black, 2 Holes

VTurboWay Cleat is a marine-grade nylon 5" folding dock cleat that offers maximum corrosion resistance in saltwater. With a compact size of 5.15" in length and 1.9" in width, this cleat folds down to prevent injuries to swimmers. The package includes both long and short screws for easy installation. Made of nylon, it provides the same strength and durability as stainless steel but is lighter and more cost-effective. This cleat is perfect for securing boats and ensuring safety while swimming or diving.

What We Like
Corrosion resistant
Compact size
Easy installation
#TOP 9

Seachoice Galvanized 8" Dock Cleat

30610
Gray
One Size
Seachoice Galvanized 8" Dock Cleat Cover
Seachoice Open Base Dock Cleat, Galvanized Gray Iron, 8 In.

The Seachoice 8-Inch Cleat is made from durable galvanized cast iron, making it perfect for mounting on docks, seawalls, and pilings. This sturdy construction ensures it can withstand harsh marine environments, giving you reliable use over time. Its 8-inch length provides plenty of space to secure multiple dock lines, so you can easily tie up boats of various sizes. The cleat’s center-to-center measurement of 1.56 inches allows for stable and secure installation, and it is designed to be mounted with 5/8-inch fasteners for a strong hold. This cleat offers you a dependable and convenient way to keep your boat safely moored.

What We Like
Durable galvanized cast iron
Suitable for docks and pilings
Handles multiple dock lines
Easy installation with 5/8" fasteners
#TOP 10

Seachoice Cast Aluminum 10" S Dock Cleat

30760
Aluminum
One Size
Seachoice Cast Aluminum 10" S Dock Cleat Cover
Seachoice Cast Aluminum “S” Dock Cleat, Corrosion Resistant Aluminum, 10 In.

The Seachoice Aluminum S Cleat makes securing your boat simple and reliable. Its large S-shaped horns give you plenty of room to tie your lines safely, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping. This cleat is built to handle thick or oversized ropes, giving you flexibility with your docking needs. The mounting holes are recessed, which means your lines won’t catch or wear out easily, helping to extend their life. Made from corrosion-resistant aluminum, this cleat stands up well to harsh marine conditions, ensuring it stays durable and dependable for your boat docking.

What We Like
Oversized S-shaped horns
Fits thick lines
Recessed mounting holes
Corrosion-resistant aluminum
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do cleats on a boat do?

Cleats on a boat serve as tie-down points or securing devices. They are mounted on the deck of a sailboat and are used to secure lines for rigging and docking.

2. Where is the best place to put cleats on a boat?

Cleats should be installed at regular intervals on the sides of the boat. It is recommended to have at least three cleats on both the port and starboard sides of the vessel. The more cleats you can fit, the better.

3. What are the benefits of cleats?

Cleats provide a direct and consistent connection between your feet and the pedals, allowing you to push and pull throughout the pedal stroke. They also help keep your feet in a solid and consistent position, eliminating the need for frequent foot repositioning while boating.

4. How far apart should boat cleats be on a dock?

The distance between boat cleats on a dock depends on the size of the boat. As a general rule, cleats should be placed seven to ten feet apart. It is recommended to align the dock cleats with the location of the boat cleats for a customized fit.

5. Where should your cleats be positioned?

Cleat position on the foot should be set in a fore/aft manner. It is generally advised to position the cleat so that the center of the pedal axis aligns with the ball of the foot or the metatarsal heads.

6. What are the different types of boat cleats?

There are various types of boat cleats available, including dock cleats, deck cleats, portable cleats, jam cleats, cam cleats, flip-up cleats, pop-up cleats, pull-up cleats, solar light cleats, Samson posts, mooring bollards, and zamak cleats. These cleats are used for securing different types of lines on a boat.

Editor's Notes

During our boat cleats & chock research, we found 24 boat cleats & chock products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,810 customer reviews through our big data system to write the boat cleats & chocks list. We found that most customers choose boat cleats & chocks with an average price of $11.13.

The boat cleats & chocks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of boat cleats & chocks, including Hillman, CHAMPRO, National Hardware, PROPEL PADDLE GEAR BY SHORELINE MARINE, AMYSPORTS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.