Best Boat Cleats & Chocks of 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
Top 10 Boat Cleats & Chocks
Hillman 852714 Antique Brass Rope Cleat 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.
Champro Cleat Cleaner
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.
National Hardware N223-339 3200BC Nickel Rope Cleat
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.
Propel Paddle Gear Kayak Cleat Quick Grip
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".
AMYSPORTS 316 Stainless Steel Marine Rope Cleat 2-1/2 inch 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.
VTurboWay Nylon Black Rope Cleat
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.
SeaSense 10IN Galvanized Boat Cleat 50062488
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.
VTurboWay 5" Folding Cleat
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.
Seachoice Galvanized 8" Dock Cleat
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.
Seachoice Cast Aluminum 10" S Dock Cleat
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.
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.
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.
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.