Cleats & Chocks Review

Summary

Cleats are used on a boat to attach a rope to the boat. The standard design is flat with two horns protruding out, one at each end. These can be used for docking boats, recreational activities such as skiing, or tubing, or other related activities.

Chocks are the fittings for anchors and dock ropes. Both of these small parts of the boat play a huge role in your enjoyment of the boat. If you couldn’t tie your boat to the dock there would be no way to keep it from moving to and fro in the unstable waters. If you couldn’t hold an anchor to the boat there would be no purpose for an anchor.

Although both of these parts are extremely small in comparison to the boat’s size, they are necessary for the boat to function properly.

Pros

• Different cleats on boats have different uses. Depending on the size of your boat, and the intended use of the cleats that you intend to use, you may need a strong cleat, or you may be safe using a less expensive cleat. Cleats are made in several different designs and can be customized to meet your specific needs.
• They are also made out of different types of material such as stainless steel, galvanized metal, or bronze. Each material is designed for appropriate applications, and you should determine what you need before getting cleats for your boat.
• Chocks can also be made for your boats specific needs. Chocks and bits are mainly beneficial because they hold the anchor and thereby help keep the boat steady in rough waters or while fishing.
• Mooring cleats are used for a wide variety of things. They can be used simply to hold the boat to the dock, or to help tow other watercraft. Also, chain and rode pipes are used to help keep the boat steady.

Cons

• If the equipment you are using on your boat is not strong enough, or is corroded, it can be worthless. If the boat is too big for the cleats, they will not be able to hold the boat to the dock, and the boat can easily pull away if it is too heavy.
• Also, if the chocks are too small for a large anchor or chain, there is a possibility that it will not be able to hold the anchor, and won’t be able to keep the boat steady. This can be a very dangerous mistake.
• When boating always make sure that your boat has the proper size and material of chocks, bits, and cleats.

Featured Manufacturers

Suncor, Seafit, Ronstan, and Schaefer

Conclusion

Chocks, bits, and cleats are all essential to the functions of a boat, but if they are the improper size or material they can be dangerous. If it is too small it can break off and cause problems. If it is the improper material it can corrode and become easily damaged.

When looking for cleats for your boat, be sure to consult an expert and make sure that you are getting the right equipment to best fit your boat.