The 9 Best Boat Dock Cleats | Boating Buying Guides and Review

This review has been updated 3 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Whether you’re docking your boat, towing a dinghy, or hoisting a sail, you’ll benefit from the use of sturdy, dependable cleats. They can be installed at regular intervals along your vessel, and will help keep your craft secure when it’s not in use. You’ll find them in a variety of colors, finishes, and shapes, and they can also make for fun, nautical-themed home decor. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the review.

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Top 9 Dock Cleats

9. Anndason 6.5″

The Anndason 6.5″ are made from rustproof nylon and come in a pack of four that also includes eight stainless steel bolts. In addition to securing vessels, they’ve also been used as barn door handles and for holding down cargo with rope in pickup truck beds.

8. Simplified Living 6”

The Simplified Living 6” are wide for withstanding the push and pull of a canoe or pontoon boat, and their hexagonal holes keep fasteners in place for an easy installation. Or, for home decor with an ocean vibe, they can be used as hooks on a wall or coat rack.

7. National Hardware N223-347

The National Hardware N223-347 feature an attractive, satin nickel finish, and are made for use in projects like hanging pictures with ropes on a gallery wall. They’re available in three sizes and are also great for holding back drapery or securing a clothesline.

6. Extreme Max Folding

Unlike many others, the Extreme Max Folding is designed to fit even in narrow spaces, such as the shallow gunwale of your craft. It maintains a low profile when folded, sitting flush with its base at just half an inch in height.

5. Sweet Beaches Decor

The Sweet Beaches Decor are sold individually, and you can choose from among 16 hand-painted colors with glossy or distressed finishes. They make for nice coat hangers, curtain tie-backs, or tray handles that’ll brighten up any beach house or seashore-themed space.

4. Attwood Neat Cleat

For a selection that combines safety with style, look to the Attwood Neat Cleat, which is a retractable model with a thin profile that features a smooth, stainless steel surface. It’s held up by strong friction springs that keep it firmly in place during use.

3. Dock Edge Flip Up

As you may have guessed from its name, the Dock Edge Flip Up conveniently sits flush when not in use to help prevent accidents, and it pops up easily when you’re ready to tie your line. It come in three lengths and is ideal for small and medium-sized vessels.

2. Crown Sporting Goods SBOA-301

The Crown Sporting Goods SBOA-301 is made from stainless steel to hold up to the elements, and it can be used when docking small watercraft like bowriders, cruisers, and dinghies. It offers plenty of space for tying common knots, like clove hitches and anchor bends.

1. Cipa Retractable Seat

The Cipa Retractable Seat is made from a nylon composite designed to resist corrosion and withstand heat of up to 400 degrees F. It’s also built with safety in mind, as it folds down when not in use and features angled sides to help prevent toe stubbing and tripping.

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