Chocks

What Are Marine Chocks and Why Do They Matter?

A chock is one of those pieces of deck hardware that earns its keep every single time you pull into a slip or drop anchor. Mounted to the deck or hull, chocks serve as smooth-edged guides that direct mooring, anchor, and dock lines over the side of the boat without allowing them to chafe against sharp edges or rough fiberglass. Without a properly fitted chock, repeated line movement under load can quickly wear through cordage — and a frayed mooring line in a busy marina is a risk no boater wants to take.

Marine chocks come in several configurations to suit different applications. Skene (or bow) chocks feature upturned horns at each end that cradle the line and prevent it from jumping out under tension — a popular choice at the bow where mooring and anchor lines see the most stress. Open chocks (also called straight chocks) offer an unobstructed channel for easy line handling when speed matters more than containment. Anchor chocks serve a different but equally important purpose: they lock a fluke anchor securely flat against the deck while underway, protecting the deck surface and keeping the foredeck clear.

Key Considerations When Choosing Chocks

• Material: Chocks are commonly available in chrome-plated zinc alloy, chromed bronze, and investment-cast 316 stainless steel. Stainless and bronze offer the best long-term corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
• Line Size: Always match the chock's maximum rope capacity to the diameter of your mooring or anchor lines to ensure a smooth, damage-free lead.
• Mounting Style: Deck-mount chocks bolt through the hull or deck, so proper backing plates and sealant are essential to prevent water intrusion.
• Sold in Pairs: Most bow and skene chocks are sold as matched pairs for symmetrical installation port and starboard.

Top Brands in Marine Chocks

Perko is a name synonymous with American-made marine hardware. Since its inception in 1907, Perko has grown into a fifth-generation, American marine manufacturer known for high-quality marine lighting, deck hardware, and fuel-system components for recreational and commercial boats. Their chock lineup includes classic chrome-plated skene bow chocks in zinc alloy and bronze, offering a traditional aesthetic with proven durability for everyday docking use.

Sea-Dog Line brings one of the broadest chock selections in the category, ranging from budget-friendly injection-molded nylon skene chocks to heavy-duty investment-cast 316 stainless steel anchor chocks. Their product line is known for providing high-quality, corrosion-resistant solutions for both recreational and commercial boating applications. With a deep catalog covering virtually every chock style and size, Sea-Dog is a go-to source whether you're outfitting a small runabout or a larger offshore vessel.