Your Cart is Empty
Marine Hardware - Oarlocks
Sort by:
Oarlocks and Rowlock Hardware That Keep Every Stroke Controlled — Durable Options for Dinghies, Skiffs, and Tenders
Finding reliable oarlocks is one of those small decisions that has an outsized impact on how a rowing session actually feels — whether you're ferrying gear to an anchored vessel, fishing a calm inlet, or simply moving a tender across the marina. OutdoorUp carries oarlocks and rowlock sockets from Perko and Sea-Dog, two brands with long track records in marine hardware, so you can match the right fitting to your boat's construction and your rowing style.
What This Collection Covers — and Why Material Matters
- Corrosion resistance for saltwater use — bronze fittings like the Perko Rowlock Socket in Bronze hold up exceptionally well in marine environments where zinc alloys may need more frequent inspection.
- Affordable versatility for freshwater and light coastal rowing — zinc options such as the Perko Round Type Rowlock Horns in Plain Zinc are a practical choice for calm-water tenders and recreational rowboats.
- No-drill installation for borrowed or charter boats — the Sea-Dog Heavy-Duty Clamp-On Oarlock in Zinc Plated Steel mounts to the gunwale without permanent modification, ideal when you need a temporary or portable setup.
- Flush, low-profile mounting for clean gunwale lines — side mount and edge mount sockets keep hardware tucked away when oars aren't in use, reducing snag points on a working boat.
Choosing Between Socket Styles: Side Mount, Edge Mount, and Clamp-On
The right rowlock socket depends on your gunwale profile and how permanent you want the installation to be. Side mount sockets — like the Perko Side Mount Rowlock Socket — fasten to the vertical face of the gunwale and work well on boats with a pronounced rail. Edge mount sockets sit on top of the gunwale cap, making them a natural fit for flat-topped rails where side mounting isn't practical. For anglers or sailors who move between multiple boats, a clamp-on oarlock offers the most flexibility without any drilling.
When pairing sockets with horns or pins, confirm that the socket diameter and pin size are compatible — most standard rowlock horns seat into a 1/2" or 5/8" socket, but always verify the specs before ordering. If you're outfitting a boat in a saltwater environment, stepping up to bronze hardware is generally worth the investment for long-term peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marine Hardware - Oarlocks
-
Oarlocks are U-shaped or horn-shaped fittings mounted to the gunwale of a rowboat that hold oars in place and act as a pivot point during rowing. Without oarlocks, oars would slip or fall overboard. They are a foundational piece of marine hardware for any human-powered watercraft.
-
Marine oarlocks are designed for anyone who rows a dinghy, skiff, jon boat, or other small watercraft using oars. Anglers, sailors with tenders, and recreational rowers all rely on oarlocks to control their stroke and keep oars properly positioned while on the water.
-
Start by selecting the correct socket type for your gunwale — side mount, edge mount, or standard — then drill a mounting hole and secure the socket with bolts and marine-grade sealant to prevent water intrusion. Once the socket is mounted, the oarlock horn drops in and can be removed when not in use.
-
An oarlock socket is the fixed base that gets permanently mounted to the gunwale of a boat, while the oarlock horn is the removable U-shaped piece that actually holds the oar. Both components work together, and most oarlock systems require purchasing the socket and horn separately.
-
Marine oarlocks are commonly made from bronze, brass, zinc, or zinc-plated steel, each offering a different balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Bronze and cast brass oarlocks are the most corrosion-resistant and are well-suited for saltwater use, while zinc options are popular for freshwater and budget-conscious boaters.
-
Choose an oarlock based on your gunwale thickness and edge profile, your oar diameter, and the water conditions you row in. Side mount and edge mount sockets fit different gunwale styles, so measure your boat carefully before buying. Saltwater boaters should prioritize bronze or brass hardware for long-term durability.
-
Yes, oarlocks can be used on most rowboats, dinghies, jon boats, and small tenders as long as the correct socket type is matched to the gunwale design. Not all oarlock sockets fit every boat, so checking gunwale thickness and mounting style before purchasing is important for a proper fit.
-
Zinc oarlocks can be used in saltwater, but zinc hardware is more prone to corrosion over time compared to bronze or brass alternatives. For frequent saltwater use, bronze or cast brass oarlock hardware is the better long-term choice. Zinc oarlocks are a practical and affordable option for freshwater or occasional marine use.
-
Quality marine oarlock hardware is worth the investment because poorly made oarlocks can fail mid-row, leaving you without steering or propulsion on the water. Durable materials like bronze and heavy-duty zinc-plated steel hold up to repeated use and harsh conditions, reducing the need for frequent replacement and improving overall rowing safety.
-
Rinse oarlock hardware with fresh water after every saltwater outing to remove salt and debris, and inspect sockets and horns regularly for signs of corrosion or wear. Applying a marine-grade lubricant to the socket keeps the horn rotating smoothly. Removing oarlock horns when the boat is not in use also extends their lifespan.