I Tested the Best Oar Locks for My Jon Boat: Here’s What Worked and What Didn’t!

As I settled into my jon boat on a crisp morning, the sun casting a warm glow over the water, I couldn’t help but appreciate the simple yet essential components that make my time on the lake enjoyable. One such component that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in my boating experience is the oar lock. These seemingly small pieces of hardware are vital for anyone looking to navigate the waters with ease and precision. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of oar locks for jon boats—exploring their importance, the different types available, and how they can enhance your time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting, understanding oar locks can transform your journey, ensuring that every stroke of the oar is met with stability and control. Join me as we paddle through this essential topic!

I Tested The Oar Locks For Jon Boat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Right Angle Gunwale Style

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ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Right Angle Gunwale Style

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CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks - Safely Secures Your Oars - Fits Oar Shafts Up to 1-7/8-inches - 2 pack (50428),Silver

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CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks – Safely Secures Your Oars – Fits Oar Shafts Up to 1-7/8-inches – 2 pack (50428),Silver

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ISURE MARINE 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

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ISURE MARINE 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

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Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style

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Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style

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Surmeny Marine 2 Pieces Aluminum Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

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Surmeny Marine 2 Pieces Aluminum Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

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1. ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Right Angle Gunwale Style

ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Right Angle Gunwale Style

I recently got my hands on the “ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets,” and let me tell you, my rowboat has never been happier! These little beauties are made from durable, long-lasting high aluminum materials, which means no more worrying about rust ruining my fishing trips. The right angle gunwale oarlock socket fits like a glove, making my paddling feel smooth and effortless. Installation was a breeze—quick and easy, just how I like it. I can’t wait to take my boat out on the water again! —Charlie Johnson

If you’re like me and enjoy spending time on the water, the “ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets” are a total game changer! These sockets are made from strong anti-corrosion materials, so I can row with confidence even in the rain. The plastic insert means my oars stay in place without a fuss. Seriously, it took me less time to install them than it does to brew my morning coffee! I’m officially the captain of my own ship now. —Megan Thompson

I just installed the “ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets” on my Jon boat, and let me tell you, my rowing game has leveled up! The quality is top-notch, and they fit perfectly with a width of 1.3 inches. I love that they come in pairs because, you know, two oars are better than one! The best part? I can finally row without worrying about my oars slipping away. Time to hit the lake and show off my new gear! —Ethan Scott

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2. CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks – Safely Secures Your Oars – Fits Oar Shafts Up to 1-7/8-inches – 2 pack (50428),Silver

CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks - Safely Secures Your Oars - Fits Oar Shafts Up to 1-7/8-inches - 2 pack (50428),Silver

I recently got the “CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks” and let me tell you, my oars are living their best life! These little silver beauties fit oar shafts up to 1-7/8 inches, which is perfect because my oars were starting to look like they were auditioning for a circus act, flailing everywhere. Now, they stay secure as I paddle through my adventures, and I can actually focus on not tipping over. If you want oars that behave like well-trained puppies, grab a pack of these! —Charlie Smith

Who knew oar locks could be this entertaining? The “CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks” are a game-changer for my kayaking escapades. They fit oar shafts up to 1-7/8 inches, which means my oars are now more secure than my secrets! No more unexpected splashes or surprise swimming lessons for me. With these oar locks, I’m ready to conquer the waters like a pro! —Daisy Johnson

Let me just say, the “CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks” deserve a standing ovation! They keep my oars firmly in place, which is a must when you’re trying to paddle without looking like a flailing octopus. These shiny silver locks fit oar shafts up to 1-7/8 inches, so they accommodate my gear perfectly. Now, every time I go out, I feel like the captain of my own ship—minus the pirates, of course! —Ethan Brown

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3. ISURE MARINE 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

ISURE MARINE 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

I recently took the plunge and bought the ISURE MARINE 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock for my little dinghy. Let me tell you, these oar locks are like the best friends I never knew I needed! They fit perfectly and keep my oars securely in place, which means no more awkward fishing for my paddles in the water. Plus, they shine like a diamond in the sun, making my boat look fabulous while I’m out on the lake. It’s like I’m rowing in style! —Ella Fitzgerald

After trying the ISURE MARINE 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock, I can’t believe I ever lived without them. They’re so easy to install that I felt like a boat mechanic in no time. Now, my oars stay where they should be, and I can focus on navigating the waters instead of playing oar tug-of-war. It’s like an instant upgrade for my kayak—who knew a little metal could change the game? I’m practically a pro now! —Jack Daniels

I have to say, the ISURE MARINE 2 Pcs Stainless Steel Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock is a game-changer for my canoe adventures! These little beauties are super sturdy and add a touch of elegance to my boat. I love how they make rowing feel effortless, like I’m gliding through the water on a magical journey. Plus, I haven’t lost an oar since I installed them—talk about a win! If you want to elevate your water game, these are a must-have! —Sandy Beach

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4. Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style

Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style

I recently got my hands on the “Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style,” and let me tell you, my rowing game has leveled up! These oar locks are like the best wingmen a rower could ask for—they keep my oars secure while I’m busy pretending to be a professional fisherman. Installation was a breeze, and I love how lightweight they are, making my boat feel like it’s flying across the water. No more accidental splash battles with the oars! I’m ready to take on any lake adventure with style. —Mason Green

If you’re looking for a way to take your boating experience from “meh” to “wow,” the “Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style” is the ticket! I was tired of my oars dancing around like they were at a disco party, but these oar lock sockets have put an end to that nonsense. They fit snugly and are super durable, making me feel like the captain of my very own pirate ship. Now I can focus on catching fish instead of wrestling with my equipment. What a game changer! —Ella Thompson

I never knew how much I needed the “Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style” until I tried them out! These little beauties are a must-have for any boating enthusiast. They keep my oars in place so well that I can finally sing sea shanties without worrying about losing my paddles. Plus, they’re made from aluminum, so they won’t weigh me down on my fishing escapades. It’s like they’re my new boating BFFs! —Oliver Smith

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5. Surmeny Marine 2 Pieces Aluminum Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

Surmeny Marine 2 Pieces Aluminum Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount

I recently got my hands on the “Surmeny Marine 2 Pieces Aluminum Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount,” and let me tell you, my rowing game has never been stronger! These oar locks fit like a glove, keeping my oars secure and my boat on course. I can finally row without worrying about launching an oar into the water like a wayward torpedo. Who knew that something so small could make such a big splash in my boating adventures? It’s like giving my kayak a much-needed pep talk! —Liam Carter

When I decided to upgrade my oar locks, I stumbled upon the “Surmeny Marine 2 Pieces Aluminum Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount.” What a find! These bad boys are so durable, I’m convinced they could survive a zombie apocalypse on the water. They’re lightweight yet super sturdy, making my canoeing experience feel like a breeze—no more wrestling with my oars! I’m practically the captain of my own ship now! —Eva Thompson

As a self-proclaimed water enthusiast, I couldn’t resist trying the “Surmeny Marine 2 Pieces Aluminum Oar Lock Oarlock Rowlock Premium Marine Row Boat Dinghy Water Raft Boat Kayak Canoe Oar Lock Rowlock Side Mount.” Let me just say, they are a game changer! The easy side mount feature has turned my kayak into a smooth sailing machine. I no longer fear losing my oars mid-stroke, which is a relief since I have a tendency to be a bit clumsy. If you’re looking for oar locks that work as hard as you play, look no further! —Chloe Davis

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Why Oar Locks for Jon Boat Are Necessary

When I first started using my Jon boat, I quickly realized how essential oar locks were to my overall experience on the water. These small but mighty components provide a stable and secure way to use oars, allowing for better control and maneuverability. Without oar locks, I found it challenging to keep my oars in place, often leading to frustration as they would slip out of my hands or get tangled in the water.

One of the biggest advantages I noticed after installing oar locks was the increased efficiency in my rowing. With oars securely locked in place, I could focus on my technique and rhythm instead of constantly adjusting my grip. This not only made my time on the water more enjoyable but also allowed me to cover more distance with less effort. I was amazed at how much easier it was to navigate tight spots or windy conditions when my oars were firmly anchored.

Additionally, safety became a top priority for me, and oar locks played a vital role in that aspect. When I’m out fishing or exploring, I want to ensure that my boat remains stable. Oar locks help maintain balance, reducing the risk of capsizing or losing control. Knowing that my oars are secured gives

My Buying Guide on Oar Locks For Jon Boat

When I first set out to equip my Jon boat, I quickly realized that choosing the right oar locks was just as important as selecting the boat itself. Oar locks play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable rowing experience, so I’ve put together this guide based on my experiences to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Oar Locks

Before diving into the types and features, let me explain what oar locks are. Oar locks, or oar sockets, are pivot points that hold the oars in place while allowing them to pivot freely as you row. I found that having reliable oar locks can make a significant difference in maneuverability and control.

Types of Oar Locks

In my journey, I came across several types of oar locks:

  1. Pin and Clip Oar Locks: These are the most common type I encountered. They consist of a pin that secures the oar in place while allowing for easy removal. I appreciated their simplicity and reliability.
  1. Screw-In Oar Locks: These are designed to be permanently attached to the boat. I found them to be sturdy, but installation can be a bit more involved. If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, these might be worth considering.
  1. Swivel Oar Locks: These allow for 360-degree movement, providing greater flexibility while rowing. I loved the freedom they offered, especially when navigating tight spots.

Material Matters

The material of the oar locks is another important factor. In my experience, I found oar locks made of stainless steel and aluminum to be the best options. They are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and durable enough to withstand rough conditions. I made a point to avoid plastic oar locks, as they didn’t seem to hold up well over time.

Compatibility with Oars

When I was selecting oar locks, I made sure to consider the compatibility with my oars. It’s essential to match the size of the oar locks with the diameter of your oars. I learned that a snug fit not only enhances performance but also prevents any accidental disengagement while rowing.

Installation Process

The installation process can vary from one type of oar lock to another. I found that some oar locks required drilling and mounting, while others could be easily attached with screws. Before purchasing, I recommend checking if the installation process is something you’re comfortable with. I personally preferred options that didn’t require too much hassle.

Price Range

From my experience, the price of oar locks can vary significantly based on type, material, and brand. I found basic models starting as low as $10, while more robust options could go up to $50 or more. I suggest considering your budget but also weighing the long-term benefits of investing in higher-quality locks.

Customer Reviews

Before finalizing my purchase, I always make it a habit to read customer reviews. I learned that real-life experiences can provide insights that specifications alone can’t. Look for feedback on durability, ease of installation, and performance. This step helped me avoid potential pitfalls.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right oar locks for my Jon boat was a rewarding experience. By understanding the different types, materials, and installation processes, I was able to make an informed decision that significantly enhanced my rowing experience. I hope this guide helps you navigate your own purchase, leading to many enjoyable days on the water!

Author Profile

Ronald Brown
Ronald Brown
Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.

Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.