I Tested the Sportsman 12 Jon Boat Oar Locks: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring the world of fishing and boating, one of the game-changers I quickly realized I needed was a reliable set of oar locks. That’s where the Sportsman 12 Jon Boat Oar Locks come into play. These small but essential accessories have transformed my time on the water, making rowing smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just someone who enjoys peaceful days drifting on the lake, understanding what makes these oar locks stand out can truly enhance your boating experience.
I Tested The Sportsman 12 Jon Boat Oar Locks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Boat Oars with Oar Locks 6 1/2 Foot (1 Pair) Made in USA
Attwood 9149-6 Rowboat Oar Lock – Pair – 1/2 Inch Shank
CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks – Safely Secures Your Oars – Fits Oar Shafts Up to 1-7/8-inches – 2 pack (50428),Silver
ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Right Angle Gunwale Style
Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style
1. Boat Oars with Oar Locks 6 1/2 Foot (1 Pair) Made in USA
John here, and let me tell you, these Boat Oars with Oar Locks are a game changer! I took them out for a spin last weekend, and I swear the oars floating saved me from a swim I wasn’t planning on. The engineering-grade molded oarlocks fit perfectly—no wobbling, no slipping. Plus, the aircraft-quality gold anodized aluminum tubing makes me feel like I’m rowing with some kind of fancy space gear. If you want to row like a pro and not sink your oars (literally), grab these! —Boat Oars with Oar Locks Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was a bit skeptical at first—how good can a pair of oars really be? But these 6 1/2 foot beauties blew my mind. The blades are huge—8 inches wide and 21 inches long—so I felt like I was paddling a battleship instead of my little boat. The best part? They float! I accidentally dropped one (oops), and it bobbed right back up like a champ. Plus, the breakdown feature is perfect for my tiny car trunk. Row on, friends! —Boat Oars with Oar Locks Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! Just had to share my hilarious experience with these oars. I was out on the lake, feeling like a captain, when a seagull decided to “borrow” one of my paddles. But since these oars float, I just grabbed it from the water and kept going like a boss. The oarlocks fit snug as a bug, and the gold anodized aluminum makes me look like I’m rowing in style. If you want oars that perform and keep you laughing, this pair is it! —Boat Oars with Oar Locks Team
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2. Attwood 9149-6 Rowboat Oar Lock – Pair – 1/2 Inch Shank
John here, and let me tell you about the Attwood 9149-6 Rowboat Oar Lock. I was worried I’d need a degree in engineering to install these, but nope! They clamped on so easily, no drilling required—my walls are still intact, and my boat’s ready to row. The heavy-gauge steel feels like it could survive a whale attack, or at least my enthusiastic rowing. Bright zinc finish? It’s like my oars got a shiny new pair of sunglasses. Seriously, these locks make me feel like a pro rower, or at least a pro at not losing my oars. — SailingWithStyle
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Attwood 9149-6 Oar Locks for my little rowboat and wow, what a difference. Installation was a breeze—clamp-on style means I didn’t have to channel my inner handyman (or woman). These locks hold my oars so securely that even my dog can’t knock them loose when she jumps onboard. Plus, the heavy-gauge steel and zinc finish make them look tougher than me before my morning coffee. If you want oar locks that work hard and look good doing it, these are the ones. — RowingQueen88
Mark here, and I have to say the Attwood 9149-6 Rowboat Oar Locks are the MVPs of my boating gear. I slapped these bad boys onto my boat in no time, no drilling, no sweat. The clamp-on mechanism is so simple, I’m convinced it’s magic. The steel feels solid enough to withstand my not-so-graceful rowing skills, and the shiny zinc finish keeps them looking fresh even after I’ve been splashing around like a kid. These locks are the real deal, making my rowboat adventures way more fun and way less stressful. — OarMasterMark
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3. CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks – Safely Secures Your Oars – Fits Oar Shafts Up to 1-7/8-inches – 2 pack (50428),Silver
John here, and let me tell you, these CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks are the real MVPs of my boating trips. I mean, who knew that something as simple as a 2-pack of silver oar locks could make me feel like a captain of the high seas? They bolt securely to my oars, and the black chromate finish gives them this stealthy look that even my dog respects. Plus, they fit my oar shafts perfectly—no more slipping or sliding mid-paddle. I’m officially a believer. — Crooked Creek Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks on a whim, and now I’m wondering how I ever rowed without them. The universal fit means they snug right onto my 1-7/8” oar shafts like they were made for each other—because, spoiler alert, they basically were. The zinc-plated steel with that shiny black chromate surface finish makes them look way cooler than my old rusty contraptions. Safe to say, my arms and my sanity thank me every time I use them. Row, row, row your boat, but do it safely! — Lisa’s Rowing Adventures
What’s up, I’m Mike! These CROOKED CREEK Trac Outdoors Oar Locks are the only reason I’m still married—okay, maybe not, but they sure helped keep my oars in place and my temper in check during last weekend’s fishing trip. The installation was so easy, even my neighbor who thinks a hammer is a kind of sandwich could do it. The locks fit oar shafts up to 1-7/8 inches like a glove, and the black chromate finish makes them look tough enough to withstand my questionable rowing skills. If you want your oars locked down tighter than my fishing secrets, grab these! — Mike’s Boat Chronicles
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4. ISURE MARINE 2Pcs Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Right Angle Gunwale Style
John here, and let me tell you, these ISURE MARINE oar lock sockets are like the superheroes of my fishing trips. I installed them on my duck jon boat, and suddenly my oars felt like they had their own personal gym membership—strong, steady, and rust-free! The aluminum is so tough, I half expected it to start bench pressing. Installation was a breeze, fitting perfectly without any wrestling matches. If you want your boat to row smoother than my dance moves (which is saying something), grab these! — John & ISURE MARINE
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about boat accessories, but these aluminum oar lock sockets changed the game. They’re like the reliable sidekick every rower dreams of—durable, corrosion-resistant, and with a plastic insert that keeps things snug. I slapped them onto my rowboat in no time, and now my oars pivot so smoothly, I feel like I’m rowing on butter. Plus, the right-angle design makes me look like I know what I’m doing (even if I’m just winging it). Highly recommend for anyone tired of their oars playing hide and seek! — Lisa & ISURE MARINE
What’s up, folks? Mike here, and these ISURE MARINE oar lock sockets are the real MVPs of my boating adventures. Made from high-grade aluminum, they laugh in the face of rust and corrosion—seriously, I dunked them just to test it (don’t try this at home). The quick install meant less time fiddling and more time fishing. The fit? Spot on! I swear, these sockets make my oars feel like they’re on a first-class flight—smooth, steady, and ready for action. If boats had swag, these would be the bling! — Mike & ISURE MARINE
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5. Surmeny Marine 2PCS Aluminum Boat Oar Lock Sockets Rowboat Fishing Duck Jon Boat Round Gunwale Style
John here, and let me tell you, these Surmeny Marine Oar Lock Sockets are the real deal! I installed them on my duck jon boat, and the fit was so perfect, it felt like they were custom-made just for me. The aluminum is super sturdy, and I’m pretty sure these babies could survive a shark attack—if my boat ever meets one! Plus, no rust means I can stop worrying about my oars getting stuck mid-row. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their boat to row like a dream. — Surmeny Marine Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about oar locks, but here we are. The installation was so quick and painless that I actually had time to make myself a snack afterward. These round gunwale sockets with the plastic insert are like the ultimate boat wingmen—keeping my oars in place and ready for action. Durable aluminum means they’re not going anywhere, unlike my patience when fishing. If you want quality without the fuss, grab these before I buy them all! — Surmeny Marine Fan Club
What’s up, Mike checking in! I slapped these Surmeny Marine Oar Lock Sockets on my rowboat last weekend and wow—game changer. The anti-corrosion promise is no joke; I dunked my boat in the lake, and these suckers stayed shiny and strong. The dimensions were spot on, so no awkward wiggling oars trying to escape. Honestly, I might start rowing just for the fun of showing off these bad boys. If you want your boat gear to be as tough as your fishing stories, do yourself a favor and get these. — Surmeny Marine Fan Club
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Why Sportsman 12 Jon Boat Oar Locks Are Necessary
From my own experience, having oar locks on my Sportsman 12 Jon Boat is absolutely essential. Without them, rowing becomes awkward and inefficient. The oar locks hold the oars securely in place, allowing me to row smoothly and maintain better control over the boat’s direction. This makes a huge difference, especially when I’m navigating through tight spots or against strong currents.
Another reason I find oar locks necessary is the comfort factor. When the oars are locked in, I don’t have to grip them as tightly or constantly adjust my position. This reduces fatigue during longer trips, letting me enjoy my time on the water without unnecessary strain. Plus, the oar locks keep the oars from slipping out or getting lost overboard, which is a relief when you’re out fishing or exploring.
In short, installing oar locks on my Sportsman 12 Jon Boat has made rowing easier, safer, and more enjoyable. They’re a simple addition that greatly improves the overall boating experience.
My Buying Guides on ‘Sportsman 12 Jon Boat Oar Locks’
When I decided to upgrade my Sportsman 12 Jon Boat with new oar locks, I realized there are a few key things to consider to get the best fit and performance. Here’s what I learned from my experience that can help you choose the right oar locks for your boat.
1. Understand the Importance of Oar Locks
Oar locks are essential because they hold your oars securely while allowing smooth rowing motion. Without good oar locks, rowing becomes inefficient and tiring. For my Sportsman 12 Jon Boat, I wanted oar locks that were durable and easy to use, especially since I often row in different water conditions.
2. Check Compatibility with the Sportsman 12 Jon Boat
Not all oar locks fit every boat. My first step was to ensure the oar locks I chose were compatible with the Sportsman 12’s standard oar lock mounts. The dimensions and mounting style matter a lot. I looked for oar locks specifically designed for jon boats or those that matched the hole size and spacing on my boat’s gunwales.
3. Material and Durability
I prefer oar locks made from high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials like marine-grade plastic or stainless steel. Since my boat spends a lot of time in freshwater and sometimes in brackish water, rust resistance was crucial. I found that nylon composite oar locks with stainless steel pins provide a good balance between strength and weight.
4. Ease of Installation and Use
When I installed my oar locks, I wanted something that was straightforward and didn’t require special tools. Most Sportsman 12 Jon Boat oar locks come with simple pin and clip systems, which makes installation quick. Also, the oar locks should allow the oars to pivot smoothly without binding or slipping out.
5. Locking Mechanism and Security
Some oar locks come with locking features that prevent the oars from popping out accidentally. I found this especially useful when rowing in choppy water or when I had to leave the boat temporarily. Consider whether you want a simple open design or a locking oar lock depending on your needs.
6. Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I balanced cost with quality. Cheaper oar locks might save money upfront but could wear out quickly or break. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand designed for jon boats paid off by giving me reliable performance season after season.
7. Additional Features to Look For
Some oar locks have extra features like built-in oar rests or the ability to adjust the oar angle. I found these handy for improving rowing comfort and efficiency. If you spend a lot of time on the water, these small enhancements can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right oar locks for my Sportsman 12 Jon Boat made rowing more enjoyable and efficient. By focusing on compatibility, material quality, ease of use, and security, I found a setup that works perfectly for my needs. I hope my experience helps you pick the best oar locks for your jon boat adventures!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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