RIGGING SUPPLY YOU CAN DEPEND ON

Professional Marine Hardware & Rigging Equipment

Shackles

Essential connectors for joining lines, chains, and hardware. Marine shackles must be corrosion-resistant and rated for the loads they'll encounter.

Common Types:

• Bow Shackles: Wide opening, versatile for multiple connections
• D Shackles: Stronger than bow shackles, narrower opening
• Anchor Shackles: Heavy-duty for anchor connections
• Twist Shackles: Swivel design prevents line twisting
• Snap Shackles: Quick-release for easy attachment/detachment

Materials:

• Stainless Steel: Excellent corrosion resistance, most common
• Galvanized Steel: Economical, good corrosion resistance
• Bronze: Traditional, good for specific applications

Blocks & Pulleys

Marine blocks redirect lines and create mechanical advantage for sail handling, anchoring, and general rigging operations.

Key Features:

• Corrosion-resistant construction
• Sealed bearings for smooth operation
• Various sizes and load capacities
• Single, double, or triple sheave options
• Fixed or swivel attachment
• Designed for marine rope and line

Cleats

Deck-mounted hardware for securing lines. Essential for docking, mooring, and controlling running rigging.

Common Types:

• Horn Cleats: Traditional two-horn design for general use
• Cam Cleats: Spring-loaded jaws grip line, quick release
• Clam Cleats: V-shaped jaws for smaller lines
• Jam Cleats: Wedge design holds line under load
• Deck Cleats: Low-profile for deck mounting

Turnbuckles

Adjustable rigging hardware used to tension standing rigging, lifelines, and other applications requiring precise adjustment.

Key Features:

• Threaded body for length adjustment
• Various end fittings (jaw, eye, stud)
• Stainless steel construction
• Open or closed body designs
• Rated for specific working loads
• Essential for rigging tension

Fairleads & Chocks

Guide lines and anchor rode through deck or rail, preventing chafe and directing line path.

Key Features:

• Smooth surfaces prevent line chafe
• Various sizes for different line diameters
• Deck or rail mounting options
• Stainless steel or aluminum construction
• Open or closed designs

Corrosion Resistance

Marine hardware must resist corrosion from saltwater, spray, and harsh marine environments:

• Stainless Steel (316): Best corrosion resistance, most common for marine hardware
• Stainless Steel (304): Good corrosion resistance, less expensive than 316
• Hot-Dip Galvanized: Economical, good protection for larger hardware
• Bronze: Traditional material, excellent corrosion resistance
• Aluminum: Lightweight, good corrosion resistance with anodizing
• Coated Steel: Economical with protective coating

Important: Use 316 stainless steel for critical applications and areas with high saltwater exposure. Avoid mixing dissimilar metals to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Key Considerations

• Material: 316 stainless for saltwater, 304 for freshwater or budget applications
• Load Rating: Ensure hardware exceeds maximum expected loads
• Size: Appropriate for line diameter and application
• Corrosion Resistance: Match material to environment (saltwater vs. freshwater)
• Quality: Marine-grade hardware from reputable manufacturers
• Compatibility: Ensure hardware works with existing equipment
• Installation: Proper mounting and fastening critical for safety
• Maintenance: Consider ease of inspection and maintenance

Proper Installation

• Backing Plates: Use backing plates for deck-mounted hardware
• Proper Fasteners: Use marine-grade stainless steel fasteners
• Sealant: Apply marine sealant to prevent water intrusion
• Load Alignment: Install hardware aligned with load direction
• Adequate Strength: Ensure mounting surface can handle loads
• Professional Installation: Critical hardware should be professionally installed

Maintenance Guidelines

• Regular Inspection: Check hardware for corrosion, wear, or damage
• Freshwater Rinse: Rinse with freshwater after saltwater exposure
• Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts with marine-grade lubricant
• Corrosion Treatment: Address corrosion early to prevent failure
• Tighten Fasteners: Check and tighten mounting hardware regularly
• Replace Worn Items: Don't wait for failure - replace worn hardware

Critical Safety Points

• Load Ratings: Never exceed working load limits
• Proper Sizing: Undersized hardware can fail catastrophically
• Regular Inspection: Corrosion and wear can reduce strength significantly
• Galvanic Corrosion: Avoid mixing dissimilar metals in contact
• Proper Installation: Incorrect installation can lead to failure
• Quality Hardware: Use marine-grade hardware from reputable sources
• Replacement Schedule: Replace critical hardware on regular schedule

What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which provides superior corrosion resistance in saltwater environments. 304 stainless is adequate for freshwater and less corrosive environments but will corrode faster in saltwater. For marine applications, especially in saltwater, 316 stainless is strongly recommended for critical hardware and fittings.

How do I prevent galvanic corrosion?

Galvanic corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of an electrolyte (saltwater). Prevent it by using the same metal throughout your hardware system, or use insulating materials between dissimilar metals. Stainless steel and aluminum in contact is a common problem. When mixing metals is unavoidable, use sacrificial anodes and maintain them regularly.

How often should I replace marine hardware?

Replacement depends on usage, environment, and hardware type. Inspect critical hardware annually and replace if corrosion, wear, or damage is detected. Standing rigging hardware should be replaced every 10-15 years even if it looks good. Running rigging hardware lasts longer but should be inspected regularly. Saltwater environments accelerate wear - inspect more frequently.

Can I use climbing hardware on my boat?

Some climbing hardware can be used for marine applications, but ensure it's made from marine-grade materials (316 stainless steel). Standard climbing hardware is often made from aluminum or 304 stainless, which may not provide adequate corrosion resistance in saltwater. Always verify material specifications and corrosion resistance before using climbing hardware in marine environments.

What size shackle do I need?

Shackle size should be based on the working load and the size of lines or chains being connected. The shackle's working load limit must exceed your maximum expected loads with an adequate safety factor (typically 3:1 to 5:1). The pin diameter should be appropriate for the eye or link it's connecting. When in doubt, size up - oversized shackles are safer than undersized ones.

Professional Marine Hardware from US Rigging

US Rigging is a manufacturer and master distributor of climbing ropes, fall protection equipment, and industrial rigging equipment located in Santa Ana, California. With over 40 years of experience, we offer professional-grade marine hardware from trusted manufacturers, engineered for durability, corrosion resistance, and dependable performance in demanding marine applications.

Our marine hardware collection includes shackles, blocks and pulleys, cleats, turnbuckles, fairleads, and specialized rigging equipment in corrosion-resistant materials including 316 stainless steel, galvanized steel, and bronze. Whether you're outfitting a sailboat, maintaining a powerboat, or upgrading your vessel's deck hardware, we have the quality marine hardware and expertise to ensure safe, reliable operation on the water.

Browse our marine hardware collection and contact our knowledgeable team for expert guidance. Trust US Rigging for professional-grade marine hardware and rigging equipment you can depend on.