What is the issue?
A boat hook is a standard part of boating equipment. But the regular boat hook is limited to hooking objects or, in the case of a pike pole when it has a blunt tip, to also assist in pushing objects off. Although providing indispensable utility, the standard boat hook is limited in its function.Why address this?
Anything that makes a tool more useful, particularly one that is used for docking and undocking or getting a vessel set upon its moorings, is welcome. It will facilitate single-handed sailing, keep the crew and their personal gear aboard, and potentially avoid damage to the vessel making life afloat that much more pleasurable.How to address this?
The standard boat hook has seen many innovations that extends its utility. Many of these allow boatmen to also attach a line to a ringed mooring buoy, dock cleat or mooring ring safely and easily. This can dramatically increase the usefulness of the standard boat hook and vastly simplify berthing.
Standard telescopic boat hook used by most yachtsPhoto: Courtesy of Lalizas
Some systems may be armed with carbine hooks which also help when pulling objects from the water, or a person such as in a Man Overboard situation. Below are some video overviews of the options which may be worth considering.
With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession - photos with thanks to Salty John web http://www.saltyjohn.co.uk/wRino2 boat mooring hook
Docking stick boat hook adapter
MoorHook - Buoy Catcher
Hook & Moor
Handy Duck
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