A boat hook is an inconspicuous but extremely useful and versatile tool on board – every boat, whether a yacht or a dinghy, should have one (larger boats and yachts should have two). How are they best handled, what material should they be made of, and where should they be stored on board?
It happened at the end of the season: we were moored in our berth after a wonderful sailing trip when our jetty neighbor approached his berth right next to us in his large motorboat. The mooring maneuver failed, and to prevent a collision with our boat, a crew member of the motorboat slowed down and steered the bow toward the jetty, away from our hull.
The motorboat crew member used a boat hook to keep our boats apart. Good thing they had one with them, we thought. Unfortunately, the boat hook was made of metal and quite sharp, so although our boats didn’t collide, the hook scraped across the deck and left marks.
The boat hook is an indispensable universal helper on board
So what should the “perfect boat hook” look like? First of all, why should every yacht owner always have a boat hook on board? A boat hook is not only the “extended arm” of the skipper or crew, it is also a safe tool for maneuvering in tight situations. After all, it is a universal helper on board that is not only needed when docking and undocking (but probably most often there).
Typical areas of application include “grabbing” the mooring line or safety line that is stretched between some boat berths, as well as aligning (and retrieving) fenders and certain “man overboard situations” (e.g., when pulling in a swim line) or when objects have gone overboard.
Boat hooks can also be useful for keeping your distance during mooring maneuvers (e.g., in windy conditions or in the case described above where you are traveling too fast or maneuvering incorrectly) and can help prevent the worst from happening. Finally, these practical aids are indispensable in locks or during mooring maneuvers to pick up the shore line or mooring line. Boat hooks have even been spotted as extended GoPro or cell phone sticks. The list could go on and on.
Classic boat hooks are made of wood or aluminum and have a stainless steel or GRP tip
But what material should a boat hook be made of? The shaft is often made of wood (e.g., ash), GRP, or aluminum. The advantage of a wooden shaft is that it floats in case of an emergency, while fiberglass scores points for its robustness and aluminum is lightweight. The hook itself is made of either stainless steel or plastic, both of which are rustproof, break-resistant, and weather-resistant. Our boat hook on board is made entirely of aluminum (shaft and hook) and has a slightly thicker, non-slip rubber handle at the end.
Then there are the telescopic boat hooks that are often advertised at high prices. In our opinion, however, these are extremely problematic. The reason: many (cheaper) models are not stable enough for real pulling (e.g., when pulling in mooring lines), they are susceptible to corrosion, especially at the locking mechanism, they are often wobbly when extended, but above all, they are not waterproof—they sink if they go overboard. This may be acceptable for small boats with limited storage space, but it is rather unsuitable for serious “good seamanship.”
The ideal length of a boat hook depends primarily on the type and size of the boat, of course, but a length between 1.80 and 2.40 m is recommended. The rule of thumb is: better too long than too short, because then you can simply hold the hook shorter (if it is too long); but you cannot “lengthen” the hook if it is too short. For larger boats/yachts or high freeboards, longer models are preferable.
The boat hook should always be stored on board within easy reach
Where should a boat hook be stored? Well, at least when docking and undocking, it should always be within easy reach. This refers primarily to the crew member on board who is at the bow or on the foredeck when entering the box, for example.
Possible locations could be: the holder on the cockpit basket, on the railing, under a deck locker (only if quick access is guaranteed). Many cruising sailors also attach the boat hook to a shroud or backstay, or – in the case of motorboats – a good place may be on the side of the deck near the handrail. In any case, boat hooks should not be stored below deck or deep in a storage compartment – in an emergency, it will be too late.
Many different models are currently available in Retailers currently offer many different models, most of which are made from the materials mentioned above and cost between €25 (telescopic, not recommended) and €55 (aluminum or wood/stainless steel combination) on average. Bargain hunters can buy just the hook and purchase a suitable wooden or aluminum handle (from the wood or garden department) at a hardware store, for example.
Conclusion: a sturdy, non-telescopic boat hook made of wood or aluminum is the safest and most durable solution
It should be immediately accessible, float if possible, be suitable for very strong pulling, and not bend or jam under load. Tip: if you have enough space, you should always carry two hooks on board – e.g., a “classic” long wooden boat hook and, if necessary, a short spare hook for the helmsman/aft deck. And: it is good if the hook has a rounded end (spherical), as this prevents unsightly scratches on other boats.
