The 10 Best Boat Hooks
This wiki has been updated 26 times since it was first published in October of 2016. If you are planning to head out on the waters of a lake, river, or the ocean, make sure your boat is well equipped with one of these hooks. They will enable you to more easily tie up at a mooring and push off again when it's time to go. We've included a variety of models, varying in length and pulling strength, so no matter what size vessel you have, there is one for you. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. The Boat Loop
2. Star Brite 040609
3. WindRider Double Grip
Editor's Notes
May 02, 2020:
It may seem like boat hooks are basic enough items that they would all be essentially the same, but this is actually untrue. There are differences, big and small, that greatly affect how well they perform, as well as the chances of losing them. For example, if you were to drop the Star Brite 040609, WindRider Double Grip, Eversprout 3-Stage, San-Like 6.75FT, Rage Powersports 96", or Davis 4152 into the water, they would all float for easy retrieval. Conversely, the Seachoice 71050 and The Boat Loop don't, so they could potentially be lost to the murky depths. That being said, The Boat Loop is still a smart option thanks to its unusual design that remove the hassle of getting a hold of dock cleats and poles.
The WindRider Double Grip, Rage Powersports 96", and Davis 4152 all feature bright orange tips that make it easier to see exactly where the head is, which can be a lifesaver in rainy or foggy conditions when visibility is already limited. Of all the models on our list, the San-Like 6.75FT is the only one that features a glow-in-the-dark bead on the tip, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding it at night or tracking where the head is going. However, while we like the design of this item, especially its ability to retract to a very compact size and the addition of a wrist lanyard, we aren't yet fully convinced of its durability and feel it is best used on smaller vessels that won't put too much stress on it.
The Shurhold 130 also immediately stands out from the pack because of its odd shape. Though it may look a little strange, it helps when trying to precisely guide a dockline over or around an object. Though you'll have to buy a pole separately for this item, it isn't very expensive, so you should have some cash leftover to do so.
The SeaSense Paddle and Hook is another untraditional model that offers some benefits that others don't, though it has its fair share of drawbacks, too. We wouldn't recommend using this as your standard boat hook on a large vessel, but for small john boat or canoe, it is very useful. You can use it in the event of an emergency to pull a person from the water or paddle home if your engine fails, and it could easily grab a rope or cleat in a pinch.
Special Honors
Hook & Moor Ultimate The Hook & Moor Ultimate has a patented design that makes it simple to thread lines through mooring ball loops and bring them back to the boat with one swift motion, without having to worry about dropping them into the water. You can also lock the head in place to allow it to function like a traditional boat hook, though it is a rather pricey option. hookandmoor.com
West Marine Heavy Duty 7784267 Offering an impressive 14 feet in length and a sturdy construction, the West Marine Heavy Duty 7784267 is suitable for big vessels with high decks. It retracts down to just six feet for storage, and will float if accidentally dropped in the water. westmarine.com
4. Shurhold 130
5. Eversprout 3-Stage
6. San-Like 6.75FT
7. Seachoice 71050
8. SeaSense Paddle and Hook
9. Rage Powersports 96"
10. Davis 4152
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