My Favorite tool for Alongsides & Slipping off Docks

For a very long time now, I've been advocating the use of Boat Hooks when handling boats alongside or slipping off a dock. The other common use of the boat hook is to pick up floating objects in the water. I cannot emphasize enough the usefulness of a boat hook especially for new boaters who have yet to master boat handling and whose judgement is still average at best. Unlike a car, that stays put when you apply the brakes, a boat is constantly influenced by wind, waves and current. It is easy for new boaters to get caught in tight and awkward situations whilst coming alongside. I have always defined an alongside as "bringing the boat to a dock or jetty safely" and that there is no need for a beautiful alongside, just a safe alongside will do each and every time. Hence a necessary tool to help you execute safe boat handling every time has to be a good quality boot hook. I personally use the telescopic Boat Hook from Shurhold. I never leave the dock without it. Whether you own a 10 footer or a 100 footer Yacht, you need to have a Boat Hook handy. Here are some examples of good boat hooks.

A Telescopic Boat Hook capable of extending to 10 feet

The Shurhold interchangeable Boat Hook that I use

a Telescopic Aluminium pole with a heavy duty hard plastic hook is good enough

Nothing beats a good hook to pick up objects and even people from the water

The clever multi-purpose Boat Hook for securing dock lines

Another good example of the Lasso Boat Hook that makes docking even easier & more fun