Boating is an enjoyable experience especially when you have the right accessories to use when in and out of the open water. While owning a boat is a pleasurable investment, it comes with several expenses that you will need to address for you to get the best out of your vessel. Investing in accessories such as boat covers and docking lines among others is vital to a memorable experience out there. One other accessory that’s often overlooked is a boat hook that has numerous uses when out boating.
A boat hook is one tool that will come in handy as you steer yourself away from the dock- it gives you that extra push to get you going. When fishing and you happen to drop something into the water, you can pull it out using a boat hook. You can even use it to test the depth of the water as you navigate your way around. Actually, a boat hook to a boat owner can be compared to the role a walking cane plays to an elderly person.
There are a lot of boat hook designs and brands available in the market today. Picking the ideal one for your needs may be confusing and hectic. We have brought you a comprehensive review of the best boat hooks around that will not only make your life easier when boat but will provide you with years of service and value.
Top 10 Boat Hooks of 2020 Reviewed
1. Danik-Hook Stainless Steel Boat Hooks
Best Heavy Duty Boat Hooks
Are you a regular boater and are lately getting frustrated with tying the knots in a bid to secure your boat? Or are you thinking about going camping or on a fishing expedition? Danik-Hook will definitely sort your needs as it is simple and versatile with many uses be it boating or recreational purposes.
It comes with an easy to use adjustable lever system that on one end attaches to the anchor while the other end attaches to the boat. Danik- Hook has an eccentric mechanism that holds the line firmly at the right place, giving an adjustable clip at any place on the line.
What’s impressive is that it can hold a weight of up to 8,000 lbs and comes with a 1-year warranty. Furthermore, the hooks are 100% stainless steel and a great addition to your boat accessories.
Pros:
- Multiple uses
- Non-corrosive
- Hold weights of up to 8000 pounds
Cons:
- They are quite pricey
- They are heavy in case you want to toss them to someone else
- May corrode in salty water
2. WindRider Telescoping Boat Hook
Best Boat Hook for Lengthy Voyages
For someone who spends a lot of time on the water, you need a good boat companion in the name of WindRider Telescoping Boat Hook. This hook is engineered to save time while on the water as it is used for docking as well as retrieving things that fall on the water.
It can also maneuver rafts, logs, and boats. The pole is lightweight, made from anodized aluminum and have a safely non- slip grip.The high-quality telescoping extends from 4.5 to 12FT. And because it has an ACME thread, you can attach any other standard accessory.
The tip has a soft red cap that allows you to push off other boats or rafts without denting them, what is more, impressive than having a lifetime guarantee on a boat hook that will serve your many purposes.
Pros:
- Easy to operate and secure with no slips
- The adjustable telescopic handle can extend up-to 12FT
- Durable, heavy-duty boot hook sold at a reasonable price
Cons:
- Doesn’t lock easily
- It does not float easily
- The hook may break off easily
3. Star Brite Boat Hook
Best High End Boat Hook
If you are in the market for a high-quality boat hook that will not dent your pockets, then Star Brite has you covered. The head of the boat hook is engineered to flex, but it doesn’t break. It is very versatile in terms of its functionality, making it ideal for both water activities and around the house.
Furthermore, the pole is made from anodized aluminum that can be adjusted from 5’’to 10’’ which makes it suitable for big boats. It also has special air chambers than enable it to float on water. Star Brite Hook is designed to last for a long time even under rough conditions, and they are available on a variety of lengths and adjustable handles.
Pros:
- Reliable
- The hook is solid, sturdy, lightweight yet reliable
- It has a perfectly designed York for ease in pick-ups and line handling
Cons:
- Gets difficult to hook onto the cleats because it bends easily
- While the hooks float, it may fall apart too easily
- It locks too loosely
4. EVERSPROUT Boat Hook
Best Docking Boat Hook
This boat hook will impress you not only for its quality but also for its light weight and sturdy design. With its multi-purpose function, EVERSPROUT Boat Hook can be used for docking and undocking the boat, pulling lines, hooking hoses on hard to reach places, hanging Christmas lights on trees and houses among other things.
It is made in scratch-resistant material that prevents scratching which gives an easy time during docking and undocking without damaging your beautiful boat. You can buy this boat hook with confidence as it is 100% guaranteed.
Furthermore, the twist on design attachment allows the hook to fit into just about any standard pole like a mop, threaded broom, or a painter. And it floats on water.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose
- High quality construction
- Scratch resistant
Cons:
- The riveted hook might break off easily
- The hook does not come together with the pole
- Pulls out too easily
5. Simplified Living 6’’ Dock Cleats
Best Multi-Purpose Boat Hooks
Whether you are looking to dock your boat or decorate your house with maritime vibe, the Simplified Living 6’’ Dock Cleats are just what you have been looking for. These little hooks are sturdy and designed to be rust-free, meaning that you can use them for ages. They have hexagon holes that allow the bolts to stay in place while securing the cleat and hence easy for installation.
The Simplified Living 6’’ hooks have wide footprints for support and can withstand the push and pull of the canoe or a boat. These hooks will also come in handy during a DIY interior home décor’ with a beautiful outside the box sea vibe, they can be used as towel racks, coat racks, curtain holders or a nice roped stairway design.
Pros:
- Sturdy, durable and rust free
- Sold in a variety of packs up-to 128
- They can be used to dock a boat as well as interior home décor
Cons:
- Bolts and nuts separately
- They can be problematic with a wide rope
- Quite small
6. Garelick Eez- In Premium Telescoping Boat Hook-3.5’-8’
Best Telescoping Boat Hook
When you are looking for boat hooks, you want something that will give you a lifetime warranty, that’s why it is important to include the Garelick Eez- in Premium Telescoping Hook on your boating accessories.
It is made from durable aluminum material that is stable and strong.It has a very smooth twist and locks telescoping feature with a rolled tube edge that holds the pole to your desired length without flexing even when it is extended. It is lightweight but very secure with a non – corrosive finish and a comfortable satin padded grip.
What’s also impressive, is the non -slip vinyl handle that provides safety. This hook is an absolute favorite among serious boaters as it is not only of good quality, but the price is also quite attractive.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Made of anodized aluminum
- Soft and safe on your hands
Cons:
- The rubber tip might get loose easily
- Not ideal for heavy duty uses
- Isolated complaints of shipping without the tip
7. Davis Instruments Telescoping Paddle and Boat Hook Combination
Best Adjustable Boat Hook
The Davis Paddle and Boat Hook combo is a great tool to have for a regular sailor. It consists of a combination of a paddle and boat hook which makes it a two- in -one accessory. The hook is guaranteed the durability as it is made of unbreakable material, and additionally, it has a non-corrosive finish.
The paddle has adjustable features made from durable plastic materials, and the color is bright orange, which is ideal for signaling during an emergency. Amazingly, you can also insert a brush or mop at the end of the hook, and because it’s made from Lexan material, it will not spoil the boats’ hull.
Pros:
- Solid and lightweight
- Adjustable boat hook and paddle
- Highly visible adjustable handle
Cons:
- The paddle might be a bit weak
- The twisting on the telescoping part might not engage with ease.
- Might be a bit pricey compared to other boat hooks
8. Swobbit Universal Boat Hook
Best Universal Boat Hook
From the name itself suggests, Swobbit Universal Boat Hook is not only meant for marine use, but it also has other impressive home uses as well. The pole and the hooks are made from Ultraviolet polycarbonate quality material, and it stays strong without flexing even when extended.
The Swobbit system is designed with a fast snapping construction for a quick release into the ideal pole for safer docking. As if that’s not enough, it can dock a dock of up-to 20FT long with ease while at the same time maintaining its sturdiness. It fits very well on the hand with a nice secure grip and the end you can also attach other accessories like brooms or mops.
Pros:
- Multi-purpose function for boaters and aids in retrieving docking line
- Stable on the hand with a firm grip
- Has a universal boat hook end
Cons:
- Holes can be missed easily
- More clearing needed for the holes
- A bit heavy
9. BECK CLP 1 ¼ Clip PR Boat Hooks
Best Boat Hook for Slippery Areas
When you are on a boat, you need to keep everything organized and in place. That’s why you need BECK Clip Boat Hooks because they will serve as hooks and also as holding clips. These clips come in different sizes to secure all the accessories and equipment in their right places.
They are ideal for both interior and exterior uses, and therefore, they have been specially designed in non-corrosive, non-conductive, and non -magnetic material.Their bases have concealed fasteners, which displays a clean finish and also allows them to be installed next to each other. They have smooth round edges that that are safe on wet to avoid accidents.
Pros:
- Available in a variety of sizes
- Are non- corrosive, non-conductive and non- magnetic
- Smooth round edges to prevent injuries
Cons:
- Get loose over time
- A bit expensive
- Not ideal for torsion
10. Better Boat Boat Hook
Best High Performance Boat Hook
If you are looking to buy a durable boat hook that is 100% guaranteed on performance, then you have come to the right place. Not only does the company vouch for the quality of this product, but they offer a money back if it does not suit your needs. Quite confident, right?
This hook has a blue rubber tip that enables clarity in water, and at the same time, the rubber prevents scratching the boat during docking and undocking. The ¾ ACME threaded tip makes it flexible in terms of use as it can fit into any standard pole. It also floats in water in case it falls overboard and after all, it is lightweight
Pros:
- High quality construction
- Lightweight and floats easily
- A multi-purpose boat hook
Cons:
- The tip might fall loose and come off
- The screw head cannot fit big diameter poles
- Might not be ideal for heavy duty use
How to Choose the Best Boat Hooks: The Ultimate Buying Guide
There is nothing more popular in boating accessories than boat hooks, and that is why, as a serious sailor, you need to have just the right ones. If you have the best boat hook, a lot of headaches can be avoided in the water; that is why it is important to consider these factors before you make that purchase.
All in One Purpose Boating Hook
For a complete boating experience, you need to a boat hook that will serve all your needs. Whether you want to pull mooring lines, you want to scrub your floors clean or even retrieve items that have fallen overboard. You need to consider a boating hook that will serve all these purposes. Some of these hooks can even be used during camping trips or even when you are hanging Christmas lights on hard to reach areas.
Luckily for you, most of these products reviewed here have multi-purpose functions. Among them are; Danik Hook Stainless Steel, EVERSPROUT Boat Hook, Star Brite Boat Hook, Swobbit Universal Boat Hook and the Boat Hook with Standard Pole Screw End ¾ Thread.
While some screws have other additional purposes like the BECK Clip Boat hook that is used to secure accessories on and outside the boat, others like Simplifies Living Cleats can be used for aesthetic value especially for interior décor.
Non- Corrosive finish
Most of the time we indeed sail on salty water. When you buy boating accessories, you need to make sure that they are durable and won’t corrode when exposed to extreme weather elements. That is why the boat hooks reviewed in this peace are either made from stainless steel or aluminum material.
Whether to buy a stainless hook or an aluminum one should also be a question you should ask yourself. While aluminum material is less heavy and cheaper, it might scratch easily. Therefore, it needs an anodized coating to prevent corrosion. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is heavier, it excels greater in terms of performance and is generally heavier than aluminum.
Safety
We can all agree that nothing is more annoying than damaging your hands during a boating trip; it can spoil your fun. Furthermore, you use your hands a lot during these adventures. That said, you need to buy a boating hook that is kind to your hands and also provides a secure firm grip. Some products like Garelick Boat Hook goes an extra mile providing a comfortable satin padded grip combined with the non- slip vinyl for safety.
We all know most boat owners love their boats like their babies; that’s why they like to maintain them with utmost care. And because most of the reviewed products have rubber tips, they prevent scratching the boats during docking and undocking.
100% Risk- Free Satisfaction Guarantee
Knowing the manufacturers are confident with the products that they are putting out in the market is music to the ears. EVERSPROUT Boat Hook and Boat Hook with Standard Pole Screw come with a 100% money back guarantee. So, you can shop in confidence knowing that in the case of faultiness or if the boat hook does not fit your needs, you can get your money back.
Quality
The best boat hooks will generally offer good performance for a long time with minimum maintenance. It is important to consider this factor when choosing the best hooks in the market. Boat Hook with Standard Pole will offer you premium quality even though the price is very attractive.
Ability to Float
Accidents do happen on board, and most of the times we find that we accidentally drop things on the water and cannot retrieve them since most objects sink after a short time. Luckily you will not have to lose your favorite investment, ‘’boating hooks’’ when they fall over board. Some Boat hooks like Star Brite, EVERSPROUT, WindRider, and the Boat Hook have special air chambers that allow floating on the water.
Budget
Boat Hooks come at different prices. It’s wise to check for quality, but also, it’s important to buy something that is within your price range. While cheap is expensive. It might not necessarily be the case. Boat hooks are generally priced between the range of $9- $25. With less than $10, you can get quality boat hooks like EVERSPROUT and Boat Hook with Standard Pole Screw End. Consequently, BECK Clip, Danik- Hook Stainless Steel and Davis Boat Hook Combination are among the expensive option.
Conclusion
Shopping for the best boat hook can be a difficult affair because of the wide variety in the market. Different hooks offer different functionalities, both onshore and offshore, while others generally come in handy at home. But as you’ve seen from the reviewed products above, you’ll no longer experience an unnecessary headache when out shopping. Check out those that fit your needs and your best boating companion!
