What is a boat hook primarily used for?

What is a boat hook primarily used for?

• A. To measure depth
• B. Fend a boat off a dock or another boat, help pass lines to a dock, retrieve items fallen overboard
• C. To act as a paddle
• D. To illuminate the deck

Answer: (B)

A boat hook is a long pole with a curved head that lets you reach things at the waterline from the safety of the deck. Its main purpose is to control how close you are to a dock or another vessel and to handle lines: you can push off against a dock or piling to keep the boat clear, snag or reel in a line that’s been passed to you, or retrieve items that have fallen overboard. It’s not used to measure depth, act as a paddle, or illuminate the deck, so its primary value is in extending your reach for docking and line handling rather than propulsion or visibility.

A boat hook is a long pole with a curved head that lets you reach things at the waterline from the safety of the deck. Its main purpose is to control how close you are to a dock or another vessel and to handle lines: you can push off against a dock or piling to keep the boat clear, snag or reel in a line that’s been passed to you, or retrieve items that have fallen overboard. It’s not used to measure depth, act as a paddle, or illuminate the deck, so its primary value is in extending your reach for docking and line handling rather than propulsion or visibility.