The three sizes at a glance
| Model | Pole | Reach | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CompactMT2-4 | 2–4′ | 46″ → 64″ | Low-freeboard boats, such as jon boats and small runabouts |
| MediumMT3-6 | 3–6′ | 58″ → 88″ | Most runabouts, pontoons, and deck boats |
| LongMT4-8 | 4–8′ | 70″ → 112″ | High bows, cruisers, sailboats, and tall pilings |
Reach is shown retracted → fully extended. The Extension Pole locks at any length in between, so you can set it to exactly what your dock needs.
Start with your freeboard
Freeboard is the height of your deck above the waterline at the spot where you stand to dock. Measure it there: from the top of the gunwale or rail straight down to the water. Then think about the docks you use most. A low floating dock sits close to the water; a fixed dock or a tall piling can be well above or below your deck, depending on the water level.
As a starting point, our size picker recommends the Compact (MT2-4) for up to 2 ft of freeboard, the Medium (MT3-6) for more than 2 and up to 4 ft, and the Long (MT4-8) for more than 4 ft.
Size by boat type
- Compact (MT2-4), 46″ to 64″ of reach: low-freeboard boats, such as jon boats and small runabouts.
- Medium (MT3-6), 58″ to 88″ of reach: most runabouts, pontoons, and deck boats.
- Long (MT4-8), 70″ to 112″ of reach: high bows, cruisers, sailboats, and tall pilings.
Boat type is a shortcut, not a rule. A small boat that ties up to a tall fixed dock may need more reach than its size suggests, so let your freeboard and your docks decide. Docking a pontoon? See how to dock a pontoon boat.
Between two sizes? Choose the longer one
Not sure between two sizes? Choose the longer one. It still collapses down to the shorter length, so you can always reach less. You just can’t reach more.
Standard loop, XL loop, or Loop Pack
The Standard loop is 19″ tall and fits bollards and pilings up to 12″ across, which covers most dock cleats and posts.
If you tie up to larger pilings or posts, the XL loop gives you a bigger opening.
The Loop Pack includes both the Standard and XL loops. The loop heads are interchangeable, so one pole covers both.
Finish: standard or carbon graphite
Every size comes with the heavy-duty fiberglass pole. A premium carbon-graphite finish is available in the Medium (3–6 ft) and Long (4–8 ft) sizes.
More reach means less force
Whatever size you choose, do not exceed 100 lb of pulling force or 75 lb of pushing force, and reduce force when the pole is extended; the fiberglass pole is more susceptible to buckling under heavy pushing at full extension.
Still unsure? Try the interactive size finder, or contact us with your boat and dock and we will help you choose. When you are ready, shop The Boat Loop®. New to docking alone? Start with how to dock a boat by yourself.