Boat Lift Guide Pole Covers: How PolePad Protects Your Hull
Guide poles do one job well: they keep your boat lined up as it settles onto the lift. The trouble is that they sit inches from your paint every time you come and go. One crosswind or a slightly off approach is enough to drag the hull along a bare pole, and PVC (although more friendly than wood or concrete) is not our friend in this scenario. That's how small scuffs and scratches show up on an otherwise clean boat.
A padded guide pole cover fixes that. Below we cover what a cover does, how PolePad is made, and which size to order.
What a Guide Pole Cover Does
A guide pole cover is a padded sleeve that slides over each guide pole on your boat lift or trailer. It puts a layer of foam and fabric between the pole and your boat, so contact turns into a soft brush instead of a raw scrape. Nothing about how your lift works changes. The poles still guide the boat in, they just won't mark it on the way.
How PolePad Is Made
Marine-grade foam and fabric
Every PolePad utilizes a marine-grade outer fabric shell over a thin marine-grade padded interior layer. Each sleeve is made to endure being underwater through normal lift operation, so when your lift goes down the PolePads go with it, able to withstand fresh and saltwater environments.
A snug fit that still comes off by hand
You order by your pole's diameter, and we make the sleeve 1" larger. The fabric has a slight stretch to it, so each PolePad fits as tight as possible while still sliding on and off without tools. It looks fitted on the pole and stays put once it's on.
Made to order
PolePads are made to order in the USA. You choose the size and color, and we build each sleeve to your measurements.
Black or grey
Both colors use the same fabric with a clean, uniform finish that hides the padded layer underneath. Most customers match the color to their lift, bimini or boat cover.
Sizes Available
PolePads fit guide poles from 2" to 5" in diameter, in lengths from 60" to 192".
| Your pole diameter | PolePad sleeve diameter |
|---|---|
| 2.0" | 3.0" |
| 2.5" | 3.5" |
| 3.0" | 4.0" |
| 3.5" | 4.5" |
| 4.0" | 5.0" |
| 4.5" | 5.5" |
| 5.0" | 6.0" |
Not sure what size your poles are? Our guide pole sizing guide walks you through it in a couple of minutes.
Why Most Owners Buy a Set of Four
Most boat lifts have either two or four guide poles, so PolePads are almost always ordered in pairs or sets of four. For the most common lift setups, 2" and 3.5" poles that stand 8' or 10' tall, we offer PolePad 4-Packs already sized to fit, at a better price than buying four sleeves one at a time. 4-Packs start at $669.
If your poles are a different size, you can build a custom set in any diameter and length we make.
Installing PolePads
Installation takes a minute per pole. Slide the PolePad down over the top of the guide pole until it sits where you want it. Each sleeve has a grommet at the base if you'd like to add a zip tie for extra hold. The tie isn't necessary, but we put the option for peace of mind. That's it. Once they're on, you can set them and forget them.
Common Questions
Will PolePads slide off when the lift is underwater?
No. Each sleeve is sized to fit snug on your pole, and PolePads are made to endure being underwater through normal lift operation.
Do they fit trailer guide poles?
Yes. As long as your trailer guide pole falls between 2" and 5" in diameter, there's a PolePad that fits it. If you need shorter sleeves than are offered on the site, email Sales@PilePad.com.
Can I take them off for the season?
Yes. PolePads come off by hand just as easily as they go on.
What if I'm not sure which size to order?
Send us a photo of your lift at Sales@PilePad.com or call 754-212-3303, and we'll help you size it.
Protect Your Hull on Every Approach
Your guide poles will touch your boat sooner or later. PolePad makes sure that when they do, it doesn't leave a mark. Shop PolePad 4-Packs or build a custom PolePad set.