Have you ever worried your boat might bang against the dock during a storm or heavy wake and wished you had a simple, reliable solution?
Overview
I tested the Taylor Made Products 99079 BoatGuard Mooring Whip to see whether it delivers on the promise of protecting a boat from dockside damage and providing a safety zone between the dock and the hull. In my experience this product is designed for recreational boats up to 25 feet and 10,000 pounds and aims to keep your boat positioned away from the dock using a fiberglass pole and a rocker arm base.
I appreciate products that are straightforward and purposeful, and the BoatGuard Mooring Whip fits that description. Below is a quick breakdown of the key specs to give you a snapshot before I go into greater detail.
Quick specifications table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Taylor Made Products 99079 BoatGuard Mooring Whip |
| Intended Boat Size | Up to 25 feet |
| Maximum Boat Weight | Up to 10,000 lbs |
| Primary Material | Fiberglass pole |
| Base Type | Rocker arm base for positioning |
| Tip | Low friction tip for line routing |
| Additional Feature | Whip cleat for easy retrieval |
| Best Use | Dockside protection; higher wake areas; severe weather |
| Typical Applications | Mooring at docks, slips, pilings; protecting from wakes and wind |
| Installation | Base-mounted; hardware typically required (not always included) |
My First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Taylor Made Products 99079 BoatGuard Mooring Whip I noticed how light the fiberglass pole felt while still appearing sturdy. The packaging protected the pole well and I liked that the design looked engineered more for function than flair.
I also noticed the rocker arm base and the low-friction tip right away. Those elements signaled to me that this was a product built to be used regularly rather than a one-off accessory I’d store away after a season.
Unboxing and packaging
The unit arrived well-packed, with the whip wrapped and the base components boxed separately to prevent scratches. All parts were easy to identify, and the instructions included a simple schematic that made the components straightforward to assemble.
I did find it helpful to read the instructions fully before starting because the hardware orientation matters for the rocker arm performance. Missing or confusing instructions would have slowed me down, but these were adequate.
Build Quality and Materials
The fiberglass construction is the main selling point for me because it balances flexibility and strength. The pole can flex under load, which helps absorb shocks from wakes without causing a rigid impact against the dock or hull.
The rock-solid parts are the base and the fittings. The rocker arm base is critical for positioning the pole so the boat is kept away from the dock, and the quality of that mechanism affects how well the whip will perform during rough conditions.
Fiberglass poles and rocker arm base
The fiberglass pole itself is lightweight and surprisingly durable; I pushed and pulled on it to simulate wake forces and it returned to shape without visible damage. The rocker arm base, which positions the pole’s angle, felt robust and adjusted smoothly.
I would recommend double-checking fasteners and base attachment points after the first few outings, since the base bears the majority of the force in strong wind or wake. For me, regular checks provided peace of mind.
Tip and cleat details
The low friction tip is a small but important detail because it reduces wear on mooring lines and makes retrieval easier. The whip cleat integrates nicely and allows me to secure the line quickly when docking or when I need to board the boat.
I noticed that lines run through the tip and into the cleat with less snatching or friction than with some older designs I’ve used. That translates into easier handling and less line wear over time.
Design and Features
The design goals are clearly about safety and practicality: create a safety zone between the dock and the boat, make retrieval and boarding easier, and handle higher wakes and severe weather conditions. I found the overall design purposeful and user-friendly.
The modularity of the components makes it easy to replace parts if needed, and the low friction tip and whip cleat are actual user-centric features rather than mere marketing items.
Mooring performance and positioning
The rocker arm base allows me to position the pole so that the boat sits further from the dock, which is exactly what I want in windy conditions or when larger boats pass by and generate wakes. It keeps the hull from slamming into dock pilings or cleats.
I tested positioning in different configurations—angled slightly outboard, more vertical, and slightly aft—and found the rocker arm offered enough range to tune the safety zone as I needed.
Low friction tip and whip cleat
The low friction tip does reduce wear and makes line handling smoother, especially when I’m trying to board from the dock or when waves cause movement. The cleat is handy for securing the whip line quickly and makes the whole system feel like a single integrated tool.
I find small conveniences like these add up over the season, especially if I frequently dock in tight slips or places with a lot of wake.
Sizing and Fit
The Taylor Made Products 99079 BoatGuard Mooring Whip is specifically sized for boats up to 25 feet and 10,000 lbs. If your boat falls within that range, this product is engineered for your needs.
I own a boat well within that range, so I could assess how well the whip fit in real situations. If you have a larger vessel, though, you’ll want to look for heavier-duty options.
Weight and boat compatibility
Because the whip is designed for boats up to 10,000 lbs, it’s ideal for many runabouts, small cruisers, and pontoon boats. The weight and flex profile are tuned to that class, so the pole absorbs energy without failing.
I would not use this whip on heavier or much larger boats because it could be overstressed. For boats above the specified weight and length, heavier-duty mooring poles or specialized mounts are safer choices.
Installation and Setup
Installing the BoatGuard Mooring Whip was fairly straightforward, and I appreciated that basic hand tools were all I needed. The base mounts to a solid point on the boat or dock, and the pole inserts into the base to provide the desired cantilevered support.
I recommend checking mounting locations for strength and ensuring the base fasteners are marine-grade to avoid corrosion and loosening over time.
Mounting instructions and tools
The instructions recommend mounting the base to a sturdy deck or piloting cleat area that can accept the forces applied by the pole. I used stainless steel bolts and backing plates in my installation for extra security.
I also used a torque wrench to tighten fasteners to the recommended specs and applied marine-grade sealant where bolts passed through the deck to prevent water intrusion.
Practical tips from my experience
One tip I learned was to pre-fit the base before final torquing to test pole angles and confirm there’s enough clearance for boarding and lines. Another practical note is to route mooring lines so they don’t interfere with deck hardware or fisherman’s walkways.
When I first installed the whip I left the line a bit loose to allow for settling, then tightened it after a few days on the water. That prevented undue strain on fasteners and made adjustments easier.
Performance in Real Conditions
I tested the mooring whip in a variety of real-world conditions: calm afternoons on the lake, choppy mornings with wind chop, and a day when a larger boat’s wake passed through the slip. The BoatGuard Mooring Whip performed as intended and provided a noticeable buffer between the dock and my hull.
Because of the fiberglass flex, the whip absorbs shocks rather than transmitting them all to the boat or dock. That has practical benefits both for protecting gelcoat and for keeping boarding safe during movement.
Calm conditions
In calm water, the whip acts as a stable buffer and doesn’t interfere with routine docking tasks. I was able to dock, secure lines, and board without complicated maneuvers, and the setup felt compact and unobtrusive.
I appreciated that the pole didn’t get in my way when it wasn’t needed but was ready to do its job when a gust or wake arrived.
Severe weather and higher wakes
When the wind picked up and when a neighboring boat produced a higher wake, the rocker arm base and fiberglass pole worked together to keep the hull from slapping the dock. I observed less impact noise and less lateral movement against the dock when compared to the same slip without the whip.
The whip’s rating for higher wake areas was meaningful in practice: it held its position, flexed as needed, and the line routing through the low friction tip avoided jerky movements that can stress cleats and lines.
Long-term behavior and movement
Over multiple outings, I noticed minimal wear on the low friction tip and no loosening of the base when I used marine-grade fasteners and checked torque regularly. The pole slowly develops a “broken-in” flexibility that makes it predictable—somewhat like a fishing rod that becomes more forgiving after use.
I recommend routine inspections, especially after storms, to ensure no fasteners have loosened and to check the pole for hairline cracks or excessive wear.
Maintenance and Durability
Maintenance for the BoatGuard Mooring Whip is mostly routine. I performed visual inspections, rinsed the pole with fresh water after saltwater exposure, and checked the cleat and tip for abrasion. Keeping moving parts lubricated with a corrosion-resistant product helps maintain smooth action.
Because the pole is fiberglass and the hardware should be stainless or similarly corrosion-resistant, long-term durability depends on basic care and periodic verification of fasteners.
Routine checks and care
I clean the pole and tip after each season in saltwater environments and inspect the rocker arm base for corrosion. Lines and the cleat also get occasional replacement depending on wear.
I also use a UV protectant on exposed components if I expect long-term sun exposure, which helps prevent fading and surface deterioration.
Expected lifespan and replacement parts
With regular maintenance, I expect the unit to last multiple seasons. The fiberglass pole itself can last a long time if it is not subjected to extreme overloading or sharp impacts. Replaceable parts such as the low friction tip or the cleat are things I would keep an eye on; they tend to wear first.
If a tip or cleat does wear out, the modular nature of the design makes it straightforward to replace those parts without swapping the entire whip.
Pros and Cons
I like when a product’s strengths and weaknesses are clear. Below I summarize what worked for me and what to be mindful of before buying.
Pros
- Provides a clear safety zone between boat and dock, reducing impact and cosmetic damage.
- Fiberglass pole balances flexibility and strength, absorbing shocks from wakes and wind.
- Rocker arm base offers adjustable positioning to tune protection based on conditions.
- Low friction tip and whip cleat make line handling and boarding easier.
- Sized appropriately for boats up to 25’ and 10,000 lbs, making it ideal for a wide range of recreational boats.
- Relatively easy installation with basic tools and reasonable instructions.
I appreciated the combination of thoughtful design features that actually translated into real-world benefits during my testing.
Cons
- Not suitable for boats larger than the rated 25’/10,000 lb limit; larger vessels need heavier gear.
- Requires a solid mounting surface and proper fasteners; inadequate mounting can compromise performance.
- Replacement parts may be needed over time, especially if exposed to saltwater without proper care.
- The initial setup requires some familiarity with marine fasteners and torque settings; novices might need assistance.
These drawbacks are manageable with the right boat fit and a bit of maintenance discipline.
Comparison with Alternatives
I looked at other mooring whips and protective systems while researching and testing. Many alternatives include foam fenders, spring lines, or different pole materials (aluminum, wood, composites). Each approach has trade-offs.
I found that compared to simple foam fenders, the BoatGuard Mooring Whip offers better lateral positioning and less direct contact under heavy loads. Compared to metal poles, fiberglass has the advantage of predictable flex and corrosion resistance.
Other mooring whips and fenders
Foam fenders are simple and inexpensive but can be pushed out of place and wear quickly in high-wake areas. Metal poles can be very strong but transmit more shock and are heavier to handle. Some high-end systems integrate dampers or shock-absorbing hardware, which add complexity and cost.
In many cases, the BoatGuard strikes a useful middle ground: it’s more advanced than foam fenders but simpler and lighter than heavy-duty metal systems.
Why I might choose this product
I would choose the Taylor Made Products 99079 BoatGuard Mooring Whip if I needed a proven, user-friendly system for a boat within the specified size/weight range. It’s particularly attractive if I dock in areas with wakes or frequent windy conditions and want a solution that’s easy to install and maintain.
If my boat were larger or I had very unusual docking geometry, I might evaluate specialized engineered systems instead, but for most recreational users this whip is a strong option.
Cost and Value
Price is always part of the decision. While I don’t have the latest market price in this review, I assessed value based on construction, functionality, and comparative alternatives. The BoatGuard Mooring Whip tends to be priced competitively with similar mid-range mooring devices and offers a tangible benefit in preventing damage that can be expensive to repair.
I consider it a good value when the cost of even minor hull damage or repeated fender replacement is taken into account—protection is cheaper than repair, and the time-saving convenience is worth something to me as well.
Is it worth the price?
If you dock frequently in exposed slips, near busy channels, or where wakes are common, then yes—I think the unit is worth the price. The protective benefits and the increased convenience of easier boarding and line handling offset the initial cost quickly.
If you only ever experience calm conditions and rarely worry about dock strikes, the investment might be less compelling, but I still see value in having a reliable buffer for the unpredictable.
Who Should Buy This
I recommend the Taylor Made Products 99079 BoatGuard Mooring Whip for owners of small recreational boats—runabouts, bowriders, small cruisers, and pontoons—that fall under 25 feet and 10,000 lbs. It’s ideal for boaters who dock in areas with wakes, windy conditions, or anywhere the boat risks repeated contact with the dock.
I would not recommend it for owners of very large boats or for those looking for an all-in-one, heavy-duty commercial mooring system. For the typical recreational boater, however, it’s a very practical and targeted tool.
Specific user scenarios
- I would recommend it to day-boaters who frequent crowded marinas where wakes and variable water movement are common.
- It’s also a good fit for seasonal boat owners who want a durable, low-maintenance mooring protection system that won’t need constant replacement.
- If you regularly transport passengers and need safer boarding under variable conditions, this whip makes boarding less finicky and safer for guests.
Final Verdict
In summary, I find the Taylor Made Products 99079 BoatGuard Mooring Whip to be a thoughtfully designed, effective, and user-friendly mooring aid for small to medium recreational boats. It’s engineered to protect your boat from dockside damage and to handle higher wakes, using a fiberglass pole, a rocker arm base, a low friction tip, and a whip cleat to make everyday use straightforward.
I like products that solve a clear problem with minimal fuss, and this mooring whip does exactly that. With appropriate installation, regular maintenance, and the right boat size, I trust this product to reduce dockside damage and make docking and boarding more predictable and less stressful.
If you have more questions about installation, compatibility with your specific dock setup, or tips for maintenance, ask me and I’ll share what worked for me step-by-step.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
