A boat cover support pole is used to support the boat cover and prevent pooling of water and debris. If you have ever put a boat cover on your boat without the boat cover support pole then you were probably very much surprised at how much water the water resistant boat cover can hold. After that experience you know how useful a boat support pole would be when purchased with a boat cover. The boat cover support pole supports any area of a boat cover and can adjust from 12" to 54" depending on how high you need to set the pole so that it is the highest point under the cover. The pole itself is made of tough rust-proof ABS plastic. The top of the boat cover support pole will accept support straps but the straps are not included.