A traditional flat-bottomed calm water boat, blunt both ends and propelled by a pole, is a punt.
The pole on a sailboat is called the mast.
The boatman pushes the bank with a pole to move the boat away because the pole allows for leverage and helps the boatman push against the immovable bank. This action helps propel the boat away from the bank by creating a reaction force.
punt
a pole is used on symmetrical boats, or a boat that has the spinnaker, or kite, out in front of it. An A-Symmetrical boat puts the spinnaker to the side. A-Symmetrical boats use a bowsprit to hold the sail out in front of the boat, but Symmetricals use a pole. it clips onto the mast of the boat, and the other ends holds the sail.
The pole you are referring to is called the mast. If the boat only has one mast it is usually not in the middle of the boat but is normally found in the forward third of the boat.
A mast
The mast is part of a boat. It is a vertical pole on a ship which supports the sails.
It could be the mast or even a boathook.
Gondolas.
A pole on a boat that holds spars or sails.
A punting pole is generally referred to simply as a "pole" or "punt pole." It is used to propel a punt, a flat-bottomed boat, along shallow waterways.
The advantage of a Power-Pole Shallow Water Anchor is that it is for the serious fisherman. It has been designed for the smaller boat and helps with boat positioning.