Boomkin

A boomkin projecting from the bow of HMS Surprise (in center of image)

A boomkin, bumkin, or bumpkin is a short spar that may project either fore or aft on a sailing vessel, depending on its function.[1] Traditionally, it was a strong, usually wooden spar extending forward over the bow of a Western sailing ship holding a block through which the tack of the foresail was passed; on some modern sailing yachts with long main booms it is a short spar extending aft from the stern anchoring a central backstay.[2]

Historically, boomkins were employed in pairs, one on either side of the vessel, often canted downwards over the main head-rail. Originally butted at their inboard ends against a knighthead, bolting prevailed since the end of the 18th century.

They are not to be confused with catheads, heavy wooden beams on either side of a traditional vessel's bow angled forward at roughly 45 degrees which support the ship's anchors when being raised or lowered.

  1. ^ Mayne, R. (2018). The Language of Sailing. Taylor & Francis. p. 34. ISBN 978-1-135-96565-5. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  2. ^ Goodwin, Peter G. (1987). The construction and fitting of the English man of war, 1650–1850. London: Conway. pp. 223–225. ISBN 0-87021-016-5.