Alternative Name for a Bowsprit

[Abaco]

Last weekend I was sailing on a cat with a carbon bowsprit that runs from the bridgedeck under the tramp and under the crossbeam. I seem to remember there being another name for the sprit when it comes back to the bridgedeck. Can anyone help? Just curious.

[David M]

The pointy end?

The vertical member that supports the mast compression load or other loads on a beam or crossbeam is called the dolphin striker. Under it runs chain, cable or solid wire. It is part of a cantilever system.

Dolphin striker for a bow sprit...



For a Hobie...

[WoundedWarrior]

new to all these terms but I think "boomkin". someone please correct me here.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by WoundedWarrior

new to all these terms but I think "boomkin". someone please correct me here.

no. a boomkin goes out the stern, like a bowsprit on the other end. It's usually constructed to carry the sheet block for the mizzen.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by David M

The vertical member that supports the mast compression load or other loads on a beam or crossbeam is called the dolphin striker. Under it runs chain, cable or solid wire. It is part of a cantilever system.

Some modern cats have "seagull strikers," which are basically dolphin strikers cantilevered in the opposite direction.

Check this out: Catamaran Sailing Yacht for Sale - Exterior

[Abaco]

The term I'm looking for is also used in airplane terminoligy for a part of the plane's fuselage.

[Palarran]

I've seen people here call it a "prodder"

The rigging company that changed my seagull striker called it a martingale

[Blue Stocking]

On older fishing smacks, where going out on the "widow-maker" to tack down the jib, was dangerous, a bowsprit, that could be withdrawn to the foredeck, was referred to as a "running" or "housing" sprit.

[spiritcat]

It is a 'prodder'.

[markpierce]

The hokey pokey.

[ozskipper]

Ditto on the Prodder.

[John A]

Originally Posted by Bash

no. a boomkin goes out the stern, like a bowsprit on the other end. It's usually constructed to carry the sheet block for the mizzen.

The sheet block for most mizzens is attached to a padeye.

I always thought that a boomkin was for the boom to rest on when the main was down. Mainly used with a gaff-rigged main but is on HC's, Valient's, Baba's and other traditional boats.

[ozskipper]

Originally Posted by John A

The sheet block for most mizzens is attached to a padeye.

I always thought that a boomkin was for the boom to rest on when the main was down. Mainly used with a gaff-rigged main but is on HC's, Valient's, Baba's and other traditional boats.

They are called boom gallows.

Bumpkin is a spar off the stern of a boat.

[WillJacocks]

I have heard of retractable bowsprits. Thinking of updating my Ranger 28 to have one.

[John A]

Originally Posted by ozskipper

They are called boom gallows.

Bumpkin is a spar off the stern of a boat.

I stand corrected.


(Transport / Nautical Terms) Nautical a short boom projecting from the deck of a ship, used to secure the main-brace blocks or to extend the lower edge of the foresail
[from Dutch boomken, from boom tree; see beam, -kin]