Boathook history

[Michelnou]

I wonder if a seaman on an American schooner, in 1830-1850, could use a boathook ?

 

Thanks for your answer.

 

Mike

[allanyed]

Do you mean one of these?

 

Allan

[georgeband]

Mike,

 

Just right for the period you mention is 'Two years before the mast' by Robert Dana, first published in 1840. This pops up quickly in a web search and you can get pdf or paper versions. The pdf that I have does not react to a word search so you would have to read the whole thing to find a boat hook (if there is one), but a more recent scan might behave better. The book is worth reading anyway to get a flavour of serving on an American merchant ship and sailing round the Horn to what became San Francisco. 

 

George

[wefalck]

As a weapon they were used at least since the Middle Age. There were meant to poke between armour plates and to pull knights off their horses. So, I would assume that their civilian use has been around also for a long time.

[jud]

 The book is worth reading anyway to get a flavour of serving on an American merchant ship and sailing round the Horn to what became San Francisco. ////////  

 

 

[Dr PR]

"Falconers Universal Dictionary of the Marine" of 1769 describes boat hooks and has a drawing of one in Plate III.

 

So they were in use before 1769.

[Michelnou]

Hi Guys,

I thank you for your answers.

Yes Allanyed I speak of these boat instrument which is still very useful on any boat or ship.

I wanted to be sure that to fit a 1850 schooner with that instrument was not a chronological mistake.

Clearly not

Mike