Boomkin Bumkin Bumpkin Question

[GaryKap]

A boomkin is defined as a short boom projecting at either side of the bow, used to extend the lower windward corner of the foresail.  This is done by passing a tack through a large block at the end of the boom.

 

My question is:  were the boomkins permanently attached to the bow, or were they set out when needed and taken down when they were not needed?  Or does it depend on the type of ship and the year?  I am particularly interested in this relative to the brig FAIR AMERICAN (1778).

 

Any thoughts from you knowledgable forum members?  Thanks

 

<<Gary>>

[JerryTodd]

First off - they could be at other places besides the bow, such as very commonly at the quarters for the main brace block.

 

They were set in place with guys (shrouds) to hold them there - permanently.

[robnbill]

The Connie has Boomkins on the bow and over the quarter galleries.

[druxey]

I'm sure about a brig, but ship-rigged vessels of that time period had 'permanent' boomkins.

[allanyed]

I agree they were probably more permanent than not in actual practice, but I why then use a cap square to hold them down onto the false rail rather than a more simple, permanent, means of fixing them in place?

 

Allan 

[Dan Vadas]

why then use a cap square to hold them down onto the false rail rather than a more simple, permanent, means of fixing them in place?

 

 

Easier to replace when they get damaged?

 

  Danny

[GaryKap]

Thank you to Jerry, Bill, Druxey,Allen, and Danny for your information.

 

OK, so the boomkins were permanently attached, and held with cap squares on the false rails.   But how were they attached to the hull of the ship?  Were they stepped into sockets like the masts, or attached with some kind of iron fixture, or somehow else?  Or do we know...?

 

<<Gary>>

[russ]

Gary:

I have read that their inboard ends bolted right into the knightheads. Others will know better, but that is how I have seen it in plans and models.

 

Russ

Edited January 12, 2015 by russ

[druxey]

Russ is correct in most cases, but some contemporary models show a shallow socket attached to the bow planking.

[GaryKap]

Russ and Druxey -

Thank you for your helpful responses to my questions.  I think I have the picture now.  Your input is appreciated.

 

<<Gary>>

[Tadeusz43]

Hi,

In book “The  Masting and Rigging of English Ships of War 1625-1860“

by James Lees is shown history of  boomkins  development.

Foto shown HMS Victory boomkins.

1. Inboard part attached to the bow bits.

2,3. Outboard  part and rigging

 

Tadeusz

[GaryKap]

Tadeusz -

Thank you for taking the time to research this and to share it with the forum.  Your information is excellent and will certainly help me and other forum members to correctly model the boomkins on our vessels. 

<<Gary>>

p.s.  I visited your beautiful city of Gdansk in 2010 and remember a nice old square rigger in Gdynia harbor.

[Admiral Beez]

On 1/8/2015 at 5:36 PM, GaryKap said:

A boomkin is defined as a short boom projecting at either side of the bow, used to extend the lower windward corner of the foresail.  This is done by passing a tack through a large block at the end of the boom.

Thanks for this old post.  I was wondering what the yellow spars on my bow were.  Though I may need to paint them black or brown.

 

 

Edited January 5, 2022 by Admiral Beez

[Taylor Gregg]

If anybody is still alive posting on this  topic, I address you... It appears nobody answered the initial question, which was "Boomkin, Bumkin, Bumpkin..." For instance you mention it hanging off the bow; no mention of when it is hanging off the stern, for a backstay, or any mention of which spelling (bum, bump, boomkin) is correct usage? Any reply appreciated. On my Falmouth Cutter (circa 1902) I always referred to my stern fixture as a bumpkin, so which is it?

 

Edit by moderator to remove email so you don't get spammed to death.

[allanyed]

Taylor,   Welcome to MSW 😁 

Never, and I mean NEVER, post your email address.   I am sure a moderator will remove it for you, but if you see this soon, go to edit and remove it to avoid unwanted spam.

 

If you research some contemporary contracts you will likely get the spelling for that era.   One  example from a contract from an earlier time, October 14, 1808 for the HMS Astrea.  Spelling and grammar are as found in the contract.

 

To fix Bumpkins for the Fore Tack, cut Holes for the Gammoning, and to finish the Head with Timbers, Gratings, Seats and Fenders, all compleat, in the handsomest Manner, and equal to Ships of her Class built in His Majesty’s Yards.

 

Allan