Boom (sailing)

The primary action of the boom is to keep the foot flatter when the sail angle is away from the centerline of the boat.

The forward end of the boom attaches to a mast just below the sail, with a joint called the gooseneck.

Aluminium spars are lighter and stronger than their wooden counterpart, require less maintenance and generally hold up better to marine conditions.

Modern, high performance, racing yachts may have spars constructed of more expensive materials, such as carbon fibre.

Some sailors consider this approach safer than in-mast furling, since the sail can be lowered and flaked in the traditional method, in the case of mechanical failure.

[1] Booms can cause injuries directly, sweep people overboard, and their associated hardware and lines represent tripping hazards.

Even when stationary, booms represent a hazard since on most boats there is insufficient headroom to walk below them without ducking.

[4][5][6][7] As a precaution, any sailboat with a low boom should mandate use of life jackets, and ensure others know how to obtain assistance and operate the craft.

In Boston a sailor knocked overboard by the boom died in full sight of the land and other boats and the person left aboard didn't know how to use the radio.

Classic types of sail like the square rig or the standing lugsail have always worked without booms.

In certain situations on larger boats, the boom can be used as a crane to help lift aboard heavy items like a dinghy.