What is a belaying pin used for?
A belaying pin is a solid metal or wooden device used on traditionally rigged sailing vessels to secure lines of running rigging. Largely replaced on most modern vessels by cleats, they are still used, particularly on square rigged ships. A belaying pin is composed of a round handle and cylindrical shaft.
How big is a belaying pin?
Belaying pin dimensions are based on shank diameter and overall length: 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 1″, and up.
What does a belaying pin look like?
A belaying pin is a solid wood or metal bar with a curved top portion and cylindrical shaft. It is inserted into a hole in a wooden pintail, which usually runs along the inside of the bulwarks (although free-standing pintails are also used).
What is a belaying pin DND 5e?
Belaying pins were short rods of wood or metal that were inserted into holes bored through a ship’s rail. The rigging lines of a ship would be fastened to them. They were usually found in rows, bringing a series of ropes together to one location.
What is a Boomkin on a boat?
A boomkin, bumkin, or bumpkin is a short spar that may project either fore or aft on a sailing vessel, depending on its function. Historically, boomkins were employed in pairs, one on either side of the vessel, often canted downwards over the main head-rail.
What was the purpose of the belaying pin?
“ A belaying pin is a device used on traditional sailing vessels to secure lines. Their function on modern vessels has been replaced by cleats, but they are still used, particularly on larger sailing ships. A belaying pin is a solid wood or metal bar with a curved top portion and cylindrical shaft.
Where does a belaying pin go in a pintail?
A belaying pin is a solid wood or metal bar with a curved top portion and cylindrical shaft. It is inserted into a hole in a wooden pintail, which usually runs along the inside of the bulwarks (although free-standing pintails are also used).
Why is a marlinspike used in a belaying pin?
As toggles in belaying pin splices, an emergency method of rejoining ship’s rigging where a belaying pin, marlinspike, or other short stout bar is used as a toggle to hold two rope eyes together. As a means of adding heft to a heaving line when a monkey’s fist is not tied in its end.
Where is the shaft of a belaying pin inserted?
The shaft is inserted into a hole in various strategically located wooden pinrails (lining the inside of the bulwarks, surrounding the base of masts, or free-standing, called fife rails) up to the base of the handle.