Gooseneck

The articulated fitting connecting a boom’s forward end to a mast.

Its joints allow the boom to swing from side to side and to change vertical angle while transmitting compression, bending and torsional loads between boom and mast. Some goosenecks are fixed at boom height, while a sliding type can move on a mast track as part of the sail-tensioning arrangement.

Pins, toggles, welds, fasteners, mast attachment and dissimilar-metal corrosion require inspection. Excessive play, distortion or cracking can affect boom control, but fittings for the kicking strap, reefing or sail tack may be adjacent components rather than part of the gooseneck itself.