In the Boom Brackets product group, you will find brackets intended for supporting the mainsail boom, such as the Barton Boom Bracket 44030 (suitable for 7.5–9 meter boats) and the Nawa spinnaker boom holder.
The function of a boom bracket is to support the weight of the boom when the mainsail is lowered and the boat is at anchor, in port, or not sailing — without proper support, the boom will hang or swing on the jib, which wastes rigging and can damage the sail through chafing. The Barton bracket typically attaches to the mast or deck attachment point and is adjustable to suit the size of the boat, allowing the boom to be positioned at the correct height for easy maneuvering even in heavy rain.
The spinnaker boom holder, on the other hand, has a different purpose: it keeps a separate spinnaker boom neatly stowed on the mast when not in use — without its own holder, the boom has to be stored on deck or in the cabin, which takes up space and can be a tripping hazard when sailing on a cramped deck.
Choose a bracket based on the size of your boat and the weight of your boom — a model that is too light may bend or fail under a heavy boom, while an oversized bracket will be unnecessarily heavy and expensive for a smaller boat. The attachment point must be strong enough to support the full weight of the boom, so always check the strength of the deck or mast structure before installation.
When purchasing a bracket, also check the weather resistance of the material — most models are made of stainless steel or anodized aluminum, which can withstand salty seawater year after year. Always install the bracket so that it can be quickly removed when sailing, as the boom must move freely as soon as the sail is raised and the bracket is taken out of use.
Also check that the bracket does not rub or leave marks on the boom surface during extended use — some models include a padded contact surface that protects the boom's paint or fiber coating from excess wear.
It is a good idea to choose the color of the boom bracket according to the rest of the deck equipment — most models are available in both shiny stainless steel and black anodized aluminum versions, which suit different boat styles.
Always install the bracket so that it does not interfere with other deck operations, such as handling the sail or navigating the fairway while in port or at anchor.
Keep a spare bracket with you on longer sailing trips in case the original is damaged or lost during use along the way.
