Dictionary:

gooseneck

  (gūs'nĕk')

A slender curved object or part, such as the flexible shaft of a type of desk lamp.

n. a metal fitting at the end of a boom, connecting it to a pivot or ring near the base of the mast.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: something in a thin curved form (like the neck of a goose)

This article is about a sailing rigging item. For other uses, see Gooseneck (disambiguation).

A gooseneck swivel connection holding the boom to the mast on a typical small yacht.

The gooseneck is the swivel connection on a sailboat by which the boom attaches to the mast. The boom moves from side to side and up and down by swiveling on the gooseneck.

The gooseneck may be a two axis swivel as pictured. Having an integrated shackle for the tack is common. Goosenecks on older rigs may be formed by a loop attached to the end of the boom that fits loosely about the mast.

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