Are counterweights used on the booms of sailing ships?

Question

I want to know, are weights used on the boom which is connected to the main or mizen mast of sailling ships? I have seen painting and sketches where there is a "ball like object" that slides along the boom. If so, is this used to help the person sailing the ship control the sail? If there is someone who is an avid sailer, naval historian, or marine engineer that has built sailing vessels will hopefully answer my question and tell what this ball object is . This question was posed to me and I really don't have an answer. Appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks! John

Answer 1

NO.  the only thing you may be confused by are the jaws on a gaff that keep it on the mast or the ring of a preventer strap.  

Try looking up some web sites with an introduction to sailing and the various parts of the sail.

Answer 2

No there is no counterweight. When the sail is furled the boom is held up by a line (called the topping lift) from the far end of the boom to the top of the mast (and then through the mast to the foot so that it can be controlled). When the sailed is hoisted the boom is held up by the sail (or rather the sail is held down by the boom).

Fairly modern sailing yachts can have in-mast furling mainsails (my yacht does). This means that the sail is furled by being rolled around a vertical wire stay inside the mast. In this system there is a small block called a traveller (which might look like a ball on some boats) that slides along the boom as the sail is unfurled. The line that pulls the sail out (called the outhaul) runs through a turning block attached to this traveller (that might look like a ball too). It's purpose is to keep the back edge of the sail (the leech) taught during furling and unfurling to prevent the sail jamming in the small slot in the mast through which it runs.

Answer 3

There in no need for a counter weight. The ball(s) are to act as bearings to allow the sail to be hauled up or lowered with minimal damage to the mast or boom.