Posted by Jonathan Labaree on November 11, 2004 at 19:50:08 from 207.5.234.19 user JLabaree.
In Reply to: Re: jibbooms and bobstays posted by Charles on November 11, 2004 at 17:16:51:
Here's a rather nice look at a bobstay. As Charles said, it's the line that extends from the stem (bow) of the boat at the waterline to the end of the bowsprit. The bowsprit seen here is designed to retract. The bobstay is half chain and half line with a block and tackle so that the bobstay can be released when the bowsprit is brought in and snugged back up when the bowsprit is set.
Sorry the image turns out to be so large - not sure how to reduce its size.