Navigation Menu Header
Navigation Menu Button for Site Home
Navigation Menu Button for Site Wide Search
Navigation Menu Button for Biographies
Navigation Menu Button for Ships
Navigation Menu Button for Terminology
Navigation Menu Button for Navigation
Navigation Menu Button for Historical Documents
Navigation Menu Button for Pirate Movies
Navigation Menu Button for Music
Navigation Menu Button for Books
Navigation Menu Button for Knots
Navigation Menu Button for Pirate Weapons
Navigation Menu Button for Sailing Simulator
Navigation Menu Button for Rum Reviews
Navigation Menu Button for Product Reviews
Navigation Menu Button for Pirate Clothing
Navigation Menu Button for About Me
Navigation Menu Button for Contact Information
Navigation Menu Button to Bookmark Site
Navigation Menu Button for Copyright Info
Wooden Ships Wheel
 
Belaying Pins

A belaying pin is a device used on traditional sailing vessels to secure lines. Their function on modern vessels has been replaced by cleats, but they are still used, particularly on larger sailing ships.

A belaying pin is a solid wood or metal bar with a curved top portion and cylindrical shaft. It is inserted into a hole in a wooden pinrail, which usually runs along the inside of the bulwarks as shown (although free-standing pinrails are also used). This means that if a line needed to be released in a hurry, the belaying pin can be lifted out and removed, releasing the line.

Belaying pins were apparently commonly used as improvised weapons on both military and civilian ships, as their shape and weight made them a short but formidable club.


Click on the Piece of Eight to return to the Main Page

Gold Doubloon