Boomer is a former tugboat who once suffered a series of bad luck. He was later converted into a houseboat and now resides in upriver which ultimately made him happier in the end. Boomer was once a tugboat who suffered from a continuous string of bad luck, leading him to believe he was jinxed. He used to be known as "Captain Harry", but was sold and renamed. His life as Captain Harry is unknown, but according to him, his troubles began when he was renamed. At some point, Boomer was seemingly abandoned and left floating adrift.
One night, Ten Cents and Sunshine found him floating adrift in the estuary. When they approached him, Boomer told them to keep away and asked them to leave him be. Ten Cents and Sunshine decided to take him in because he was dangerously drifting in busy sea lanes. Boomer declined being helped and informed the switchers that he's jinxed, which Ten Cents did not believe. Ten Cents, of course, entreated the jinx and told Boomer they still had to bring him in since shipping lanes needed to be clear. As soon as Ten Cents began towing Boomer, the towrope unwound and fell into the sea to everyone's surprise. When questioned by the switcher, Boomer pointed out that the rope was still attached to him so it was not his fault. After taking him to the Star Dock, the two tugs told Captain Star his engine isn't/is not working. Captain Star then ordered Sunshine to fetch a coal barge for Boomer's engine
