1916 Boreas a rotation period between 3.4741 and 3.49 hours with a brightness variation between 0.25 and 0.35 magnitude (). In 1994, astronomer Tom Gehrels estimated "Boreas" to measure 3.5 kilometers in diameter, based on an assumed albedo of 0.15. The "Collaborative Asteroid Lightcurve Link" assumes a standard albedo for stony asteroids of 0.20 and calculates a diameter of 3.07 kilometers with an absolute magnitude of 14.93. This minor planet is named after the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas, as the asteroid was discovered moving rapidly northward after passing the ascending node of its orbit. The official naming citation was
HMS Boreas (1757) of action." Further, the sides of the vessel above the level of the deck were too low, leaving the crew exposed to enemy fire should "Boreas" run alongside an opposing ship. Boyle's concerns went unheeded, and "Boreas" was put to sea in early 1758. In April she assisted in the capture of the 36-gun French frigate "Diane". Boyle then sailed her to America on 21 June 1758 and she was subsequently involved in the operations off Louisbourg that year. "Boreas" shared in the proceeds of the capture of the merchantman "Foudroyant" and the schooner "Two Brothers", captured off Louisbourg. She