Rudder & tiller "boots"

[RiverRat]

Now-and-then (and rarely) I see the rudder opening covered, I assume to seal it from the sea.

 

Was this a normal practice in reality? During certain eras? Certain types of vessels? I seldom see it in models.

 

Would they be tarred canvas or something else?

 

I'm building the late 18th century privateer Rattlesnake, which uses a tiller, not a wheel, and has this opening on deck for the tiller. Normal to cover it? Just during adverse weather?

 

Does these seals have a name or did I guess right with "boot"?

 

Brian

 

(not sure this is in the right forum category....)

[capnharv2]

Brian,

 

Normally, that hole is covered to keep a following sea from coming up into the ship. I believe they were leather. And yes, most modelers don't show that, although I believe some of the scratchbuild logs have them. I'll check.

 

Thanks,

 

Harvey

[druxey]

18th century English ships' rudder coats were of canvas, presumably heavily tarred, Brian. They were nailed around the rudder head and the periphery of the rudder port. They would normally be a full-time item. Nailing one on in rising seas would not be an option!

[RiverRat]

Boots...sleeves...COATS! Ha, I sensed it was clothing related. Thanks shipmates.

 

On the Rattlesnake, I'm sure the tiller opening would be sealed, as the rudder post passes through the captains cabin...

 

Brian

[JerseyCity Frankie]

You don't often see Mast Boots on models either. They were canvas coverings painted or tarred that girded the mast at the partners, covering the mast wedges and keeping water from flowing down the mast into the hull. They don't come up the mast more than a foot or so.