Mast Partners in ships of the line

[michaelpsutton2]

On what deck are the partners in a two or even three decked ship of the line? The lowest gundeck? The upper continuous? I am sure it is not on a berth deck or the orlop. What about the mizzen? It passes through one or more half decks. This is at least a small concern when measuring the diameters of the quarters of a mast.

[Mark P]

Hi Michael;

 

On an English 2 decker, the widest diameter of the masts was at the upper deck. On a 3 decker, this was on the middle deck.

 

In all cases, partners were fitted on each deck, although presumably the masts were set up using the partners at the widest diameter for the initial wedging.

 

All the best,

 

Mark 

[michaelpsutton2]

Thanks. I was looking for where to measure the given diameter. I do know that wedges and coats were fitted on all decks to prevent "working" in a seaway

[druxey]

Given diameter is usually at the highest continuous deck that the mast passes through.

[Mark P]

Morning Druxey;

 

I would have agreed with you on this until Michael asked the question. Before posting an answer, I did a bit of checking, and according to Marquardt the situation is as in my previous post. Perhaps he is wrong, or perhaps he is right, and it was done so on three-deckers because the deck beams on the middle deck were more substantial than those on the upper deck. 

 

Some further research is perhaps indicated. 

 

All the best,

 

Mark