Mast steps

[allanyed]

The main mast step (saddle) was set up to slide in order to adjust the rake angle sometime in the 18th and 19th centuries, but is this example below appropriate for the 17th century?

Thanx 

Allan

 

[Baker]

I do not know the answer. But maybe this will help you

 

Vasa, early 17th century     http://www.wasadream.com/Index/indexenglish.html

 

 

[allanyed]

Thank you very much for sending this Patrick.  I can see a wedge that looks like it would set up the angle of main mast (stormastens).  The  angle of the Wasa main mast looks to be quite severe compared to Litchfield (1695)    Also, it does look like it is set up to slide, same as on English vessels, but what I am not sure about is how was the the step (or saddle) for the mast locked in place.   Perhaps it was not adjustable at that time and in the end, the mast on the model will never be adjusted once in place, but it is one of those details that makes things interesting.  The contracts for several of Litchfield's sister ships states "To Fix Saddles in their proper places for all the Masts and of Fitt Substance and Fastenings"  which to me means none would be adjustable.

Thanks again, I really appreciate you sending this.

Allan

[Mark P]

Good Evening Allan;

 

I have seen similar references in contracts, to the wedge system you show in your picture. The sentence you quote does not necessarily ask for the saddles to be fixed immovably, in my opinion. Essentially, it only stipulates that they must be strong and able to withstand stresses. The 'To Fix Saddles..' beginning need only mean that they are located across the keel, below each mast, and able to move as is customary. The 'Fastenings' could equally well refer to the wedges and bolts, which fix the mast in the desired position for the rake. Navy officers are on record as experimenting with various angles for the masts, to discover what angle gave the best results; so adjustability was important, and is likely to have remained so until the end of sail. 

 

All the best,

 

Mark P

[allanyed]

Thanks Mark, your comments make sense.  Still, is the bolt and wedge system appropriate for the late 1th century?   I will go that route lacking any contrary contemporary details.

Thanks again

Allan