Rudder inlet waterproofing

[MESSIS]

How was that done? What materials did the used in the 17th and 18th centurys.

 

And how is that done on shipmodells now.

Edited November 27, 2020 by MESSIS

[allanyed]

Messis

Water squirting up especially in a following sea was indeed a problem.   There was often a rudder "coat" made of tarred canvas or perhaps leather around the hole where the rudder passed through the counter.    In addition, the head of the rudder was housed in a removable box, often octagonal in shape so if water did come up to that point it was contained and could run back down and out.

Allan

Edited November 27, 2020 by allanyed

[MESSIS]

@allanyed thank you very much. Very kind of you to explain me in such detail! Could you please explain me or may be post a picture of the part you explained about the head of yhe rudder.

 

Christos

[druxey]

The rudder coat, as it was called, was nailed around the rudderhead a little below the opening in the counter. Imagine an open umbrella, but the rudderhead  in the center instead of the ferrule. The loose outer ends of the canvas were then turned up and nailed around the edges of the opening  (the helm port) giving a loose bag-like appearance to it.

[AON]

go here to post #148 for a picture of the rudder coat on HMS Victory

 

modelshipworld.com/topic/21022-hm-cutter-alert-by-blue-ensign-finished-vanguard-models-164-scale/?do=findComment&comment=662384

 

[allanyed]

There are  pictures of the rudder head cover  but I cannot copy and post as they are in published books.   The Fully Framed Model shows it in Volume II on page 280 as does Lavery on page 14 of Arming and Fitting English ships of war. The cover was  sometimes actually a bench seat on larger ships that sat over the rudder head where it came into the ward room or other aft area depending on the number of decks and accommodation layout.  Sorry I don't have anything more detailed to show you.

Allan

 

[MESSIS]

@druxey @AON @allanyedThank you all