Question about loading tackles in 17th Century Dutch Merchant Vessels

[GrandpaPhil]

The plans for my Cat appear to have loading tackles on the topmast.

What would the purpose be for those?

[popeye2sea]

Mast tackles are used to set up the shrouds. The topmast burton tackles can also be used to give additional support to the lower yard when the yard tackles are being employed to lift heavy items.

 

Regards,

Henry

[Dr PR]

On larger ships the loading tackle (burton tackle) ran down from the topmast head (assuming there was a topgallant mast). On smaller vessels without burton tackle came down from the lower masthead.

[popeye2sea]

I believe most vessels had mast tackles on the lower masts as well as the top masts. The mast tackle pendants on the lower masts had the additional function of being able to be rigged over the hatches to facilitate lowering cargo into the ship.

 

Regards,

Henry

[GrandpaPhil]

This one had 14 different loading tackles.  There were 6 each on the lower fore and main mast and 1 each on the top fore and main mast.  This was a merchant though.

Edited May 12, 2024 by GrandpaPhil