Boating enthusiasts may have heard of stories of pirates who sailed the seas in the past, capturing ships, looting cargo, and creating chaos. However, not many are aware of the intricacies of pirate life, particularly how they repaired their ships.
Pirates relied on their ships to navigate the vast seas and carry out raids on other ships. Therefore, it was essential for them to keep their vessels in good condition at all times, especially after being damaged during battles or storms.
One common way of repairing ships was by using tar, pitch, and resin to seal any leaks on the hull. The pirates would heat these materials and then apply them to the affected area, allowing them to cool and harden, thus creating a waterproof seal that would prevent any further leaks.
Another repair technique was the use of wooden plugs or shims to plug holes in the hull that resulted from cannon fire or other forms of damage. Pirates would usually cut small pieces of wood and hammer them into the hole, securing them in place to prevent water from seeping in.
In cases where larger holes or damages occurred, pirates would also resort to caulking – a process that involves hammering oakum (loose fibers of old hemp or linen ropes) into the gaps between the planks of the ship’s hull, filling in any gaps that would let in water.
Apart from their regular ship repair methods, pirates were also known to be resourceful and innovative when it came to addressing damage caused by storms or battles. For example, they would use discarded canvases or sails to make improvised patches and covers to protect their ships from the elements and prevent further damage.
Pirates were known for their fearless and adventurous nature, but they also had to be skilled in ship repair and maintenance to survive the harsh conditions of the sea. Whether using traditional methods such as tar and pitch or utilizing their ingenuity to come up with makeshift solutions, pirates had to keep their ships seaworthy to ensure their survival and success.