The Hull - Page 2 of 3
This section defines the maximum
beam of the ship shaped by the navall frames which terminate
at the gunwale in the waist, and link the top timbers in the
castles to the futtocks rising from below the waterline.
Amidships the lowest wale probably acts as a loading line defining the optimum swimming line, or waterline, whilst at the stern it marks the termination of the external fashion piece. Following these principles, the wale has been projected forward at the bow to determine the position for the foot of the hause-piece.
The maximum beam occurs between the lower and middle wales, following the rising sheer line from its lowest position amidships.
The middle and upper wales provide longitudinal strength to the hull which might otherwise be weakened by the insertion of seven gunports on each side of the main deck.
The upper wale provides a firm footing for the external standards required to brace and support the chain-plates below the castle structures, and the blindages in the waist.
Three scuppers, fitted with simple leather valves, drain water from each side of the main deck, indicating that the waterline would not normally be above the lower wale.
The Waist
The open waist deck is hidden from view by light poplar blinds supported between the castle structures by two oak rails and four external oak supports. Two lines of horizontal boards are fixed permanently between the gunwale and a rail at waist height in relation to the upper deck. The upper board is pierced by semicircular holes for port-pieces. Between the waist rail and a top rail, vertical boards could be removed by gunner or archer to provide a "port" where necessary. (It's worth noting that most of these blinds show clear evidence of being lightly nailed to the upper rail when the ship sank - Stuart Vine).
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