The rigging plan shows the proper
sequence for installing the shrouds. To set
up the shrouds, make a temporary brass
wire fixture to space the deadeyes as seiz-
ing progresses (Figure 8-2). The fixture
should be longer than the final spacing of
deadeyes. Reeving the lanyards will
tighten the shrouds to their final proper
spacing. Make a test shroud first to see
how much it stretches. Figure 8-2 also
shows the sequence for reeving lanyards.
When looking outboard at any deadeye,
always start with a knot in the upper left-
hand deadeye hole. Consequently, port
deadeyes have the knot aft and starboard
deadeyes have it forward. Keep an eye
on the masts. Rigging the shrouds can
pull them out of alignment.
Note:
In her later years,
Morgan
carried
iron wire shrouds on the main and
mizzenmasts and hemp ones on the
foremast. By the time she came to
Mystic Seaport, all her rigging was iron
wire. Consequently,
Morgan’s
shrouds
are spliced around the deadeyes, then
served. Because this is not a convention-
al method for older ships with hemp
shrouds, use a triple seizing. It’s easiest.
Instead of chainplates, the topmasts
have deadeyes and futtock shrouds
(Figure 8-3). Make the futtock shrouds
from brass wire.
Note:
Topgallant shrouds
have bullseyes, but the royal mast has no
iron futtock shrouds, deadeyes, or
bullseyes. Its shrouds pass through the
crosstrees and set up with a lanyard at the
futtock band.
After the shrouds are in place, add the
ratlines (Figure 8-4). Lower shrouds have
wood battens instead of ratlines. Stain
the battens, then seize them to the
shrouds. Make the sheer pole from brass
wire, then paint.
Before installing the upper ratlines, give
them a generous coating of beeswax. This
will help hold them in a slight downward
curve. If the ratlines tend to bow upward,
tug them gently into position. Touching
the loops with white glue will help freeze
them. Ratlines are difficult to do if tied
with clove hitches. Use half hitches and
avoid pulling the ratlines too tight, there-
by altering the spacing between shrouds.
The step or space between ratlines should
be a scale 14 to 15 inches.
2. Backstays
33
Fig. 8-2 Deadeye Spacing & Seizing Details
Old time
option
Morgan
now
1. Pull tight
2. Seize
Start
knot
here
Tie
Lanyard
(looking outboard)
Longer than final
spacing. Let lan-
yards stretch
shroud to obtain
spacing
Twisted
wire jig
Fig. 8-3 Futtock Shrouds
Brass wire
Pin to eyes in
mast band
Twist
Twist
STAGE 8
