Pirates have always been known for their cunning, bravery, and of course, their ships. But even the best pirate ship is bound to suffer some damage, whether from stormy seas, cannon fire, or just everyday wear and tear. So?
First of all, it’s important to note that piracy was a risky and often short-lived career. Pirates rarely had the luxury of taking their ships back to port for major repairs, and even if they did, they risked being captured or punished. So most pirate repairs had to be done on the fly, using whatever materials and resources were available on the ship.
One common tool that pirates used for ship repairs was a type of caulking called “oakum”. Oakum was made from old or discarded ropes that had been pulled apart and boiled in tar or pitch. This substance could be used to seal gaps in the ship’s hull, or to reinforce areas that had been weakened by water damage.
For larger repairs, pirates might have to get more creative. For example, if a section of the ship’s planking was damaged or missing, pirates might “sister” in a new plank. This involved attaching a new plank alongside the damaged one, either by nailing or lashing it in place. The two planks would then work together to reinforce the weakened area.
Of course, pirate repairs weren’t always pretty or long-lasting. If a ship was seriously damaged, pirates might resort to “jury-rigging.” This involved using whatever materials were available to temporarily patch up the ship and keep it afloat. For example, a damaged mast might be patched up with rope or spare wood, or a hole in the hull might be covered with a tarpaulin or sailcloth. These quick fixes might not have been pretty, but they could buy the pirates enough time to make it back to port for more extensive repairs.
In short, pirates were resourceful and practical when it came to repairing their ships. They made use of whatever materials were available, and weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. While their repairs might not have been as sophisticated or long-lasting as those made by professional shipwrights, they got the job done and kept the pirates afloat – at least until their next battle on the high seas.