Pirates were known for their daring escapades and their impressive ships that were feared by many. However, with all the battles and raids they carried out, it was inevitable that their ships would suffer damage that required repair. So, just?
Pirate ships were typically repaired by the crew themselves. Every pirate was expected to have a basic understanding of how a ship worked and what was required to keep it operational. They had to know how to fix sails, patch leaks, and repair damaged areas of the ship, as well as other basic maintenance tasks. Pirates were often skilled in carpentry, which was useful in repairing and constructing parts of a ship.
The crew would usually carry out repairs when the ship was docked or on land, sometimes hiring local artisans and tradespeople to help with more complex repairs. In some cases, these repairs were carried out in secret, as many nations had outlawed piracy and harboring of pirates. This meant that pirates had to keep their presence hidden and make repairs quickly and discreetly.
In the case of larger repairs or more significant damage to a ship, a pirate crew might visit a friendly port to acquire the necessary materials and carry out repairs. The crew would try to find a skilled shipwright who could help with the repairs or even procure a new ship if the damage was too severe. In some cases, pirates would attack a ship and take it over, planning to use it for their own purposes, which meant they would have to repair and modify it to suit their needs.
Pirates were known for their resourcefulness and ingenuity, and they often made do with what they had available. They would use scrap timber or other materials to fashion makeshift repairs or devise new methods of fixing problems on their ships. In many cases, these improvised repairs were just as effective as professional repairs.
Pirates were excellent at repairing their own ships. Every member of the crew was expected to have a basic understanding of how to maintain and repair a ship to ensure it was sea-worthy. Pirates would only seek professional help when issues were beyond their control or when they needed special materials or expertise. While piracy is no longer prevalent, the resourcefulness and ingenuity of pirates remain a source of inspiration for many.