16th century vessels
Throughout history, the design of ships and ship construction has changed many times. Several different sea vessel designs surfaced in the 16th century, each with their own special purpose and role in war and trade. These designs mark the golden age of sail, and were a stepping stone to modern ship design. Aside from the normal ship components and construction, four more prominent types existed in the 1500's. These four designs were the Spanish Galleon, Galley, the Galleass, and Great Ships. These designs constituted the vast majority of vessels in operation at the time. All ships in the 16th century shared common features, as well as a general design which can be easily recognized. The basis of the ships of the century was always a complex wooden frame. Ship builders used, "wood from specially grown trees called grown oaks, whose limbs conformed naturally to the shapes needed for knees, ryders, and other pieces that make up the frame. Water and heat were used to bend the oak to the final fit" (Tritton 18). The frames shape was defined by the ribs of the frame, which were placed along the keel, and held at the top by a riband. In order to maintain direction as well as the ability to steer, the keel was extended out past the s
Without their ancestors, sea vessels from the 16th century, modern ships would not have evolved as quickly into the advanced, fast, efficient, and well designed creations they are today. "The Spanish Galleon evolved from the carrack as sailors of the 16th century became more familiar with the requirements of transatlantic sailing. Carvel construction was used mainly on larger ships, often because of its stronger and safer properties. These roping were used by sailors to climb the masts, mainly to manage sails. The English under Henry VII and Henry VIII had undertaken much considerable naval development, and it is thought that carrying heavy guns, firing through ports in the side of the hull emanated from this period. It seems these Great Ships carried top and gallant sails on most of their masts. Unlike its preceding mast, it supported a second topmast, called a topgallant mast. Parts of the Fore mast were often wound in woolding, or thick rope, to offer support to the structure. This English warship, The Great ship, was built as much for a statement of power as it was for combat. Unfortunately for the Spanish, Philip decided upon a complicated plan; the Spanish fleet was to sail up the English Channel, join up with an army under the Duke of Parma in the Netherlands and invade Kent. A wooden plank was placed on each side of a rib, also beginning at the keel. This process continued up the sides of the hull until the boat was covered and became water tight. "(Abranson 66) The history of Sea vessels extends beyond designs and uses, but also into their history of engagement. It was propelled by both sails and oars, and had thirty-two seats for rowers, who were generally slaves, six or seven at an oar.
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