Sail makers and Rope makers

The sail makers and rope makers were under the command the boatswain.

Each ship had a sail maker, appointed by warrant, to each ship.

He would have 2 crew assigned to him in 4th rates and higher and 1 in the smaller ships. In addition, he could count on assistance from able seamen who could become part of his crew. A able seaman were required to be able to sew a seam as part of the qualifications to be classified as able.

The sail maker and his crew were responsible for inspecting every sail during fitting out, storing sails in the sail room. They regularly inspected sail; for mildew, then airing and drying them as necessary. And for need repairs.

The sail maker was paid at the rate of £1-6 to £1-15 per month in 1793 and it was £2-0-6 to £2-5-6 in 1815.

Each ship also had a warrant officer who was a rope maker. It was his job to make any needed ropes, repair and slice those already in use. He did not have assistants but could have other members of the crew assigned to him when he needed help. He was paid at the same rate as a caulker which in 1815 was £1-16-6 to £2-10-6 per month.