Posted by DG on August 12, 19100 at 17:22:07:
In Reply to: Re: Shape of rudder to determine ship type and approx age posted by jeff on August 12, 19100 at 12:59:13:
: : : I would like to identify a type of ship and approx. age by its rudder!
: : : the rudder is oak and assembled in pcs. and held together with iron spikes. it is approx 10 ft tall and shaped like a harp or grand piano
: : : the main stem is approx 12" in dia and flatted on one side, the stem has a pivot hole in the bottom and is wrapped with an iron band. the upper end of the rudder is in bad shape but appears to have 2 cross holes where the upper pivot may have been mounted.
: : : If there is anyone who can help to identify or steer me in the right direction with books that may show this type of ship.
: : : thank you in advance for any help, and I would be glad to answer any additional questions.
: : What you have is a schonner rudder. I would need photos or drawing to approximate age good luck Tim
: Tim.
: thanks for your input. I do have a picyure of the rudder. If you can send me your E"mail address ZI can forward it along to you.
: I have been searching many sites dealing with ships and shipwrecks, as of yet I have not found any ship with this type of rudder. the interesting thing is the way it is mounted vs. a hinge type mount off the stern. all the schooners I have looked at have a hinge type mount. this rudder has a bearing in the stem that would have to sit on an axle extending vertically from an extension of the keel.
: thanks again for your input.
: Jeff
THIS BEARING ON THE STEM IS MOST LIKELY THE REMAINS OF A PINTLE AND GUDGEON. YOU'RE RIGHT IT WOULD HAVE TO SIT ON AN 'EXTENSION' OF THE KEEL. THIS IS NOT UNCOMMON AS MOST OF RUDDERS WE EXAMINED FROM SAILING VESSELS HAD THIS TYPE OF ARRANGEMENT. IT LOOKS LIKE THE 'PIN' THAT WOULD HAVE EXTENDED DOWN FROM THE RUDDER HAS BEEN BROKEN OFF AND YOU ONLY HAVE WHAT LOOKS LIKE A 'BEARING' LEFT. THIS IS BASED ON MY OBSERVATIONS FROM YOUR PHOTO. WHAT I FIND INTRIGUING IS THE BACKPIECE THAT APPEARS TO EXTEND AROUND THE RUDDER BLADE ITSELF. I HAVEN'T SEEN ONE LIKE THAT BEFORE.